About The Metcalfe Trust
The Metcalfe Smith Trust was established in 1867 by a Victorian banker and benefactor, John Metcalfe Smith, who built Cookridge Convalescent Hospital in memory of people living and working in the borough (as it was then) of Leeds.
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Cookridge Convalescent Hospital Following the establishment of the NHS the Trust sold the land connected with the hospital and used the money to run its own convalescence home in Harrogate for some years. When this was closed and sold in the late 1960's the Charity Commission approved a new scheme for the Trust.
Since 1971 the Trust has been using the interest on the invested sale proceeds to make grants for the relief of hardship connected with sickness, ill-health or disability.
Leeds District Aid in Sickness Fund started life as the Leeds District Nursing Association in the 1870s and has been making grants since the 1960s. It's Trustees felt that it was no longer viable as an independent organisation, so approached Metcalfe Smith Trust with a view to a merger.
The merger was completed in November 2015. The new Trust can continue to effectively meet new and emerging needs of people in Leeds and the organisations that work with them.
What We Fund
The Metcalfe Smith Trust provides grants where financial support can make a significant difference to individuals and organisations affected by mental or physical disability or long-term illness.
We fund applicants in the Leeds area, with national organisations considered where projects specifically benefit people in Leeds.
Grants are usually £250–£2,500, with emergency grants of up to £150 available between Trustee meetings.
Funding can include:
Convalescent or respite care
Essential equipment
Household items
Other necessary costs associated with disability or long-term illness
What We Don't Fund
The Trust is unable to provide funding for:
General appeals
Research costs
General fundraising initiatives
Administrative costs, fees or salaries
Tuition or course fees
Rent, utility bills or general living costs
Holidays or short breaks
Retrospective costs
The Trustees do not normally make recurrent grants, so ongoing funding should not be assumed.
Our Previous Grants
In the last Financial Year, 20 grants totalling £11,712 were made for the benefit of specific individuals and local organisations. 67 grants totalling £8,736 were made from the Emergency Fund. Examples of Grants made: £1000 to Leeds Children's Diabetes Team for reconditioned mobile phones. £1500 towards an adapted wheelchair so someone with mobility issues and chronic pain could take part in sports. £300 to Greenmountaineers for benches for a sensory garden. £269 for a tumble dryer for someone with mental and physical health issues including incontinence. £1500 to Reach Primary Learning Centre for a sensory garden. £304 for a washing machine for someone recovering from trauma.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of Trustees will take place on 5th October 2026. In order, to be considered for this round of grants, applications need to be received by the end of September. The following meeting will take place on 10th May 2027.