Edward Holt Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £490,315 (expenditure 2024)
• Annual Income: £254,680 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Greater Manchester (10 boroughs)
• Established: 1955

Contact Details

Website: https://www.edwardholttrust.org.uk/

Email: edwardholttrust@gmail.com

Phone: 01204 414317

Address: Bolton Arena, Arena Approach, Horwich, Bolton

Online Application: Available via website funding page

Overview

The Edward Holt Trust originated in a 1955 endowment from Sir Edward Holt, owner of Manchester's Joseph Holt brewery. The Trust converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in March 2020, receiving new charity registration number 1188344. The Trust's principal activity is maintaining Holt House in Didsbury, which provides 13 flats of accommodation for older people with limited means, managed in partnership with Great Places Housing Group. Over the last decade, the Trust has sought to have a more strategic impact on disadvantaged people in Greater Manchester by assisting homelessness projects with capital funds and other support costs. The Trust is led by Richard Kershaw, a great-nephew of Sir Edward Holt and Chief Executive of Joseph Holt brewery, who serves as Chair of Trustees. The Trust is one of two family trusts run by Joseph Holt to give back to local community projects tackling issues including homelessness, addiction, and supporting the Manchester community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates an online grant application system accessible through their website. The Trust has historically focused on capital funding for homelessness projects, though also supports other poverty alleviation work.

Priority Areas

• Alleviating poverty and disadvantage in Greater Manchester
• Supporting people experiencing homelessness
• Supporting older people with limited means
• Homelessness projects requiring capital funds
• Disability support
• Small-to-medium-sized voluntary organisations

Geographic Coverage

The Trust operates across all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Manchester City, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford City, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed. The Trust states it “normally only makes grants to organisations with strong relationships in the primary area of benefit and the proposal has the potential to achieve a substantial impact,” suggesting they prioritize established organizations with proven track records.

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Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Richard Peter Kershaw - Great-nephew of Sir Edward Holt and Chief Executive of Joseph Holt brewery. Kershaw has stated the trust is “pleased to offer vital additional funding” to projects supporting vulnerable populations.

Trustees (as of 2024):

• Richard Peter Kershaw (Chair)
• Dr. Ruth Bromley
• Jane Kershaw
• Michael Edward Fry
• Jacqueline Wendy Bird
• Michael John Prior

The Trust has 6 trustees who make funding decisions with “absolute and uncontrolled discretion” according to the charity's governing documents.

How to Apply to Edward Holt Trust

How to Apply

The Edward Holt Trust accepts applications through an online grant application system available on their website at edwardholttrust.org.uk/funding. Applicants should review the grant making policy document before applying.

The Trust welcomes applications from organisations working to alleviate poverty and disadvantage in Greater Manchester, with a preference for small-to-medium-sized voluntary organisations.

Eligibility Requirements

• Organizations must work to alleviate poverty and disadvantage in Greater Manchester
• Preference for small-to-medium-sized voluntary organisations
• Must have strong relationships in the Greater Manchester area
• Proposals should have potential to achieve substantial impact

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for information about review schedules and notification timeframes.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the Trust for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated preferences and funding history, successful applications are likely to demonstrate:

• Strong local connections: The Trust prioritizes “organisations with strong relationships in the primary area of benefit” within Greater Manchester. Demonstrate established presence and community ties.

• Substantial impact potential: Applications should clearly articulate how the project will achieve “substantial impact” on poverty alleviation or supporting disadvantaged populations.

• Focus on homelessness: The Trust has shown particular interest in homelessness projects over the past decade, especially those requiring capital funding for facilities and accommodation.

• Small-to-medium size organisations: The Trust explicitly states preference for supporting small-to-medium-sized voluntary organisations rather than large national charities.

• Capital projects: The Trust has demonstrated willingness to provide capital funding, particularly for homelessness accommodation projects. Applications for building projects, facility improvements, or equipment may be particularly well-received.

• Alignment with poverty alleviation: Clear connection to alleviating poverty and disadvantage among vulnerable populations in Greater Manchester, particularly older people, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.

Recent Funded Projects

The Trust supported the Stop, Start, Go (SSG) Centre in Manchester, which provides accommodation for rough-sleepers seeking employment. The Edward Holt Trust contributed to this £300,000 project alongside Manchester City Council.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is essential: Applications must demonstrate clear focus on Greater Manchester's 10 boroughs and strong relationships within this area
• Consider capital funding requests: The Trust has shown particular interest in capital projects for homelessness accommodation and facilities
• Size matters: Being a small-to-medium-sized voluntary organisation is an advantage rather than a limitation
• Focus on substantial impact: Articulate clearly how your project will achieve meaningful, measurable impact on poverty and disadvantage
• Homelessness is a priority: Projects addressing homelessness appear to be particularly aligned with the Trust's recent strategic direction
• Family brewery connection: Understanding the Trust's origins in the Joseph Holt brewery family and their long-term commitment to Greater Manchester may provide useful context
• Review the policy first: The Trust specifically asks applicants to review their grant making policy before applying - ensure you do this thoroughly

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust
• The Hamilton Davies Trust
• The Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust
• Mw (rh) Foundation
• Lord Leverhulme's Charitable Trust
• Crh Charitable Trust
• Broome Family Charitable Trust
• Barbara And Derek Calrow Charitable Foundation
• The Zochonis Charitable Trust
• Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity Cio

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - Edward Holt Trust (1188344): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5152215/full-print
2. Edward Holt Trust Official Website - About Us: https://www.edwardholttrust.org.uk/about-us
3. Edward Holt Trust Official Website - Funding: https://www.edwardholttrust.org.uk/funding
4. Joseph Holt Brewery History: https://www.joseph-holt.com/history-timeline
5. Joseph Holt Brewery - Sir Edward Holt: https://www.joseph-holt.com/trailblazer-glass/edward-holt
6. Street Support News - “All Systems Go!” article on Stop, Start, Go Centre: https://news.streetsupport.net/2017/10/10/all-systems-go-new-hostel/
7. The Business Desk - “Big day for new homeless hostel”: https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2010969-big-day-new-homeless-hostel
8. Find that Charity - Edward Holt Trust: https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1188344