In 1553 King Edward VI established two charities to benefit the people of Stratford-upon-Avon. Remarkably, this endowment of the Guild and College Estates is still providing funds for Stratford, administered by the Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust. The Trust has around £1 million to distribute each year, primarily for the benefit of the residents of the town.

If you live in Stratford that means the Trust is working for you.

What does the Trust do?

The Town Trust distributes the money generated by the Guild and College Estates. These funds can only be spent in line with the Trust’s objectives, laid down by the Charity Commission. (For further information please see Grants )

Working within these guidelines, the trustees must decide which organisations and activities will receive grants and what size those grants should be. Each application is considered carefully and the trustees seek to achieve the maximum benefit for the people of Stratford from the funds available.

Schools, arts organisations, community groups, local churches and many small charities are all supported. In addition the Trust owns and runs the Civic Hall, a multi-purpose venue which is much-used by local groups. The Trust also owns familiar town landmarks such as the Guild Chapel, the bandstand and the 800th anniversary fountain.

The Trust is overseen by 11 trustees who are answerable to the members who are all residents of the town of Stratford. For information about how to become a member click here.

To find out more about the trustees click here.

By Courtesy of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust