Evelyn Norris Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £74,735 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4 weeks (monthly reviews)
• Grant Range: Not specified - limited funds available
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales

Contact Details

Website: www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk/other-grants/evelyn-norris-trust/

Phone: 020 7831 1926

Email for Applications: ent@equitycharitabletrust.org.uk

General Email: info@equitycharitabletrust.org.uk

Overview

The Evelyn Norris Trust was established in 1968 from a bequest by Evelyn Norris, who originally left two properties to be used as convalescent homes for concert and theatrical professionals. When these properties proved impracticable, they were sold and the proceeds invested to provide holiday grants instead. The trust operates with an annual expenditure of approximately £75,000, focusing exclusively on providing rest, convalescence, and recuperative holiday grants for members of the concert and theatrical professions. Administered by the Equity Charitable Trust since its inception, it serves as a vital safety net for performing arts professionals facing health challenges. The trust is a member of “Acting for Others,” an umbrella organization for theatrical benevolent charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Holiday Grants: Amount not specified (grants for rest, convalescence, and recuperative holidays)
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis with monthly decision meetings

Priority Areas

• Rest and recuperation for performing arts professionals
• Support during convalescence from illness
• Assistance for those undergoing medical treatment
• Holiday grants for those in poor health requiring restorative breaks

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations (only funds individuals)
• Non-performing arts professionals
• General living expenses
• Professional development or training
• Production costs or performance funding

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by 6 trustees including:

• Charlotte Gwinner
• David John Williams
• Linden Walcott-Burton
• Dawn Patricia Hope
• Nigel Jones
• Lord Michael Cashman CBE (founding member of Stonewall, prominent actor and LGBTQ+ rights activist)

The trust operates entirely through volunteers with no paid staff, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing funds available for beneficiaries. Kaethe Cherney serves as Secretary through the Equity Charitable Trust office.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download the ENT Application Form from the Equity Charitable Trust website
2. Complete the application form with all required details
3. Prepare a professional CV demonstrating performing arts career
4. Gather supporting documentation (medical evidence if applicable)
5. Submit via email to: ent@equitycharitabletrust.org.uk

All applications are treated in complete confidence.

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed monthly at the end of each month
• Decisions communicated at the beginning of the following month
• Typical turnaround: 4 weeks from submission to notification

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, though the trust notes it has “limited funds available”

Reapplication Policy

Repeat applications are discouraged. Due to limited funds, preference is given to first-time applicants who have not previously received support from the trust.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's specific focus and eligibility criteria:

• Clear demonstration of professional status: Provide comprehensive CV showing established career in concert or theatrical professions
• Genuine need for rest and recuperation: Clearly articulate health challenges or convalescence needs
• First-time applicants have priority: Due to limited funds, those who haven't previously received support are favored
• Complete confidential disclosure: The trust emphasizes complete confidence, suggesting honest disclosure of circumstances is valued
• Timing considerations: With monthly reviews, applications can be submitted any time but should allow 4 weeks for decision

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This trust exclusively serves individual performing arts professionals, not organizations
• Holiday grants are the sole form of support offered - not general welfare or professional development
• First-time applicants have significant advantage due to explicit preference policy
• Applications are processed monthly, providing regular decision points throughout the year
• The trust operates with complete confidentiality, encouraging open disclosure of health circumstances
• Limited funds mean careful targeting of applications to those with genuine recuperative needs
• Strong professional credentials in concert/theatrical fields are essential for eligibility

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• EQUITY CHARITABLE TRUST
• Grand Order of Water Rats Charities Fund
• THE ACTORS' BENEVOLENT FUND
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• THE JEWISH CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS FUND
• The Victoria Wood Foundation
• THE VINEHILL TRUST
• The Heinz, Anna and Carol Kroch Foundation
• Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund
• The Leach Fourteenth Trust

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales - Evelyn Norris Trust (Charity Number: 260078), Annual Return 2024.
• Equity Charitable Trust Website - Evelyn Norris Trust page: www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk/other-grants/evelyn-norris-trust/.
• Charity Commission Register - Trustee and governance information.
• Acting for Others - Member charity listing.