Axe Vale Festival Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £3,900 - £8,350 (varies by year)
• Grant Range: £100 - £1,000+ per organization
• Decision Time: 2-3 months
• Geographic Focus: Axminster and surrounding East Devon area

Contact Details

Website: www.axevaleshow.co.uk

Phone: 01297 34517

Email: enquiries@axevaleshow.co.uk

Grant Applications: Application form available on website

Overview

Axe Vale Festival Limited (Charity Number 1130829) is a volunteer-led charitable organization established in 1995 and formally registered in 2009. Operating the annual Axe Vale Show, a two-day community celebration held each June, the charity has distributed over £300,000 to local causes since inception. With annual income of £95,834 (2024), the organization is run entirely by 4 trustees and 20 volunteers. Originally established to fund Flamingo Pool (which has received £285,553 total), the charity was reconstituted in 2008 with broader objectives to support community organizations across Axminster and East Devon.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Annual Community Grants: £100 - £1,000+ per organization (Application via email, December 30th deadline)
• Time-Limited Pledges: Conditional funding for large projects requiring matching funds

Priority Areas

• Community facilities and halls
• Education (primary schools, educational projects)
• Youth services (youth clubs, scouts, pre-schools)
• Arts and culture (drama clubs, musical theatre, heritage organizations)
• Health and wellbeing (swimming facilities, cancer care)
• Sports and recreation
• Disability support services
• Environmental projects
• Emergency services support

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the Axminster and surrounding East Devon area
• Individual applicants
• Projects not benefiting the local community

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees: Jane Rockett, Michael John Beviss, Deborah Helen Ellis, Karen Hussey

The organization operates with complete volunteer governance, no paid staff, and trustees serve without remuneration.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download application form from www.axevaleshow.co.uk (Word or PDF)
2. Complete application for your group/organization
3. Submit via email to enquiries@axevaleshow.co.uk
4. Deadline: December 30th annually

Decision Timeline

• Application deadline: December 30th
• Committee review: January/February
• Awards announced: February/March
• Total timeline: 2-3 months

Success Rates

Recent distributions:

• 2025: 9 organizations received £3,900 total
• 2024: 11 organizations received £8,350 plus 6 pledges totaling £1,650
• Success depends on Show proceeds and application quality

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply annually; several recipients have received multiple grants over the years.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic eligibility essential - must serve Axminster and surrounding East Devon area
• Clear community benefit - demonstrate tangible impact on local population
• Diverse projects welcomed - from infrastructure to programming to equipment
• Flexible funding amounts - small grants under £500 and larger awards both available
• Established local presence - legitimate standing in the community important
• Well-defined project goals - specific outcomes and realistic budgets

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply by December 30th annually - firm deadline
• Average grants £400-£900, though larger awards possible
• Geographic focus on Axminster and East Devon is non-negotiable
• Multiple-year funding possible through reapplication
• Volunteer-led organizations may have particular appeal
• Note: No Show in 2026 (fallow year) may affect 2027 grant availability
• Part of broader funding mix - annual giving currently £4,000-£10,000

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• The Gibbons Family Trust
• Axminster Care Service
• THE NORMAN FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
• Northbrook Community Trust
• The David Gibbons Foundation
• OKEHAMPTON UNITED CHARITY
• THE ROGER DE HAAN CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Medlock Charitable Trust
• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust

References

• Charity Commission. (2024). “AXE VALE FESTIVAL LIMITED - Charity Number 1130829.” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/
• Axe Vale Show. (2025). “Where the money goes.” https://www.axevaleshow.co.uk/beneficiaries
• Midweek Herald. (2025). “Nine East Devon groups awarded at the Axe Vale Show.”
• Midweek Herald. (2024). “Axe Vale Show grants thousands to community causes.”