Welcome to the Society of London Ragamuffins
“Amitié et Charité” - Friendship and Charity
A unique charity
The Society of London Ragamuffins was founded in 1901. Ever since then, we have been helping underprivileged children in the Greater London area by offering small grants for things that their families cannot afford and which no one else will pay for - things the rest of us take for granted, like winter clothing, an after-school club, or a decent bed to sleep in.
We are a small, friendly society of professional people, just like our original founders. In addition to our charitable work, we organise regular social and cultural events for our members.
Now in our 125th anniversary year, we are looking for new members to help us build for the next generation. Whatever your age*, profession or background, you can be sure of a warm welcome.
*Over 18
Our grants
We award small grants to help children in the Greater London area who face poverty, deprivation, family dysfunction or other types of extreme disadvantage. Our easy, accessible application process means that funds can reach families who need them with minimum delay.
We pay for items or activities that are essential to a child’s wellbeing, but which statutory services cannot cover. Our average grant is about £300, and we rarely award more than £500.
Our grants are funded from membership fees, income from investments and occasional sponsorship or fundraising activities.
The Society is run by a voluntary Council chosen from our membership. We have no paid staff or office, so almost 100% of our income goes into our charitable work.
We ask for reports on every grant, so our members and donors can see exactly how every penny of their contribution has been spent, and the life-changing impact that even tiny amounts of money can have.
Important note: we never give grants directly to families. Applications must come from a professional intermediary such as a social worker or teacher. In keeping with our founding principles, our members can also bring individual cases to our attention.
“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can shew to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer it, nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
— Attributed to Stephen Grellet (1773-1855)