Our work, in practice.
What the charity does from one year to the next, why it is done that way, and the principles that have guided decisions by the trustees for generations.
In a single sentence
We give modest grants to orphaned children in the parish of Llanybydder.
Our work is narrow by design. We do not run programmes, we do not operate services, and we do not attempt to replace the work of statutory services, schools, churches, or larger children's charities. What we do is specific: we respond, when we can, to the particular need of a particular child whose circumstances meet the terms of our founding instrument.
What a grant might look like
Grants from the charity are small. They are not intended to meet ongoing living costs, which are the proper responsibility of statutory support and a child's guardians. A grant from the Thomas Davies Charity is better thought of as a practical, one-off contribution to something that matters in a child's life and that might otherwise be out of reach. Examples of the kinds of help a grant has historically gone towards:
- School uniform, shoes, or books at the start of a new academic year.
- Contribution towards a school trip, music lessons, or a club the child wishes to join.
- A small contribution towards Christmas or a birthday, where the family would otherwise be unable to mark it.
- Essential items for the home where a child's circumstances have recently changed.
- Travel costs connected with a child's education or welfare.
Every case is considered on its own facts. The trustees listen, weigh the need, and respond with care.
How the trustees decide
When an application is received, the trustees check three things:
- Does the child meet the eligibility set by our founding instrument? The child must be fully orphaned and live within the parish of Llanybydder.
- Is the request within the kind of help we can give? We look at what would meaningfully help the child and whether our limited funds can provide it.
- Is there a better route? If a statutory service, a school, or another charity is better placed to help, we will say so and may help point the way.
If, after that, the trustees feel that a grant from the Thomas Davies Charity is appropriate, they will agree an amount and arrange for it to reach the child — usually through their guardian or, where appropriate, the school.
Our principles
Discretion
We do not publicise the children we help. Grant decisions, names, and circumstances are kept private by the trustees.
Care
We treat every application as coming from a family at a difficult time. There is no formal language required. A letter or an email in plain English or Welsh is welcome.
Fidelity
Our founding instrument is clear, and we keep to it. We do not stray outside the parish, and we do not help with causes outside our purpose.
Prudence
The charity's endowment is small. The trustees manage it carefully so that it remains available to future children, not only those in need today.
What we do not do
- We do not make grants to adults, nor to children outside the parish of Llanybydder.
- We do not make general hardship grants; eligibility is tied to being orphaned.
- We do not fundraise publicly, hold events, or accept unsolicited donations other than legacies or gifts directed to the trust.
- We do not provide ongoing financial support or take on any obligation towards a child beyond the specific grant agreed.
- We do not hold or share information about applicants beyond what is necessary to consider their case and keep proper records.
Working alongside others
Because our scope is narrow, we often signpost families to services better placed to help with wider needs — local authority children's services, schools, the church, Citizens Advice, and the larger UK children's charities. If you are not sure who to turn to, please write to us and we will do what we can to help you find the right door.
Think a child in your family or community might qualify?
The first step is simply to get in touch. A guardian, relative, neighbour, teacher or clergyperson can make contact on a child's behalf. We will reply.
See how to apply →