C H Dixon Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £39,500-£122,500 (varies annually)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified (allow several weeks)
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: England

Contact Details

Primary Contact: R.M. Robinson, Dixon Ward Solicitors, 16 The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QD

Phone: 020 8274 0744 or 07931 588878

Email: rrobin4022@gmail.com

Alternative Address: 22 Vicarage Drive, London SW14 8RX

Overview

The C H Dixon Charitable Trust is a long-established grant-making trust founded in July 1981 that provides financial support to English musicians of all ages. Operating with general charitable purposes under trustee discretion, the trust makes grants to both individual musicians and music organizations throughout England. With annual income of approximately £66,000-£68,000 and expenditure varying between £39,500-£122,500 depending on grant-making activity, the trust represents a modest but focused funding source within the UK music funding landscape. The trust is recognized by major UK conservatoires including the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, and Leeds Conservatoire as a viable funding source for musicians seeking financial support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Musicians Support Fund: Flexible funding for English musicians of all ages (amount varies based on need and trustee discretion)
• Application method: Written applications on rolling basis

Priority Areas

• Support for English musicians at all career stages
• Musical education and development
• Individual musicians pursuing their craft
• Music organizations supporting English musicians

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, likely exclusions include:

• Non-musicians or non-music projects
• Musicians not based in or from England
• General arts projects not specifically focused on music

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by five trustees, all appointed in 2021 and serving without remuneration:

• Richard Macleod Robinson (Primary contact)
• Catherine Mary Menon
• Charles Beresford Hunt
• Francoise Eleanor Robinson
• Victoria Mary Dakin

The trust is professionally administered by Dixon Ward Solicitors, a Richmond-based firm with over 75 years of experience specializing in trusts and charitable matters.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Submit written applications to R.M. Robinson at Dixon Ward Solicitors, 16 The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QD, or email rrobin4022@gmail.com. No standardized application form exists - craft a compelling written narrative including:

• Details about yourself or your organization
• The musical purpose for funding
• Amount requested with budget
• Explanation of need and impact
• Supporting information about qualifications/experience

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified - allow several weeks to months depending on complexity and trustee meeting schedules.

Success Rates

No public data available on application numbers or success rates.

Reapplication Policy

No information available - inquire directly with the trust.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's focus and structure, strengthen your application with:

• Clear demonstration of serious musical commitment with evidence of training, qualifications, or performance history
• Specific explanation of how the grant would advance your musical development
• Strong evidence of English nationality or connection to English musical life
• Realistic budget showing other funding sources explored
• Compelling personal narrative about your musical journey
• References from music teachers or established musicians if available

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Narrow focus: Exclusively supports English musicians of all ages - ensure clear demonstration of musical purpose
• No standardized process: Craft a compelling written narrative rather than filling forms
• All ages eligible: From emerging young talent to established performers
• Modest funding pool: Annual giving £39,500-£122,500 suggests limited grants available
• Trustee discretion: No rigid criteria allows flexibility for compelling cases
• Professional administration: Managed by experienced solicitors firm ensures proper governance
• Conservatoire recognition: Listed by major UK music institutions as legitimate funding source

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Skyrme Hart Charitable Trust
• The Garrick Charitable Trust
• The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust
• THE HARDING TRUST
• Church Burgesses Educational Foundation
• The Williams Church Music Trust
• The Biscuit Factory Foundation
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust
• St Marylebone Educational Foundation

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - C H Dixon Charitable Trust (282936)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=282936&subid=0

Accessed: March 2026

1. Royal Academy of Music - External Funding Sources

https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/working-and-external-funding

Accessed: March 2026

1. Royal College of Music - Other Sources of Funding

https://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/othersources/

Accessed: March 2026

1. LPMAM (Leeds Conservatoire) - Funding Sources

https://www.lpmam.com/funding-sources/

Accessed: March 2026

1. Dixon Ward Solicitors - Company Information

https://dixon-ward.co.uk/

Accessed: March 2026