The Woodward Trust

Introduction

The Woodward Trust provides financial support to retired ministers (and their widows/widowers) who have served in the area of the North Western and Mersey Synods for at least five years.  It has been achieving this through small annual gifts at Christmas time.

 New grants programme

The Woodward Trust is pleased to announce a new grants programme.

 It  is able to offer limited financial support (up to  a maximum of £1,000) to assist qualifying retired ministers and/or their widows/widowers for:

· costs of home adaptations to enable them to continue living at home;

· mobility aids; or

· therapy not available on the National Health Service but recommended by their doctor or other medical advisor.

 Applications are considered at the Trustees’ meetings in May and November each year.  In exceptional circumstances the Trustees may consider an application between their normal meetings.

 The deadline for the May 2025 meeting is 23rd April 2026.

 Eligibility

To be eligible for financial support the person must:

· Be a retired minister of the URC or Congregational Federation or a widow/widower of such a minister

· Have served in the area covered by the North Western or Mersey Synods of the URC for a period of at least 5 years;

· Be in good standing with either the URC or the Congregational Federation; and

· Be in financial need.

 Application forms can be obtained from helpdesk@nwsynod.org.uk

 Existing beneficiaries

The Trustees intend to support existing beneficiaries under its old programme of an annual gift at Christmas time.  However, that scheme is now closed to new beneficiaries.

 The Trust

The Woodward Trust is registered with the Charity Commission (no. 1019820)