Gerald Palmer Eling Trust Company

Charity Number: 1100869

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £200,000-£250,000 (estimated based on historical data)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed 3 times per year (approximately 4 months between meetings)
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £25,000
  • Geographic Focus: West Berkshire and neighboring counties (Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey)

Contact Details

Address: Eling Estate Office, Wellhouse Lane, Hermitage, Newbury, Berkshire, RG18 9UF

Email: charities@elingestate.co.uk

Phone: 01635 200268

Website: www.elingestate.co.uk

Note: Due to high application volumes, not all applications will receive acknowledgement.

Overview

The Gerald Palmer Eling Trust Company (registered charity 1100869) was incorporated in 2003 and manages a rural estate of approximately 5,000 acres near Newbury in West Berkshire. Founded by the late Gerald Palmer—an author, book translator, former Conservative MP for Winchester (1935-1945), and Commissioner for the Forestry Commission—the estate comprises agricultural land, woodland (approximately 1,200 acres), and residential and commercial properties. Gerald Palmer was particularly known for translating the Philokalia, an Eastern Orthodox spiritual text, into English. The Trust's activities include professional estate management, long-term woodland management for public benefit, and charitable grant distribution. The Trust typically distributes grants totaling over £200,000 annually to registered charities working in West Berkshire and surrounding counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Project grants generally range from £1,000 to £25,000 and are awarded to established registered charities. The Trust favors project-specific funding rather than general running costs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with trustees meeting three times annually to consider requests.

Priority Areas

The Trust considers applications that fit into one or more of the following categories:

  • Christian Religion: Advancement of the Christian religion, particularly the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches
  • Community and Education: Community facilities, educational provision, and support services
  • Social and Welfare: Social welfare support, therapy services, relief of sickness and poverty
  • Medical Research: Medical research and support
  • Conservation and Heritage: Conservation, heritage, and arts projects
  • Youth Services: Youth and community development

What They Don't Fund

  • Overseas charities or projects
  • Applications from organizations not in West Berkshire or neighboring counties (Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey)
  • General running costs (preference given to project funding)
  • Individuals
  • Non-registered charities
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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is managed by a board of trustees who meet three times per year to review grant applications and oversee estate management. The company was incorporated on 17 April 2003 with officers including experienced professionals such as chartered surveyors and lecturers. The Trust operates as both a land management organization and a grant-making charity, with significant woodland holdings managed for environmental and public amenity purposes alongside the estate's commercial activities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing and must include:

  • A covering letter explaining the project and funding request
  • A copy of the charity's most recent accounts
  • Confirmation of registered charity status

Send applications to:

Eling Estate Office, Wellhouse Lane, Hermitage, Newbury, Berkshire, RG18 9UF

Or email: charities@elingestate.co.uk

Decision Timeline

  • Trustees meet three times per year to consider applications
  • This means approximately 4 months between decision meetings
  • Due to high application volumes, not all applications will receive acknowledgement
  • Successful applicants will be notified following trustee meetings

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Trust notes receiving a high volume of applications, suggesting competition for funding is significant.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not explicitly stated. Applicants should contact the Trust directly if their initial application is unsuccessful to inquire about reapplication timelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and approach, successful applications are likely to demonstrate:

  • Clear geographic relevance: Strong connection to West Berkshire or immediately neighboring counties
  • Project-specific focus: Well-defined projects with clear outcomes rather than general operational funding
  • Alignment with priority areas: Particularly strong alignment with Orthodox Christian work, community facilities, social welfare, or conservation projects
  • Established track record: Applications from well-established registered charities with solid financial management
  • Recent accounts: Up-to-date financial documentation showing responsible charity governance

The Trust's heritage suggests particular interest in:

  • Orthodox Christian churches and religious organizations
  • Environmental and woodland conservation projects
  • Community facilities serving local populations
  • Projects addressing poverty and social welfare needs in rural communities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic specificity is critical: Ensure your work clearly relates to West Berkshire or one of the six neighboring counties (Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey)
  • Frame requests as projects, not core costs: The Trust explicitly prefers funding discrete projects rather than general running expenses
  • Plan for long decision cycles: With only three trustee meetings per year, build in adequate time for the application and decision process
  • Don't expect acknowledgement: High application volumes mean you may not receive confirmation of receipt, so consider following up if critical
  • Grant range is substantial: With grants up to £25,000 available, this can be a significant funder for appropriately sized projects
  • Orthodox Church connections valued: If your work relates to Greek or Russian Orthodox churches, emphasize this connection
  • Include complete documentation: Always submit recent accounts and demonstrate solid charity governance

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