The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe

The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe is a UK-registered nonprofit organisation (Charity Number: 208053) established in 1622. It operates primarily within the London Borough of Lewisham, focusing on providing financial relief and support to individuals and registered charities serving those in need, hardship, or distress within this local area.

History and Background

Founded in the early 17th century, The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe has a long-standing commitment to assisting residents of Lewisham who are living in poverty or facing significant financial challenges. The charity builds on a historical legacy to deliver targeted aid primarily through grants.

Mission and Activities

The core aim of The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe is the relief of poverty and hardship among the people of Lewisham. It achieves this by:

• Providing grants directly to individuals who are in need and on very low income, typically those receiving appropriate welfare benefits and who have exhausted other avenues of assistance.
• Offering financial support to other registered charities that serve vulnerable groups in the borough.

The charity’s trustees focus exclusively on the relief of the poor, without the need to secure additional funding sources, which allows them to dedicate resources efficiently to their mission.

Funding and Financial Overview

The charity receives a significant portion of its income from an associated Estate Charity, generating approximately £150,000 annually. Of this income, about 40% is allocated to The Lee Education Charity of William Hatcliffe, reflecting a broader commitment to educational support within the community.

For the financial year ending March 31, 2024, The Lee Charity reported:

• Total income: £95,084
• Total expenditure: £122,261

The charity operates without commercial trading subsidiaries and does not remunerate its trustees, ensuring that funds are directed wholly towards charitable activities.

Governance

The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe is managed by a board of seven trustees. None of the trustees receive payment or benefits for their roles, maintaining an ethos of voluntary stewardship.

Impact and Community Role

By focusing its efforts on the London Borough of Lewisham, the charity plays a vital role in supporting local residents who face severe economic challenges. Its approach of providing direct grants to those unable to find relief elsewhere positions it as a crucial local resource for alleviating poverty and hardship.

This summary encapsulates the key aspects of The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe’s work as a historic and active charity dedicated to improving the lives of Lewisham residents in financial need.[1][2][3][4]