Colyton Chamber Of Feoffees

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £88,473 (2023 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Monthly meetings
• Grant Range: Individual amounts not disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Colyton (including Colyford)

Contact Details

• Website: www.colytonfeoffees.org.uk
• Email: sarah.charman@yahoo.co.uk
• Phone: 01297 552159
• Address: Colyton Town Hall, Market Place, Colyton, Devon EX24 6JR
• Application Email: sarah.charman@yahoo.co.uk

Overview

The Colyton Chamber of Feoffees is an ancient charity established in 1546 following the purchase of local lands from King Henry VIII for “good, godly and commendable purposes.” With an annual income of £66,888 (2023), this historic institution has served the Parish of Colyton for nearly 500 years. The charity operates through 15 volunteer trustees who meet monthly to consider applications. Having evolved from providing early public services like founding Colyton Grammar School and creating the town's water supply, the Feoffees now focus on supporting individuals in need and providing pump-priming funding to local organizations. Converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2016, they continue their charitable tradition through property rental income and careful stewardship.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Individual Support Grants: Support for young people establishing careers, including tools, textbooks, travel costs
• Hardship Relief: Food, fuel, blankets, and medical treatment for those in need
• Community Organization Loans/Grants: Pump-priming funding for local community projects
• Youth Development: Academic support, overseas volunteering expeditions, specialized training

Priority Areas

• Relief of those in need
• Advancement of education and training
• Citizenship and community development
• Heritage preservation
• Recreational facilities and services
• Parish beautification
• Promotion of industry, commerce, agriculture and horticulture

What They Don't Fund

• Recipients outside the Parish of Colyton (including Colyford)
• Projects without local community benefit

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Governance and Leadership

The Chamber consists of 16 members total, with 4 nominated by the Parish Council and the remainder appointed for specific skills. All serve as volunteers. The Chairman for 2024 is Phil Richards with Deputy Verdun Trott. Each January, a new Chairman is elected, with the Deputy typically succeeding to the role. The organization made history in 2013 by appointing their first lady Bailiff and in December 2021 by appointing their first female Feoffee. A Treasurer oversees accounts while the Bailiff manages administration and processes grant applications.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Written applications should be submitted to the Bailiff via:

• Letter: Town Hall, Market Place, Colyton, Devon EX24 6JR
• Email: sarah.charman@yahoo.co.uk

Applications must clearly demonstrate residency in the Parish of Colyton (including Colyford).

Decision Timeline

• Applications considered at monthly Chamber meetings
• No fixed deadlines - rolling basis consideration
• Notification method not specified

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation

Application Success Factors

The Feoffees prioritize applications that demonstrate clear community benefit within the Parish of Colyton. Their pump-priming approach means they particularly value projects that leverage their funding to secure additional support. Historical precedent shows strong support for youth development, career establishment, and addressing immediate hardship needs. The organization values its role in enabling other funding - as demonstrated by their support to Colyton Parish History Society which helped secure £59,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Applications should emphasize local impact and demonstrate how funding will make a tangible difference to parish residents.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute - applicants must be resident in the Parish of Colyton or Colyford
• Monthly meetings provide regular decision opportunities without fixed deadline pressure
• Pump-priming philosophy means demonstrating leverage potential strengthens applications
• Youth development and career establishment have strong historical precedent for support
• Organization values both individual hardship relief and community development equally
• Nearly 500-year history suggests conservative but reliable funding approach
• Small volunteer trustee base indicates personal knowledge of community may influence decisions

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust
• Provincial Grand Charity of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire
• Faringdon United Charity CIO
• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• Waterside Community Fund
• Axe Vale Festival Limited
• Dartmouth United Charities
• Babington's Charity
• Chippenham Borough Lands Charity
• The Gibbons Family Trust

References

• Colyton Chamber of Feoffees Official Website (www.colytonfeoffees.org.uk) -
• Charity Commission Register (Charity Number 1169081) - Financial data and governance information -
• “CPHS win HLF award to digitise and preserve Chamber of Feoffees unique archive” - Colyton Heritage Centre, 2015
• Colyton Parish History Society - Historical archive information
• Annual Returns 2023 - Total income £66,888, Total expenditure £88,473