Goldsmiths' Foundation, the charitable arm of jewellers’ membership body Goldsmiths’ Company, is offering grants of up to £50,000 to organisations supporting training and vocational skills with a focus on “creativity and social change”.

Its Inaugural Grants Fund is open for applications until 5 May and is inviting applications from charities involved in craft, design, art and architecture.

It is looking to fund operating costs or support specific projects with grants of up to £50,000. A webinar offering more information about the registration process has been made available.

Operating costs grants can be used to pay bills, rent and salaries. Grants for specific projects could include, for example, “a theatre’s outreach project on set design with marginalised communities” or “a heritage and craft educators’ bursary programme”.

The Goldsmiths Foundation was formerly the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity and earlier this year appointed its first board of trustees.

The Company was set up s700 years ago and its grant-making charitable arm was first established in the 19th century. It awards £3.5m of funding each year.

The foundation’s chair Lynne Brindley said: “I look forward to the positive impact that we will have on communities, and individuals and on creativity and innovation.

“Together, we will write the next chapters of our charity, connected by a golden thread of skills and creativity, to leave a proud legacy for generations to come.”

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