Literacy has been a key part of the work of the JJ Charitable Trust. Since 1993, the Trust has provided grants to programmes providing hands-on support to help children with dyslexia flourish in education.
Over the past 30 years, a total £8.3m has been awarded through 158 grants. The focus of the programme has remained broadly consistent, with Trustees aiming to improve the effectiveness of literacy teaching at primary and secondary education stages.
The Trust also seeks to support greater literacy among people who became disaffected from education. This includes those who have lost access to training and employment, including homeless people, prisoners or those at risk of offending. Throughout, there is the belief that literacy skills can unlock opportunities and address inequality.
One resonant grantee example is Springboard for Children. The Trust funded this small volunteer-run South London-based charity for over 10 years from the mid-1990s. The organisation began by providing one-to-one support for children with dyslexia in a single school, gradually growing to more than five local schools. The small scale and personal nature of the organisation ensured a high standard of support. Often, children made such good progress after a year that they no longer needed such individualised attention.
Springboard for Children is just one example of the success of grants given to ‘hands-on’ organisations. Alongside this, The Trust has supported a range of literacy and dyslexia-focused charities, including the British Dyslexia Association, and The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares.
Seeing the impact made by this range of organisations led to the development of the Trust’s new Literacy Small Grants Scheme, launched in 2023. The scheme enables UK charities and community organisations to apply for grants up to £20,000. Grants help children and young people develop their skills – ensuring they can enjoy the confidence and enjoyment that comes from literacy.
Copyright © 2025 SFCT