The Drapers Fund

In 1918 Mr James Inglis, draper of Argyle Street, Glasgow, established the Drapers' Fund to be held by the Trades House of Glasgow in trust for charitable purposes in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Mr Inglis added to the capital of the fund on various occasions, the last being in October 1928.

There are two components of the Drapers' Fund

The Manager's Portion
The revenue from this part of the Fund is to be spent by the Manager in charitable purposes as he thinks best.

The desire of the donor was that the revenue should be spent in one or more substantial sums, or in portions to deserving people. At present this element of the fund has been used to give many small sums for the support of children and their carers where there is great need.

The basic concept of this portion of the Fund enables the Manager to make rapid decisions in dealing with more acute problems relating to children.

The Adoption Portion
The revenue from this part of the Fund was to be spent in grants to the adopter of a child (or to the guardian of an orphaned adopted child) but only in cases where hardship is shown. These days the term 'adopter' is interpreted to have a wide meaning, relating to the care of children. The balance of the income is to be disbursed among charities, organisations for the benefit of children, and where appropriate directly to individual families.

In considering appeals the Manager is assisted by a committee of three, supported by the administration of Trades House. The Committee meets regularly to avoid long waiting periods before applicants are advised of the result of their appeal.

The total amount available for distribution on a yearly basis is now circa £50,000.00

The Need for the Drapers' Fund in the 21st Century
At the end of the Great War in 1918 and the years immediately following, there was a clear need to help the City's impoverished. At the present time the same need exists albeit for different reasons. For example, families are suffering from the effects of the misuse of drugs. In consequence there have been a considerable number of cases where monies have been given to provide essential clothing including shoes for children in the care of grandparents or other relatives.

To apply for assistance from the Fund for a child/children aged up to 17 years, please write supplying as much detail as possible highlighting the circumstances of the individual/organisation concerned to:

The Manager
The Drapers' Fund
The Trades House of Glasgow
Administration Centre
North Gallery - Trades Hall
85 Glassford Street
Glasgow G1 1UH

Telephone: 0141 553 1605
Email: click here