The Trust's board is made up of 16 volunteer trustees from a variety of professional backgrounds in health, education, social services and finance who meet quarterly to consider applications and is supported by a part-time administrator.

Trustees meet in January, April, July and October to consider applications. Urgent applications may be considered between meetings.

We consider grants only when there is no statutory duty to provide the funding.

All grant applications for individual children, young people and families must be completed and supported by a professional working with the family or young person, e.g. a social worker, health professional, teacher, GP, York Carers Centre, Citizens Advice York.

York Children's Trust was set up in 1976, but its origin dates back to 1705 when ‘a school was opened for 40 poor boys in St Anthony's Hall, Peaseholme Green, there to be lodged, clothed, fed and taught'. This was the original Blue Coat School. The 40 boys slept two to a bed and were expected to work within the school from the age of 7 until they reached the age of 12 when they were put to work as apprentices at sea or to some mechanical trade or domestic service. Later in the same year, the Grey Coat School was opened in Marygate 'for the reception of 20 poor girls'. Grey Coat girls were trained specifically for domestic service; learning to knit, spin, sew, and handle household duties.

In 1858 the York Spinning School was closed down and its funds of £580 transferred to the Grey Coat School. The standard of education, both there and at the Blue Coat School improved steadily throughout the years. The schools ‘were held in high regard' and closed in 1946 when the last headmaster, Mr Amos, retired. The schools continued as orphanages with the children going to Local Authority Schools.

In 1960 the children were re-housed in a specially built family group home at Stray Garth. In 1976 the St Stephen's Orphanage and the Blue and Grey Coat Schools, with related charities, were amalgamated and properties sold. York Children's Trust was created and the funds invested. The Trust continues to manage this investment to ensure its growth with the interest providing the capital to award grants.