Cantley Poor's Land Trust (lady Ellerker's Trust)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately £256,539 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified (home visits conducted)
• Grant Range: Varies by need (essential household items and equipment)
• Geographic Focus: Ancient Parish of Cantley with Branton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Contact Details

• Website: www.ladyellerker.org (also www.cantleytrust.org)
• Phone: 07895 271302
• Email: info@cantleytrust.org
• Clerk to the Trustees: Ms Susan Forbes
• Registered Address: 27 Acacia Road, Cantley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN4 6NR

Overview

Cantley Poor's Land Trust, now operating as Lady Ellerker's Trust, was established around 1779 when a parcel of land was endowed to provide income to support local people experiencing hardship. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission under number 224787. A separate legal trust was established in 1964, with the appointment of trustees representing different councils and independent lay trustees.

During the 1980s, trustees sold much of the original land holdings for housing development alongside the M18 motorway, with the proceeds invested to generate annual returns that now fund assistance donations. For the year ending 31 March 2024, the charity reported total income of £207,718 and total expenditure of £256,539. The trust's mission is to provide financial assistance to the poor and needy residing specifically within the ancient parish of Cantley with Branton, Doncaster.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust provides financial assistance in the form of essential household items and equipment rather than cash grants:

• Furniture and Soft Furnishings: Furniture, bedding, carpeting, and curtaining
• Household Equipment: Refrigerators, freezers, cookers, and washing machines
• Decorating Assistance: At trustees' discretion, decorating work or supplies/tools for small projects

How Assistance is Provided

• Payment is made directly to suppliers
• Delivery is arranged directly to the claimant
• For carpeting: The trust arranges for their carpeting supplier to visit and agree on quality and colours within specified maximum amounts
• For furniture: Applicants may visit approved second-hand establishments to select items up to an agreed value
• Gas and electrical items are always supplied fully fitted and tested by qualified suppliers

Priority Areas

• Children and young people in need
• Elderly individuals experiencing poverty
• People with disabilities
• Other defined groups experiencing hardship

What They Don't Fund

• Applicants residing outside the ancient parish boundary of Cantley with Branton
• Cash grants (all assistance is provided directly through suppliers)
• General funding requests not related to essential household needs

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust has approximately eight trustees at any given time, all of whom undergo DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks. The board includes:

• Representatives from Cantley with Branton Parish Council
• Representatives from Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
• Independent lay trustees with no council interests

Key Personnel:

• Clerk to the Trustees: Ms Susan Forbes (info@cantleytrust.org)
• Council Representatives: Councillor Chris Kidger, Mr C Watson

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity for their trustee role. As a registered charity, the Trust submits annual accounts and trustee information to the Charity Commission, which is publicly available.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download the application form: Available from www.ladyellerker.org or www.cantleytrust.org
2. Complete the Support Request Form: Provide details of your current circumstances and residency confirmation
3. Submit your application: Via email to info@cantleytrust.org or through the online form
4. Home visit: Trustees conduct one or more home visits to assess need before making a decision

Eligibility Requirements

• Must reside within the ancient parish boundary of Cantley with Branton, Doncaster
• Geographic coverage includes Cantley, Branton, and some of Bessacarr, though boundaries have become unclear due to housing development
• Applicants uncertain about eligibility should contact the clerk to confirm

Decision Timeline

• Applications are assessed by trustees following home visits
• Specific timeframes are not publicly disclosed
• Applicants will be contacted via their preferred communication method

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Contact the Trust directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's documented approach:

• Geographic eligibility is essential: Confirm your address falls within the ancient parish boundary before applying. If uncertain, contact the clerk at info@cantleytrust.org to verify eligibility.

• Demonstrate genuine need: The Trust specifically exists to help “the poor and needy” - applications should clearly outline financial hardship and why the requested items are essential.

• Be specific about what you need: The Trust provides specific household items (furniture, appliances, carpeting) rather than general financial support. Clearly identify which essential items you require.

• Prepare for home visits: Trustees conduct visits to assess need before making decisions. Ensure your circumstances can be clearly demonstrated during this assessment.

• Understand how assistance works: The Trust pays suppliers directly and arranges delivery - be prepared to work with their approved suppliers rather than receiving cash.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strict geographic limitation: Only residents within the ancient parish of Cantley with Branton are eligible - verify eligibility before applying
• Items not cash: The Trust provides essential household goods through approved suppliers, not financial grants
• Home visit required: Expect trustees to visit your home to assess your circumstances
• Long-established charity: Founded around 1779, this is a well-established local trust with a specific poverty-relief mission
• Direct supplier relationships: For items like carpets and appliances, the Trust has established suppliers who handle fitting and installation
• Simple application process: Download the form, complete it, and submit via email or online
• Contact the clerk first if uncertain: Ms Susan Forbes can confirm whether your address falls within the eligible area

References

• Cantley Trust | Lady Ellerker's Trust Official Website: https://www.ladyellerker.org/ -
• Charity Commission Register - Cantley Poor's Land Trust #224787: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=224787 -
• “What We Do” Page: https://www.ladyellerker.org/what-we-do/ -
• “Who We Are” Page: https://www.ladyellerker.org/about/ -
• Cantley with Branton Parish Council Page: https://www.cantleywithbrantonparish.co.uk/parish/cantley-poors-land-trust -
• Doncaster Council Outside Bodies: https://doncaster.moderngov.co.uk/mgOutsideBodyDetails.aspx?ID=232 -