Chipping Sodbury Town Lands Charity

Charity Number: 236364

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Income: £425,482 (2024)
  • Annual Expenditure: £452,282 (2024)
  • Decision Time: Monthly trustee meetings (except August)
  • Grant Range: Individual relief grants for heating/winter expenses; educational grants (amounts vary)
  • Geographic Focus: Parish of Sodbury (Chipping and Old Sodbury), South Gloucestershire

Contact Details

Website: www.chippingsodburytownhall.co.uk

Email: nicola.gideon@chippingsodburytownhall.co.uk

Phone: 01454 852223 (mornings only)

Address: Town Hall, 57-59 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6AD

Note: For grant application inquiries, contact the Clerk at the above details.

Overview

The Chipping Sodbury Town Lands Charity (registered charity number 236364) was established in 1964 under governing schemes dating from 1967, 1977, and 1995. With an annual income of £425,482 (2024), the charity serves residents of Chipping and Old Sodbury parishes in South Gloucestershire. The charity operates through grant-making to individuals and organizations, while also maintaining community facilities including the Town Hall, No. 61 Broad Street, and The Old Grammar School. Its mission encompasses five key objectives: providing financial relief to needy parishioners, promoting education at Chipping Sodbury School, maintaining educational facilities, providing recreational facilities, and supporting charitable purposes benefiting Sodbury inhabitants. The charity has increased publicity efforts to raise awareness and attract more grant applications, with application numbers rising in recent years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Relief in Need Grants

  • Annual unsolicited grants distributed to needy residents of Chipping and Old Sodbury parishes
  • Distributed: £12,000 annually (2024 figure)
  • Purpose: Heating bills and other winter expenses
  • Application method: Both unsolicited (charity-initiated) and application-based

Educational Grants

  • Substantial annual grant to Chipping Sodbury Endowed School Foundation (£10,000 in 2024)
  • Individual educational grants available upon application
  • Support for pupils/students residing in Sodbury parish
  • Application method: Notice displayed in Town Hall window; advertisements in local newspapers during summer holidays

Community Organisation Support

  • Grants to local organizations for facilities and charitable purposes
  • Reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trustees

Priority Areas

  • Financial hardship relief: Heating costs, winter expenses for needy parishioners
  • Education: Support for students from Chipping Sodbury School, educational facilities and further education for Sodbury residents
  • Recreation and leisure: Facilities for community use and leisure activities
  • General charitable purposes: Supporting the wellbeing of Sodbury inhabitants

Eligibility Requirements

  • Geographic restriction: Applicants must reside in the Parish of Sodbury (specifically Chipping and Old Sodbury parishes)
  • Educational grants: For persons residing in Sodbury parish pursuing education or further education
  • Relief grants: For needy parishioners experiencing financial hardship

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly stated, but the charity operates strictly within the Parish of Sodbury and according to its five defined charitable objectives.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustee Structure

The charity is governed by 9 trustees:

  • 3 trustees nominated by the Town Council of Sodbury
  • 1 trustee nominated by the Town Trust
  • 5 co-optative trustees selected by the existing trustee body

Co-opted trustees are chosen based on their “demonstrated strong commitment and links to the town.”

Recent Trustee Appointments

  • Christopher Charles Anderson (appointed 28 May 2025)
  • Patrick Rowley (27 November 2024)
  • David Harper Blower (27 November 2024)

Trustee Meetings

Trustees meet monthly (except August) to discuss and agree on charity matters, including reviewing grant applications for approval.

Key Governance Principles

  • All trustees volunteer their time freely with no remuneration or expenses paid
  • The charity has established comprehensive safeguarding policies for trustees, staff, service users/beneficiaries, and carers
  • Governed by schemes dated 9 March 1967, as amended by scheme of 14 June 1977 and varied by scheme dated 5 December 1995

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Relief in Need Grants: The charity proactively identifies needy residents for unsolicited grants, but applications are also accepted through the Town Hall contact.

Educational Grants:

  • Notice displayed in Town Hall window inviting applications
  • Advertisements placed in local newspapers during summer holidays
  • Contact the Clerk at the Town Hall to apply

General Grant Applications:

  • Submit applications to the Clerk at nicola.gideon@chippingsodburytownhall.co.uk or via phone at 01454 852223 (mornings only)
  • The charity's website includes sections on “How do I apply for support?” and “Grant applications contact”

Decision Timeline

  • Trustees meet monthly (except August) to review applications
  • All grant applications received are reviewed by trustees for approval
  • Typical timeline: Applications reviewed at next available monthly trustee meeting

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the charity notes that:

  • Trustees do not necessarily approve grant applications in full
  • Partial funding may be provided, especially when other funding sources are also available
  • The charity has used publicity to increase awareness and in 2024 saw an increase in grant application numbers

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are publicly stated.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

Geographic eligibility is crucial: Only residents of Chipping and Old Sodbury parishes are eligible. Ensure you clearly demonstrate residency in your application.

Demonstrate genuine need: For relief grants, show specific financial hardship, particularly related to heating costs and winter expenses.

Show connection to local community: The charity values “strong commitment and links to the town,” as evidenced by their co-opted trustee selection criteria.

Consider other funding sources: The charity notes that trustees may provide partial funding when other sources are available, so be transparent about other applications and funding you're pursuing.

Educational grants for local students: For educational support, demonstrate attendance at or connection to Chipping Sodbury School and residence in Sodbury parish.

Align with charitable objectives: Applications should clearly align with one or more of the five stated objectives: relief in need, education promotion, educational facilities, recreational facilities, or general charitable purposes for Sodbury inhabitants.

Application Tips

  • Contact the charity proactively through the Clerk at the Town Hall
  • Watch for advertisements during summer holidays for educational grants
  • Be aware of monthly trustee meeting schedule (no meetings in August)
  • Check the Town Hall window for notices about available grants
  • Demonstrate how your request benefits the Sodbury community specifically

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Strict geographic focus: Only residents of Chipping and Old Sodbury parishes are eligible—this is non-negotiable
  • Small, local charity: With £425k annual income, this charity focuses on local impact rather than large grants
  • Dual approach: The charity both proactively identifies needs (unsolicited relief grants) and accepts applications—don't assume you need to wait to be contacted
  • Partial funding likely: Be prepared for partial rather than full funding, especially if other funding sources exist
  • Education is a priority: Substantial annual grant (£10,000) to Endowed School Foundation shows strong commitment to educational support
  • Monthly decision-making: Plan application timing around monthly trustee meetings (except August) for faster decisions
  • Community connection matters: Demonstrating commitment and links to Chipping Sodbury strengthens applications

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