Grays Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £10,000 - £12,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Up to £750 per application
• Geographic Focus: Grays and Thurrock, Essex (hyperlocal)
• Total Distributed Since 1984: Approximately £650,000 across 500+ grants
• Annual Income: £14,526 (2025)
• Annual Expenditure: £9,625 (2025)

Contact Details

Official Name: Grays Public Purposes and Recreational Charity

Working Name: Grays Recreational Trust

Charity Number: 265896

Address: 185f Rectory Road, Grays, RM17 5SH

Email: raysmallcombe@hotmail.co.uk

Phone: 01375 392384

Website: www.graysrecreationaltrust.org

Legacy Website: www.myspace.com/gpprt

Overview

Grays Recreational Trust was established in 1984 following the sale of The Grays Recreational football ground, with an initial capital base of £66,390 after legal expenses. Operating for over 40 years, this small local charity has made a significant impact in the Thurrock community, distributing approximately £650,000 across more than 500 grants to various sporting and recreational causes.

The Trust's mission is to apply its income for charitable purposes, including recreational purposes, for the general benefit of the inhabitants of Grays and the surrounding Thurrock area. As a charity with limited capital, the Trust operates modestly but consistently, making grants primarily to sports clubs and recreational organizations that increase community participation in physical activities. The charity is managed by six trustees who serve without remuneration and maintains an up-to-date reporting status with the Charity Commission.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants for Sports and Recreation

• Grant Amount: Up to £750 per application (maximum the Trust can consider given limited capital base)
• Annual Distribution: £10,000 - £12,000 total per year across all grants
• Application Method: Application form available through website (rolling basis assumed, though not explicitly stated)
• Focus: Sports clubs and recreational organizations in Thurrock

Priority Areas

The Trust focuses exclusively on:

• Sports Clubs: Football, athletics, and other sports organizations based in Thurrock
• Recreational Clubs and Societies: Community groups promoting physical activity and recreation
• Youth Sports: Organizations helping children and young people participate in sports
• Community Recreation: Projects that increase sports participation among Thurrock residents
• Disability Sports: Activities supporting people with disabilities
• Elderly Recreation: Programs for older people's physical and recreational activities

Geographic Limitation

Strict Geographic Restriction: Only organizations and individuals located within Thurrock, Essex, specifically in Grays and the surrounding neighborhood, are eligible. This is a hyperlocal funder.

What They Don't Fund

Given the Trust's specific charitable objects and limited capital:

• Requests exceeding £750 (explicitly beyond their capacity)
• Organizations or individuals outside Thurrock
• Non-recreational or non-sporting activities
• Capital projects requiring significant funding
• National or regional organizations (unless specifically serving Thurrock residents)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (6 total, all unpaid)

• Clive Attwood - Chair (Local solicitor, owner of Attwood & Co. since 1988, active in Thurrock community including Rotary Club and Palmers College governance)
• Ray Smallcombe - Trustee and key contact
• Stuart James Smallcombe - Trustee
• James Marshall - Trustee (appointed 29 November 2012)
• Jennifer Mary Carter - Trustee (appointed 10 November 2013)
• Geraldine Heapy - Trustee (appointed 27 January 2016)

Governance Structure: The charity operates under a scheme sealed on 9 March 1984. Trustees receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits for their service.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Application Form: Complete the application form available on the Trust's website (www.graysrecreationaltrust.org)
2. Contact: Applications can be submitted via email to raysmallcombe@hotmail.co.uk or by phone at 01375 392384
3. Maximum Request: Do not request more than £750, as this is explicitly beyond the Trust's capacity to consider

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a small trust with limited administrative capacity and volunteer trustees, decision timelines are not published. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for current processing times.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. However, the Trust has distributed over 500 grants since 1984, suggesting a consistent pattern of grant-making within their limited capacity.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Given the small pool of funds (£10,000-£12,000 annually) and the local focus, successful applicants should likely wait before reapplying to allow other organizations opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations for Applicants

1. Stay Within Limits: The £750 maximum is firm - the Trust has explicitly stated that requests exceeding this amount are beyond their capacity. Do not ask for more.

1. Geographic Eligibility is Critical: You must be based in Thurrock, specifically serving the Grays area and surrounding neighborhoods. Organizations outside this area will not be funded.

1. Focus on Sports and Recreation: The Trust's charitable objects center on recreational purposes. Applications should clearly demonstrate how funding will increase community participation in sports or recreational activities.

1. Demonstrate Local Impact: With over 500 grants given since 1984, the Trust values projects that directly benefit Thurrock residents. Show clear local benefit and community reach.

1. Small but Mighty: This is a small charity with limited capital. They make numerous small grants rather than fewer large ones, allowing them to support many local causes. Your application should reflect understanding of this model.

• Children and young people
• Elderly/older people
• People with disabilities
• Other charities and voluntary bodies
• General public

Standing Out

• Be Specific About Community Benefit: Clearly articulate how your sports club or recreational organization serves Thurrock residents
• Show Participation Increase: Demonstrate how the grant will help more people participate in sport or recreation
• Keep it Local: Emphasize your roots in and service to the Grays and Thurrock community
• Be Realistic: Request appropriate amounts (well under the £750 maximum) that align with the Trust's capacity
• Equipment and Running Costs: Small equipment purchases, facility improvements, or operational support for local sports/recreation activities are likely priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Maximum Grant is £750 - This is a firm limit due to the Trust's limited capital base. Do not request more.

1. Hyperlocal Focus Required - You must serve Grays and the Thurrock area. This is not negotiable.

1. Sports and Recreation Only - The charitable objects focus exclusively on recreational purposes. Applications must fit this remit.

1. Limited Annual Distribution - With only £10,000-£12,000 available annually across all grants, competition exists even for small amounts.

1. Long Track Record - Over 500 grants in 40 years demonstrates consistent commitment to the community, but also suggests modest grant sizes.

1. Volunteer-Led - Six volunteer trustees manage this charity without pay. Be respectful of their time and provide clear, concise applications.

1. Simple Application Process - Access the form through their website and submit via email. Keep it straightforward given the Trust's limited administrative capacity.

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - Grays Public Purposes and Recreational Charity (265896).. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/265896/full-print

• Grays Recreational Trust Official Website.. https://www.graysrecreationaltrust.org/

• Thurrock Council - Small Grants Information. Community Grants and Funding.. https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/community-grants-and-funding/small-grants

• Charity Commission Financial Data for year ending 8 March 2025: Total Income £14,526, Total Expenditure £9,625

• Historical information: Trust established 1984 from sale of Grays Recreational football ground (£66,390 initial capital after legal expenses); distributed approximately £650,000 across 500+ grants since inception