How to apply

The Trust receives between 300 and 400 applications of some kind each year.

Six out of ten fail immediately because the applicant has not provided sufficient information for the Trustees to make an informed decision, or because the proposal is outside the limited scope of the Trust's work. Half of the complete applications also fail, often because they are neither well considered nor clearly expressed. The remaining twenty percent, 60-80 applications per year, are considered in detail by the Trustees.

Guidance notes

The guidance given on our annotated application form may help you to make a complete and successful submission. Links to download .PDF and .DOC versions of a blank application form are available on the same page.

Decision process

Trustees meet three times a year to consider applications. A minimum of 6 months normally elapses before the Trust both makes a decision and has sufficient funds in its budget. In most financial years (April-March) almost all funds in the current budget are committed by July, so it is advisable to think at least half a year ahead when putting together applications.

All successful applicants will be sent a letter as soon as possible after the meeting. In order to keep administration costs to a minimum, however, the Trust does not automatically inform unsuccessful candidates of the decisions made.

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