Henry Smith's Charity Clergy Trust
Established by Henry Smith to grant a benefaction at Christmas out of the Estate given by the Founder for the "Relief and maintenance of Godly Preachers, and for better furtherance of knowledge and religion". Applications to be made by 30th September annually.
Contact:
The Treasurer
Smith's Charity
5 Chancery Lane
Clifford's Inn
London EC4A 1BU
(020) 7320 6385
amarr@dentonwildesapte.com
CLERGY TRUST
A brief introduction and guidelines
Henry Smith was born in Wandsworth in or about 1545. He was a salter by trade who grew rich and purchased estates in various parts of England. He had no children and during his lifetime created a number of charitable trusts for the relief of the poor.
He died in 1628 having bequeathed to his Executors the sum of £10,000 to purchase and buy in appropriations for the relief and maintenance of godly preachers and the better furtherance of knowledge and religion.
Originally the Estate comprised the Great Tithes of Alfriston and part of those of Mayfield East Sussex, but now consists of stock market investments. A distribution of the funds available takes place prior to Christmas.
Applications may be made by ordained clergy of the Church of England working within the Church of England. When considering applications, the Trustees are concerned to have regard to the degree of need. Care is taken to ensure that all applications are considered on the same basis but special allowances are made for married clergy and for those with dependent children. This is done by reducing the declared income (which should include the income of the spouse) by a set amount for a spouse with further reductions for children in full time education aged 23 or under. Having established base levels of income in this manner, grants are awarded by the Trustees on a sliding scale providing the largest grants (£1,750 at 2001) to those clergy with the least base income, reducing to a small or nominal grant for those with the most income. Above a certain base income figure, the degree of need in the absence of any special circumstances will be considered insufficient for a grant to be made.
The Trustees have determined to give priority to working clergy and particularly those with young families. Accordingly, the limitation on available funds will mean the exclusion of retired clergy from benefit except in cases where an application reveals exceptional circumstances.
Application forms are available from the Treasurer at 5 Chancery Lane, Clifford’s Inn, London EC4A lBU during July and August. The closing date for application is 30th September.
It is regretted that the Treasurer cannot enter into correspondence or discussion on individual applications or concerning the Trustees’ decision.
