The principal objects of the Trust are to provide funds for the advancement of all the schemes which are for the physical wellbeing and improvement in general physical condition of the youth of the City of Edinburgh, for the advancement of knowledge in the science of chemistry as it affects the trade and industry of Great Britain, for making donations for the upkeep, extension and equipment of any charitable institution, hospital or society administered in Scotland whose objective is the restoration of the sick to health and for the advancement of knowledge in medicine and surgery including the granting of bursaries and scholarships, funding research work and the purchase of necessary equipment.

Grants of £2,000 to £7,000 are available to individuals, societies, associations or other bodies in the UK or Japan to promote and support interaction between the two countries. Grants can cover all fields of activity, including educational and grassroots exchanges, research travel, the organisation of conferences, exhibitions and other projects and events that fulfil this broad objective. New initiatives are especially encouraged.

The purpose of the trust is to support medical research projects, support smaller local charitable projects and provide care of the elderly. It tends to support the same organisations each year.

The trust funds activities that focus on the preservation and protection of health or the relief of sickness and disease. Particular priority is given to activities that address the relief of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. They have a special focus on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

The trust gives to a wide range of charitable causes. Organisations that support young people, music, drama, physical health, mental health, the elderly, disabled people and rescue have been funded in the past.

Funding is UK-wide although a preference is given to Scotland. Themes supported are: Services and Sea; Education & Training; Children & Youth; Science, Engineering & Technology; Agriculture & Horticulture; Tarland & Local Area.

The Stafford Trust is a grant making Scottish charitable trust which provides financial support to charities registered in the United Kingdom, with a preference towards charitable organisations in Scotland. It Funds charities under the headings of animal welfare; child / adult welfare; medical research; local community projects; HM services personnel; sea rescue; overseas appeals.

The Trust gives grants to recognised national charities, with particular reference to charities based in London and Scotland. They give under the categories of animal welfare, education, conservation and environment, military, medical research and social welfare.

The MEB Charitable Trust supports a wide range of charitable activities. The Trust seeks to support Christian organisations; aid in the relief of suffering occasioned by war or natural disaster; and bodies undertaking scientific or medical research. Their 2017/18 accounts show they gave under the headings of age, animals and birds, blind, deaf, children, medical research, welfare, cultural and social, armed services , youth organisations, religion and special appeals.

The Trust supports a wide array of charitable initiatives. However, they tend to focus their support on the advancement of health with a focus on cancer charities; the advancement of animal welfare; the relief of suffering related to age/ill-health/disability.