The Church Tenements Charities: Educational and Church Branches is a long-standing Croydon charity. It helps young people with the cost of their education and supports the upkeep of Croydon Minster.
The historic Whitgift Almshouses in Croydon town centre.
Why does this charity exist?
The Church Tenements Charities have a long history connected with the Parish of Croydon. The charity has an Education Branch, which supports young people, and a Church Branch, which supports the maintenance and repair of Croydon Minster.
Today, the Education Branch continues to give financial support to young people who might otherwise struggle to afford educational opportunities and essential costs.
Our History
The charity's history can be traced back to 1618, and it has been helping people in its present form since 1982. It is governed by a scheme dated June 1882, which was amended in 1959 and varied in 1969, and it is registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 312554.
Our Two Branches
Education Branch
The Education Branch helps young people under the age of 25 who live in, or study at an establishment in, the London Borough of Croydon and who are in need of financial assistance. Its aims include:
- providing financial help towards school uniforms, tools, instruments and books;
- awarding scholarships and bursaries;
- helping young people travel abroad to pursue their education;
- providing facilities for recreation and social and physical training;
- supporting the voluntary aided Church of England secondary school in Croydon.
Find out more on What We Fund.
Church Branch
The Church Branch provides funds for the maintenance and repair of Croydon Minster, allowing for worship and the benefit of the wider community. In the 15 months to December 2024 the charity gave £30,722 towards the upkeep of the Minster.
Croydon Minster is the parish and civic church of the London Borough of Croydon, in Croydon's Old Town. A church has stood on the site since Saxon times. Most of the building was destroyed by fire in 1867 and rebuilt by the Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, and six Archbishops of Canterbury are buried there.
Croydon Minster.
How We Spend Our Money
We give small, one-off grants to help young people with the cost of their education.
You could get a grant if you're under 25, you live in Croydon or go to a school, college or other place of study in Croydon, and you need help paying. A grant can help with things like:
- books and stationery
- school uniform
- travel to and from school or college
- school trips
- music lessons and instruments
It's a grant, not a loan, so you don't have to pay it back. Check if you can apply.
How We Are Funded
The charity owns a property which is rented out, and the rental income pays for the charity's grants and its support for Croydon Minster. The Trustees are volunteers and receive no payment, and the charity has no paid staff.
Latest Accounts at a Glance
For the 15 months ended 31 December 2024:
Latest accounts: income and spending for the 15 months ended 31 December 2024
| Item | Amount |
|---|
| Total income (mostly rent) | £68,218 |
|---|
| Given to Croydon Minster | £30,722 |
|---|
| Educational grants | £11,975 |
|---|
| Running costs (administration and independent examination) | £4,855 |
|---|
How the Charity is Run
The charity is run by a board of Trustees, chaired by the Vicar of Croydon Minster, with Trustees appointed by both Croydon Minster and Croydon Council. A Clerk to the Trustees looks after the charity's day-to-day administration.
The charity's annual reports and accounts are published on the Charity Commission register (opens in a new tab).
More details about the charity are also published on the official Croydon Council website (opens in a new tab).