Established Funds

There are three separate funds within the trust to which donations may be made. These are the General Fund, the Accommodation Bursary Fund, and the Centenary Enterprise Fund. Donations will ideally be received on an unspecified basis, in which case the Trust will apply the income where it is needed most, or alternatively may be directed towards any specific fund at the discretion of the donor. In all cases cheques should be made payable to “The Old Centralians’ Trust Fund”.

The General Fund

This fund exists primarily to provide assistance in cases of financial need, where this occurs unexpectedly and through no fault of the student concerned. Secondarily, it may be used to help students and staff within Imperial College's Faculty of Engineering in a number of ways, including scholarships for studies of special educational value, sponsorship of research, provision of special amenities, and financial assistance in other ways. Applicants are required to complete a detailed statement of circumstances (normally supported by recommendations from College and departmental staff) for consideration by the Trust Fund Board, who will normally also request an interview with the student concerned. Funds are limited and more regular gifts or single donations from Guilds people are urgently needed.

The Accommodation Bursary Fund

In support of the City & Guilds College Association's appeal to industry, the Association itself, through the Old Centralians' Trust has established no less than thirteen student accommodation bursaries. One additional bursary has been provided through an endowment in memory of a former CGCA President. These bursaries have the object of enabling students nominated as being active in student affairs to participate more readily in the social and athletic life of the College by assisting them to obtain accommodation closer to college than they might otherwise be able to afford. Each bursary is worth £700 per annum. Donations in direct support of this scheme will always be welcomed.

The Centenary Enterprise Fund

When the City and Guilds College celebrated its Centenary in 1985, many individuals and corporate bodies responded to an appeal for funds to enable the celebrations to take place. A special fund was established for an Annual Award to a student, or group of students, to provide assistance for the most imaginative and enterprising proposal of an extra-curricular nature.