Clingan's Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £107,845 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies depending on submission timing relative to trustee meetings
• Grant Range: Individual educational grants (amounts not specified)
• Geographic Focus: Christchurch, Dorset and immediate surrounding areas

Contact Details

• Website: www.clinganstrust.co.uk
• Address: David Richardson, Clingan's Trust, 4 Bournewood Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset BH4 9JP

Overview

Clingan's Trust is a historic educational charity established by John Clingan, a wealthy local draper who made his will on 29 July 1714 and died shortly afterwards (in or about 1716), making the Trust over 300 years old. With annual expenditure of approximately £108,000 in 2024, the Trust provides educational grants to young people under 25 who are resident in the former borough of Christchurch and its immediate neighbourhood. The charity operates under governance rules introduced in 1995 following a scheme settled by the Court of Chancery in 1736, and maintains a board of 9 trustees, historically including local civic leaders such as the Vicar of Holy Trinity and the Mayor of Christchurch. The Trust focuses exclusively on supporting educational advancement, career training, and personal development opportunities for young people in its defined geographic area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Trust provides individual educational grants to support:

• Educational expenses for students
• Apprenticeship costs and training materials
• Music and arts education
• Social and physical training programmes
• Career development and training courses

Priority Areas

• Education and training expenses for under-25s
• Apprenticeship support
• Music and arts education
• Social and physical development
• Career advancement programmes

What They Don't Fund

• Applicants over 25 years old
• Individuals outside the Christchurch area catchment (broadly speaking Christchurch, Highcliffe, parts of Bournemouth to the East of the town centre, and other outlying areas to the North and East of Christchurch)
• General living expenses not related to education

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by 9 trustees who meet normally five times per year to review applications and make grant decisions. Historically, the board has included the Vicar of Holy Trinity and the Mayor of Christchurch, maintaining strong ties to the local community. The charity operates with no paid staff earning over £60,000 and trustees serve without remuneration, ensuring maximum funds go directly to beneficiaries.

How to Apply to Clingan's Trust

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted at least one month before the next trustee meeting. The Trustees normally meet five times per year in or about January, April, July, September and November. The Trust is unable to consider applicants who apply within six weeks of the next meeting except in extreme circumstances. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information during the review process. Applications can be submitted through the contact details provided on their website.

Decision Timeline

With trustee meetings held normally five times per year, applicants can expect decisions within approximately 1-3 months depending on when their application is submitted relative to meeting dates. If you do not submit at least a month before the next meeting, your application may not be considered for up to three months.

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available information

Application Success Factors

To maximise your chances of success with Clingan's Trust:

• Clearly demonstrate residency in Christchurch or immediate surrounding areas (the catchment includes Christchurch, Highcliffe, parts of Bournemouth to the East of the town centre, and outlying areas to the North and East)
• Provide evidence of current or previous education in the area
• Be specific about how the grant will support your educational or career development
• Submit applications well in advance - at least one month before the next trustee meeting, ideally six weeks
• Focus on educational, training, or apprenticeship-related expenses rather than general living costs
• If applying for music, arts, or social/physical training, clearly link these to your overall educational or career development

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Historic local charity with over 300 years of supporting young people in Christchurch
• Strict geographic and age restrictions - must be under 25 and connected to Christchurch area
• Educational focus is broad, including traditional education, apprenticeships, arts, and personal development
• Applications accepted year-round but must be submitted at least one month before the next trustee meeting (normally held in January, April, July, September and November)
• Small, locally-focused charity with strong community connections through civic leadership
• No specified grant amounts, suggesting flexibility based on individual needs and available funds

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Talbot Village Trust
• Skyrme Hart Charitable Trust
• The Eight Foundation
• Hays Travel Foundation
• The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust
• Smith Bradbeer Charitable Trust
• The Valentine Charitable Trust
• The Elmgrant Trust
• The Burry Charitable Trust
• The Norman Family Charitable Trust

References

• Clingan's Trust Official Website: www.clinganstrust.co.uk
• Charity Commission Register: Registration Number 307085
• Charity Commission Financial Information: 2024 Annual Return showing income of £88,507 and expenditure of £107,845