At Lloyd’s we know more than most about disaster, accidents and misfortune. Not surprising, then, that within the market there has always been a strong sense of responsibility towards those most vulnerable and worst afflicted within society, and a powerful desire to help. This was demonstrated by the Lloyd’s market’s response to the tragic events of the Asian tsunami with a contribution of £400,000 to the critical relief work, of which £60,000 was donated by Lloyd’s Charities Trust (LCT).

Half a century ago, the LCT was set up in order to channel this generous impulse, since then it has raised and donated many millions of pounds to good causes and worthwhile projects, from the East End to the Far East, North Shields to South Africa, Bosnia to Brazil. And in 2004, the Trust redoubled its efforts on behalf of the Lloyd’s market to make a real difference to people’s lives, far afield as well as in some of the deprived boroughs very close to where we do business.

Focusing our giving

For anyone involved in charitable activities, the biggest dilemma is deciding which of a thousand and one worthy causes to support. There are no easy answers, but the trustees of LCT (senior figures from across the Lloyd’s market) take a rigorous approach, setting standards which potential recipient charities must meet. In particular, they demand evidence that the project to be supported will produce tangible and measurable results.

To increase the effectiveness of Lloyd’s charitable giving, LCT has for some years focused on a number of key areas, including children and young people; health and disability; and social welfare.

And since 1998, the Trust has pursued a policy of working in close partnership with selected charities within each of these areas, to help establish and develop a specific project over a three–year period. Opposite, you’ll find information on Lloyd’s three new partner charities – one of which, Hope and Homes for Children, was chosen to receive a special additional 50th anniversary award.

Raising awareness, as well as money

As well as providing much needed financial support, LCT also plays an active role in raising awareness of Lloyd’s partner charities and in encouraging support for their activities across the market. The Macmillan Cancer Relief ’World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’, for example, held in September in the Underwriting Room was a highly successful fund–raising initiative co–ordinated by Lloyd’s, Amlin, Avenance, and Marsh.

Throughout the year, the Trust also held a number of events aimed at raising awareness of the work of Lloyd’s partner charities, and attended by high profile guests, including Professor Colin Blakemore, Chairman of the General Medical Research Council, and Princess Anne, President of Save the Children. Lloyd’s Charities Trust also administers the Cuthbert Heath Fund, which supports education by giving annual bursaries.

Lloyd’s also has three other separate charities which have been set up over the years to support various worthy causes:

Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund. Having celebrated its bicentenary in 2003, this managed fund of £1.2m has been providing financial assistance to former servicemen and women, their widows and dependants for the last 200 years.

Lloyd’s Tercentenary Foundation. This Foundation supports the advancement of medical, scientific, technical and business–related education and research. Invested funds of £2.4m are used to award research fellowships and scholarships to promising young academics.

Lloyd’s Benevolent Fund. Founded in 1829, the objective of the Fund is to assist all those in necessitous circumstances who work or have worked in the Lloyd’s community and their dependants or others at the discretion of the trustees.

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