David Solomons Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 297275
• Annual Giving: £120,000 (approx.)
• Grant Range: £500 - £1,000 (typically)
• Decision Time: 4 months (review cycle)
• Geographic Focus: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
• Application Method: Rolling - written applications accepted at any time

Contact Details

Address: 2 Highfield Road, Collier Row, Romford RM5 3RA

Email: davidsolomonscharitabletrust@gmail.com

Phone: 01708 502488

Note: The Trust does not have a website. Information can be found on the Charity Commission website.

Overview

The David Solomons Charitable Trust was registered as a charity in June 1991 and operates as a grant-making trust throughout the UK. The Trust has a clear and focused mission: to support organisations providing services or benefits for people with learning difficulties. With recent annual expenditure of approximately £120,000, the Trust distributes around 100 grants annually to UK registered charities. The Trust shows a particular commitment to smaller, local projects that focus on care and treatment of those with learning difficulties, as well as funding research into learning disabilities. In the financial year ending April 2015, the Trust allocated £111,330 to 98 organisations, demonstrating consistent and substantial grant-making activity. Smaller UK charities are prioritised for grant support, making this an accessible funder for grassroots organisations working in the learning disabilities sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Core Grant Programme: £500 - £1,000 (one-off revenue grants)

• Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Reviewed by trustees every 4 months
• Historically, some grants have been awarded up to £8,000, though the vast majority are £1,000 or less

Priority Areas

• Care and treatment projects: Local projects focused on direct care and support for people with learning difficulties
• Research funding: Research into learning disabilities
• Small charity support: Smaller UK charities are actively prioritised
• Direct project costs: Funding specifically for project delivery costs

What They Don't Fund

• Building projects: Capital costs and construction projects are not eligible
• Administrative costs: Core running costs and general administration expenses are not funded
• Organisations where learning disabilities are not the primary focus: At least 75% of beneficiaries must have learning disabilities (or grants must be ring-fenced specifically for the learning disabled)

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by a board of trustees who meet regularly to review applications. Key personnel include:

• Jeremy Rutter - Chair
• Dr Richard Solomons - Trustee (appointed 1999)

The Trust currently has 6 trustees and no employees receiving benefits over £60,000. All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity, with no remuneration, payments, or benefits received from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing and can be submitted at any time throughout the year. There is no prescribed application form or specific format required.

Submission methods:

• Email: davidsolomonscharitabletrust@gmail.com
• Post: The Trustees, 2 Highfield Road, Collier Row, Romford RM5 3RA

Your written application should clearly demonstrate:

• That at least 75% of your beneficiaries have learning disabilities (defined as lifelong conditions affecting everyday life skills, such as Down Syndrome)
• OR that you can ring-fence the grant specifically for people with learning disabilities
• How the grant will be used for direct project costs
• Your charity registration number and details

Some sources reference an alternative correspondence address at 22 Baker Street, London, which may have been a previous contact point.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed by the Trust every 4 months. Some sources indicate that decisions are made at meetings three times yearly in February, June, and October. Older guidance suggested applications should be received one month before trustee meetings.

Timeline: Expect a decision within 4 months of submission, depending on when your application falls in the review cycle.

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly available, the Trust's track record demonstrates substantial grant-making activity:

• In the financial year ending 5 April 2015: 98 grants awarded totalling £111,330
• Recent annual expenditure: approximately £120,000-£121,000
• Average grant size: £1,000-£1,135

This suggests the Trust makes approximately 100-120 awards annually. Given that the Trust accepts applications on a rolling basis without a formal application portal, success rates are likely dependent on how well applications meet the strict 75% eligibility criteria.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publish a specific reapplication policy. Given that grants are described as “one-off revenue grants,” successful applicants should not expect repeat funding within a short timeframe. However, the rolling application system suggests that previously unsuccessful applicants may reapply when circumstances change or with improved applications.

Application Success Factors

Critical Eligibility Requirement

The 75% rule is non-negotiable: At least 75% of the people your charity supports must have a learning disability (defined as lifelong conditions affecting everyday life skills, for example Down Syndrome) OR you must be able to ring-fence the grant specifically for the learning disabled population. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate this criterion will not be successful.

Demonstrate Local Impact

The Trust explicitly states it has “a particular interest in supporting smaller, local projects.” Applications should emphasise:

• Local community impact
• Direct service delivery at a grassroots level
• How the project serves people with learning difficulties in a specific geographic area

Focus on Direct Project Costs

Grants are specifically for “direct project costs.” Your application should clearly articulate:

• Exactly what activities or services the grant will fund
• How these costs directly benefit people with learning disabilities
• Avoid including any building costs or general administrative expenses

Smaller Charities Are Prioritised

The Trust explicitly states that “smaller UK charities tend to be prioritised for grant support.” If you are a small charity, emphasise this in your application, as it may give you an advantage over larger, more established organisations.

Keep It Simple

Without a formal application form or complex portal system, the Trust appears to value straightforward, clear written proposals. Focus on:

• Clear demonstration of eligibility (the 75% rule)
• Specific project outcomes for people with learning difficulties
• Realistic budget for direct project costs
• Your charity's local focus and size

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Eligibility is strict: Ensure at least 75% of your beneficiaries have learning disabilities or that you can clearly ring-fence the grant for this population - this is the single most important criterion
• Think small and local: The Trust prioritises smaller charities and local projects, so emphasise your grassroots nature and community focus
• Direct costs only: Only request funding for direct project costs - no building projects or administrative expenses will be considered
• Application timing is flexible: With rolling applications reviewed every 4 months, you can apply when ready rather than rushing to meet a fixed deadline
• Keep expectations realistic: Most grants are £500-£1,000, with £1,000 being typical - don't request more unless you have exceptional justification
• No website means direct contact: Be prepared to engage directly via email or phone if you have questions - the Trust does not maintain a website or online portal
• Track record matters: The Trust consistently awards around 100 grants annually, so competition exists but success is clearly achievable for well-aligned projects

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• THE DAVID FAMILY FOUNDATION
• The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
• THE HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND
• The London Community Foundation
• The Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation
• The Big Give Trust
• THE HADLEY TRUST
• THE JOHN HORSEMAN TRUST
• The Rayne Foundation
• Backstage Trust
• THE SCREWFIX FOUNDATION
• THE SIMON GIBSON CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• The Clare Milne Trust
• The Edward Gostling Foundation
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• P H Holt Foundation
• THE MABS MARDULYN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
• THE NORMAN FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Arts Council of England

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities: David Solomons Charitable Trust (297275). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=297275&subid=0 [Accessed: Multiple dates during research]
• Funding Scotland: David Solomons Charitable Trust. Available at: https://funding.scot/funds/a0RP1000004bJJ7MAM/david-solomons-charitable-trust
• Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum: The David Solomons Charitable Trust. Available at: https://cornwallvsf.org/supporting/funding/the-david-solomons-charitable-trust/
• SCVO: David Solomons Charitable Trust. Available at: https://www.scvo.info/2025/08/22/david-solomons-charitable-trust/
• PAVO Funding News: David Solomons Charitable Trust. Available at: https://pavofundingnews.blogspot.com/2016/06/david-solomons-charitable-trust.html
• Devon Funding News: David Solomons Charitable Trust. Available at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/fundingnews/fund/david-solomons-charitable-trust/
• Charity Choice: David Solomons Charitable Trust. Available at: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/david-solomons-charitable-trust-297275