Dunn Family Charitable Trust
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £240,000 - £300,000
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings
- Grant Range: £500 - £50,000
- Geographic Focus: National (UK), with focus on East Midlands
Contact Details
- Email: contact@rushcliffe.co.uk
- Phone: 0115 945 5300
- Address: c/o Rushcliffe Borough Council, Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7YG
Overview
The Dunn Family Charitable Trust, established in 1986, is a grant-making charity with total assets of approximately £6.5 million as of recent accounts. The Trust operates with an annual grant distribution typically ranging from £240,000 to £300,000. The charity was established by the Dunn family to support charitable causes across the UK, with particular emphasis on education, community development, and social welfare. The Trust maintains a traditional grant-making approach with trustee-led decision making and focuses on organizations that demonstrate clear impact and sustainability.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The Trust operates a general grant-making program with the following typical ranges:
- Small Grants: £500 - £5,000 (for local community projects)
- Medium Grants: £5,000 - £20,000 (for established charities)
- Large Grants: £20,000 - £50,000 (for strategic initiatives, rare)
Priority Areas
- Education and training initiatives
- Community development projects
- Social welfare and support services
- Youth development programs
- Health and disability support
- Arts and cultural activities with community benefit
What They Don't Fund
- Individuals (personal grants)
- Animal welfare organizations
- Political or campaigning activities
- Retrospective funding
- General appeals or circulars
- Overseas projects

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Governance and Leadership
The Trust is governed by a board of trustees who meet quarterly to review applications and make grant decisions. The trustees include members of the Dunn family and independent trustees with expertise in charity governance and grant-making. The Trust maintains a professional but accessible approach to grant management, with administrative support provided through Rushcliffe Borough Council offices.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are typically awarded through trustee discretion and invitation. Organizations may send an initial letter of inquiry to the contact email address, but there is no guarantee of consideration. The trustees identify potential beneficiaries through their networks and knowledge of the charitable sector.
Getting on Their Radar
The Trust primarily identifies beneficiaries through:
- Trustee networks and connections in the East Midlands region
- Recommendations from previously funded organizations
- Partnerships with local authorities, particularly Rushcliffe Borough Council
- Unsolicited letters of inquiry may be considered if they align closely with current priorities
Decision Timeline
- Trustee meetings held quarterly (March, June, September, December)
- Decisions communicated within 2-4 weeks of meetings
- No formal acknowledgment of unsolicited inquiries
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Organizations that receive funding may reapply after 12 months. Unsuccessful inquiries may resubmit after addressing feedback, though formal feedback is not routinely provided.
Application Success Factors
Based on the Trust's funding patterns:
- Strong local connection or clear benefit to UK communities
- Demonstrable track record of delivery and impact
- Clear, realistic budget with evidence of other funding sources
- Projects that offer sustainable, long-term benefits
- Evidence of proper governance and financial management
- Alignment with one or more of the Trust's priority areas
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Trust operates without a public application process, making relationship building essential
- Focus on establishing credibility through local connections, particularly in the East Midlands
- Initial contact should be brief and professional, highlighting clear alignment with priorities
- Emphasize sustainability and long-term impact rather than short-term projects
- Consider seeking introduction through previously funded organizations or local authority partners
- Be prepared for a longer relationship-building process before receiving funding consideration
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References
- Charity Commission for England and Wales - Charity Details for DUNN FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST (297389)
- Charity financial records and annual returns via Charity Commission database
- Contact information verified through Rushcliffe Borough Council directory
- Dates accessed: December 2024