The Old Mercers’ Benevolent Fund

The Old Mercers’ Benevolent Fund was established in 1932 as the Old Mercers’ Endowment Fund.  In 1980 the name was changed to the Old Mercers’ Benevolent Fund by a Declaration of Trust, and under this trust its activities are defined as ‘The relief and assistance of such persons as the Trustees shall in their absolute discretion select who have been pupils or masters at Mercers’ School or are wives widows children and other dependants of such persons, and who are in necessitous circumstances and in need of charitable relief.’

On 1^stApril 2018 the trustees resigned and appointed the Mercers’ Company as a Corporate Trustee with responsibility for all financial and regulatory matters and for the administration of grants.

The corporate trustee is assisted by the grants committee, comprising Old Mercers Richard Davey (chairman), Richard Dyson, Chris Snowling and Tony Williams.

The corporate trustee and grants committee meet at least once a year when matters of benevolence are discussed.  Discussion about applications also takes place by correspondence and email

The fund’s resources are not enormous but they do allow modest financial support to be given in cases of need.  The corporate trustee and the grants committee continue to welcome applications by or on behalf of Old Mercers as well as enquiries from Old Mercers or their dependants seeking support or advice.  They also welcome communication from those who believe they know of other Old Mercers or dependants who are in need.  All such enquiries are dealt with in confidence and should be addressed to the Philanthropy Department, The Mercers’ Company, 6 Frederick’s Place, London, EC2R 8AB.

Charity registration number 280208.  Further information is available at the Charity Commission website.

Download the Trust deed here.