The Richard Gaitskill and Sir Thomas Preston Fund known as The Billincoat Charity originated around 1626 with Mr Richard Gaitskill leaving the profits and rent from certain lands be used to ‘maintain three poor people, apprentice children and to further poor maids in marriage’.
Around the same time Sir Thomas Preston bequeathed Iron ore and other things for the benefit of the ‘poor of this Parish’. At some point in time these two funds were amalgamated to form The Billincoat Charity.
Four hundred years later the Charity remains, with the aims and wording having been modernised and brought up to date.
The Charity awards grants to young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and long term health problems and voluntary groups to aid with continuing education, the advancement of health, wellbeing and social care and the relief of financial hardship for those who reside within the former Borough of Barrow in Furness, historically this all fell within the Parish of Dalton. Specifically this is now Barrow in Furness (including Walney), Dalton, Newton, Askam, Ireleth and Lindal.
The Charity board meets four times a year. There are 3 application forms, Individuals under 21, Individuals over 21 and Community Groups (including Schools). Application forms available on this page or on request by email to: billincoat.charity@gmail.com Please read the grant guidance before submitting completed application forms.
Billincoat Charity Form B Under 21
Billncoat Charity Form A – Over 21
Billincoat Charity Form C – Community Groups
