Oakham United Charities are offering a grant for young people living in Rutland but the deadline for applications is rapidly approaching. 

Oakham United Charities is a small group of independent charities dating back centuries.  

They are offering grants for young people aged 16 to 22, who live in Rutland and are undertaking an apprenticeship, vocational training or university course. For anyone that meets those criteria, grants of up to £100 are available to help pay for books or specialist equipment or clothing for your course, apprenticeship or work placement. 

Chair of Trustees Jenny Hughes said: '"I would really like to encourage students to apply for the grant, particularly those living in Oakham or Barleythorpe who are eligible for a grant from the Henry Forster Apprenticeship fund.   

'If you know someone who is eligible to apply, please tell them about the grants available.  We have 5 wonderful volunteer Trustees ready and eager to review the applications and award the grant money.  It is such a satisfying role to do.  We just need more applications.' 

This is funded by two charities that are part of Oakham United Charities, The Charity of Henry Forster and the Rutland Society of Industry.

The Charity of Henry Forster was established by his will of 1692. The income from the Apprenticeship Fund was primarily intended for the apprenticing of fatherless children. This helped children as young as 12 or 13 who would live with their master or instructor for 7 years in exchange with learning a trade. The funds are now distributed by Oakham United Charities. 

The second charity is the Rutland Society of Industry, which was established in 1785 for 'the employment and encouragement of the industrious poor of the country.' This was part of The Poor Relief Act of 1601.

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In Victorian times, the patrons of this charity awarded prizes to the best and most industrious knitters and sewers among the children of labourers. Investments made by the Trustees of the Rutland Society of Industry many years ago continues to generate a small income. The charity was assimilated into Oakham United Charities in 1996. 

The Charity of Henry Forster offers grants to students living in the Parishes of Oakham, Barleythorpe and Gunthorpe. 

The Rutland Society of Industry offers grants to students living within the County of Rutland. 

If you have started your course or work placement and know what books and equipment you need, you can apply online. 

Or you can email Oakham United Charities at [email protected] and ask us to email you a grant application form. 

The deadline for applications is 31st October 2025.