Blanchminster Trust

Charity Number: 202118

Annual Expenditure: £0.4M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £374,236 (charitable activities expenditure, 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed (rolling basis for general grants; student grants processed annually)
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed (varies by grant type)
  • Geographic Focus: Stratton, Bude and Poughill area (Cornwall)

Contact Details

  • Website: www.blanchminster.org.uk (redirects to blanchminster.wordpress.com)
  • Phone: 01288 352851 (with answering machine)
  • Email: info@blanchminster.org.uk
  • Address: The Blanchminster Building, 38 Lansdown Road, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8BN
  • Office Hours: Generally 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (subject to change)

Overview

Founded in 1421, the Blanchminster Trust is potentially the oldest continuous grant-giving charity in Britain, celebrating over 600 years of service to the local community in 2021. With total assets of approximately £12.2 million and charitable expenditure of £374,236 in 2024, the Trust operates under three principal charitable objects: education, relief of need, and community support. The organization is governed by 13 volunteer trustees who receive no compensation for their service. The Trust serves residents of the former Urban District of Bude-Stratton as constituted on March 31st 1974, specifically the parishes of Stratton, Bude, and Poughill in Cornwall. In recognition of its long-standing service, the Trust received the Awen Medal from Cornwall Gorsedh in 2021.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Student Grants

  • Supports former pupils of Budehaven Community School who proceed to higher education
  • Application window: October 1st - December 1st annually
  • Late applications may incur penalty reductions or may not be considered
  • First-time applicants must contact the Clerk in October after starting their course
  • Returning students complete an application form

2. Relief of Need Grants

  • Cash grants for individuals experiencing hardship or distress
  • Equipment for disabled persons
  • Travel costs to visit the sick
  • Essential costs such as disability equipment or hospital visit expenses
  • Rolling basis (no fixed deadlines)

3. Community Grants

  • Grants to local charitable organizations
  • Support for projects benefiting the community
  • Rolling basis

Priority Areas

Education:

  • Widely defined beyond formal school or university activities
  • Sporting involvement and equipment
  • Musical instruments
  • Community service participation
  • Post-secondary training
  • Student support for university and further education

Relief of Need:

  • Individuals experiencing financial hardship or distress
  • Disability support
  • Medical-related travel and expenses
  • Essential living costs

Community Development:

  • Sports facilities and equipment
  • Village and church hall refurbishment
  • Libraries for local schools
  • Youth development activities

What They Don't Fund

Geographic restrictions are the primary limitation:

  • Applicants must reside in the area of benefit (Stratton, Bude, and Poughill)
  • Exception: Current or former Budehaven Community School pupils may qualify for education grants even if residing outside the area
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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is administered by 13 volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits. Leadership includes the position of Senior Stockwarden (chairman).

Recent Leadership:

  • Owen May served as Senior Stockwarden/Chair, stating in 2021: “We are very proud to be trustees of this long-established charity that has served our local community for so many years.”
  • Chris Nichols held the position of Senior Stockwarden as of 2023

The Trust operates from its offices in the Blanchminster Building with support from a clerk and secretary.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Student Grants:

  • Contact the Clerk between October 1st and December 1st
  • First-time applicants: Phone 01288-352851 or email info@blanchminster.org.uk in October after starting course
  • Returning students: Complete and submit application form via email or post

For Relief of Need and Community Grants:

  • Submit written application to The Clerk to the Trustees at the address above
  • Alternatively, email info@blanchminster.org.uk
  • No standard application form initially
  • Clearly explain what assistance is sought and why it is needed
  • Trust will send a Financial Enquiry Form to those requesting assistance

Required Documentation:

  • Weekly income and expenditure details
  • Evidence of efforts to obtain help from other sources (DSS, Social Services, etc.)
  • Documentation supporting claims of financial need

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The Trust operates on a rolling basis for general grants, suggesting decisions are made as applications are received rather than at fixed intervals.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated, but the existence of “returning student” application processes suggests successful reapplication is possible for ongoing educational needs.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrating Financial Need:

The Trust emphasizes thorough financial assessment. Applications must include comprehensive financial documentation showing income, expenditure, and genuine need. This transparent disclosure is essential to the evaluation process.

Showing Self-Help:

Applicants must demonstrate they have explored other avenues of assistance (Department of Social Security, Social Services, other charities) before approaching the Trust. This shows responsible use of resources and genuine need.

Local Connection:

Strong emphasis on residency within the designated area of benefit. Applications from residents of Stratton, Bude, and Poughill are prioritized, with limited exceptions for Budehaven School connections.

Examples of Recent Grants:

  • Libraries for local schools
  • Grants to students at university and further education colleges
  • Refurbishment of village and church halls
  • Sports facilities and equipment
  • Musical instruments
  • Travel support for young people
  • The Blanchminster Room in Bude Castle
  • Disability equipment
  • Hospital visit travel expenses

Historical Context:

Understanding the Trust's 600-year history of supporting the local community demonstrates commitment to long-term community welfare. The organization has evolved from supporting church infrastructure to modern needs while maintaining its core mission of local support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic specificity is paramount: Applications must demonstrate clear connection to Stratton, Bude, and Poughill area. This is a strictly local charity.
  • Financial transparency is critical: Prepare comprehensive financial documentation showing income, expenditure, and genuine need before applying. Half-measures will not succeed.
  • Exhaust other options first: Document your attempts to secure support from statutory services and other funding sources. The Trust wants to see they are filling a gap, not duplicating support.
  • Timing matters for student grants: The October 1st - December 1st window is strict, with penalties for late applications. Plan ahead.
  • Personal contact is encouraged: The Trust maintains office hours and provides phone/email contact. Direct communication to clarify eligibility or discuss applications is welcomed.
  • Community organizations need to demonstrate local benefit: For organizational grants, clearly articulate how the project benefits the local community within the designated parishes.
  • Broad definition of education: Don't limit applications to formal academic needs. Sports, music, and community service activities may qualify under the education object.

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