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The William Leech Charity is an independent grant and loan-making Trust based in North East England, dedicated to supporting only registered UK charities.
Established by Sir William Leech in 1972, the Trust focuses on assisting volunteers and charitable projects based in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear that positively impact local communities. Through the Lady Leech fund, the Trust also supports registered UK charities working in underdeveloped areas of the world, provided there is a connection to the North East.
The Trust is administered by a board of Trustees who ensure that funds are allocated to where they can make the greatest impact. Each year, the Trust awards over £500,000 in charitable grants and donations to a wide variety of worthy causes.
The main fund is unrestricted and open to applications from registered UK charities on a rolling basis.
our programmes
The William Leech Charity makes grants and loans to both charities and individuals that align with our vision to encourage the improvement of the physical, mental, spiritual and economic quality of life for people in the North East of England and beyond.
vision
The William Leech Charity was created to provide financial assistance for philanthropic causes in accordance with the Founder's guidelines. The primary fund remains flexible, offering grants and zero-interest loans to registered charities situated in the North East of England, as determined by the Trustees.
In April 1997, the Lady Leech designated fund was established to honor the memory of Lady Ellen Leech. This fund primarily supports charities connected to the North East of England, with a focus on aiding projects in underprivileged areas across the globe.
The projects supported by this fund concentrate on the well-being and necessities of underprivileged children, particularly those in the developing world, as this was an area of special interest for Lady Ellen.
latest news
Read the latest news by clicking on the posts below.
2024 update
83
Grants approved
240
Charity projects supported
15
Loans approved