The main purpose of the Trust is to promote, advance and further charitable purposes by operating as a grant giving charity which will support financially and otherwise Erskine Stewarts Melville Schools (Scottish charity no. SC009747) (“ESMS”). Such grant giving shall, but not exclusively so, support:-
- the provision of bursaries, prizes and periodic payments in support of ESMS, including the boarding houses, playing fields, equipment and clubs of ESMS;
- the maintenance of ESMS war memorials;
- the perpetuation of the memory of former ESMS pupils of notable repute or standing, as to which the Governors shall be the sole judges.
Over the years, additional generous funding has come from Former Pupils of Edinburgh Institution and Melville College.
The Trust awards bursaries annually to ESMS. Funding is provided from the income and capital growth derived from the Trust’s capital assets.
The Trust also awards grants to fund extra-curricular and school related projects which would not otherwise receive funding and benefit a large number of pupils.