Greenham Trust Ltd

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £82 million+ (since 1997, cumulative)
• Success Rate: 50% (first consideration), <20% (second consideration)
• Decision Time: 6-8 weeks (committee meets twice yearly)
• Grant Range: £1,500 - £100,000
• Average Grant: £1,750
• Geographic Focus: West Berkshire and North Hampshire
• Organizations Supported: 5,000+ (since inception)

Contact Details

Website: www.greenhamtrust.com

Email: chris@greenhamtrust.com

Phone: 01635 817444

Contact for Application Support: Jill Owen (01635 817444)

Address: Liberty House, Greenham Business Park, Thatcham, RG19 6HS

Overview

Founded in 1997, Greenham Trust Ltd is a unique social investment and development charity that has distributed over £82 million to more than 5,000 local organizations. The Trust generates income through property investments at Greenham Business Park and uses these returns to support charitable causes. With total assets of £16.5 million (as of March 2024), the Trust operates exclusively within West Berkshire and neighboring ward areas of North Hampshire. The organization focuses on community development, nature conservation, arts, sport and recreation, and support for disadvantaged groups. In 2022, the Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary and established innovative grant distribution committees, including a Tenant Distribution Committee and Youth Distribution Committee, to broaden community involvement in funding decisions. CEO Chris Boulton emphasizes that “the main focus in everything is always about the community. It really is about improving the lives of people within West Berkshire and North Hampshire.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants: £1,500 - £30,000

• Applications reviewed twice yearly (Spring and Autumn)
• Average grant award: £1,750
• Maximum grant: £30,000
• Application via The Good Exchange platform
• Decision timeline: 6-8 weeks between committee meetings

Major Grants: £30,000 - £100,000

• For capital projects requiring more than £30,000
• Reviewed quarterly
• Matched funding basis: £1 for £1 for newly raised funds
• Typical grants are 25-50% of total project cost
• Maximum award: £100,000
• Application via The Good Exchange platform

Youth Distribution Committee Grants: Up to £1,500

• Maximum annual budget: £15,000
• Maximum per project: £1,500
• Young people from local schools participate in decision-making

Tenant Distribution Committee: Up to £100,000 annually

• Key tenants from Greenham Business Park allocate funding
• Established in 2022 as part of 25th anniversary initiatives

Priority Areas

Community Development: Small grants to local groups and clubs requiring financial support to sustain operations

Arts, Heritage and Science:

• Outdoor events and Culture-fest
• Music event production costs and musical instruments
• Local theatre group production costs, venue hire, and artiste fees
• Science programs in primary and secondary schools

Sports and Recreation:

• Strong focus on inclusivity (walking football, cricket for partially sighted)
• Projects getting children active in sport
• Programs for people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities
• Sports club development and facilities

Nature Conservation and Environmental Initiatives: Projects supporting environmental sustainability and conservation

Support for Disadvantaged Groups:

• Resource centers for disadvantaged communities
• Human rights and diversity initiatives
• Multicultural events
• Respite breaks for vulnerable groups

Rural Communities: Specific support for local rural community initiatives

What They Don't Fund

General Exclusions:

• General appeals or donation requests without full application
• Projects for items/refurbishment that are the landlord's responsibility
• Organizations providing funding in their own name (partnerships considered)
• Core statutory educational items mandated by Local Education Authority
• Projects that have already taken place
• Multiple projects from the same organization in the same grant round

Transport:

• Minibuses and transport considered statutory responsibility (e.g., school transport)
• Exception: Rural community transport or minibuses shared by several community groups with demonstrable regular use

Activities and Education:

• Camps, holidays, expeditions for school/youth groups, Scouts/Guides
• Exception: Respite breaks via registered charities for vulnerable/disadvantaged groups
• Education for individual students
• Exception: The Greenham Scholar Scheme for high-achieving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

Religious Projects: Generally not funded

• Exception: Projects in religious settings with clear wider community use (e.g., church hall refurbishment with strong community use)

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Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive: Chris Boulton

Chris Boulton leads the organization with a strong commitment to community impact and sustainability. He states: "We are all getting more aware of sustainability. It's a key word. This is a long-term role and you're leaving behind a legacy. What we do now can have a big impact." On the Trust's emergency response during COVID-19, Boulton noted: “The best people to deliver assistance were local charities,” demonstrating the Trust's collaborative approach.

Chair of Board of Trustees: Charles David Brims

Trustees:

• Biddy Hayward (Director, appointed 2014)
• Fiona Kathleen Spencer-Jones (Chartered Surveyor, appointed 2018)
• Gavin John Thistlethwaite (Finance Director, appointed 2024)
• Julian Cazalet (Company Director, appointed 2011)
• Justin Barnes (Investor and Director, appointed 2022)
• Justyn Miles Wilson Waterworth (Company Director, appointed 2019)

The Trust operates with a strong governance structure including multiple distribution committees that meet regularly throughout the year, approximately every 6-8 weeks.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through The Good Exchange, an online matching service for fundraisers and funders.

Application Process:

1. Register your project on The Good Exchange platform (accessible via greenhamtrust.com)
2. Allow one week for application verification and to go live on The Good Exchange
3. Submit complete application following their guidelines
4. Applications considered at next available committee meeting

Community Grants: Applications accepted on a rolling basis for consideration at the next Spring or Autumn committee meeting

Major Grants: Applications reviewed quarterly

Pre-Application Support: Contact Jill Owen (01635 817444 or email) for help with registration, application completion, and guidance on eligible project types

Decision Timeline

Community Grants: Distribution Committee meets twice yearly (Spring and Autumn)

• Applications can be added at any time for consideration at next meeting
• Grant committees meet roughly every 6-8 weeks
• If seeking funding for Summer/early Autumn projects, apply for consideration in April

Major Grants: Reviewed quarterly by the Trust

Notification: After committee decisions are made, applicants are notified of outcomes

Success Rates

• First Consideration: 50% of projects awarded funding
• Second Consideration: Less than 20% of projects awarded funding
• The Trust does not normally fund multiple projects from the same organization in the same grant round

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants was not detailed in public materials. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust directly for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Co-Funding: “Applications are more likely to be considered positively if applicants can demonstrate that they have already raised some funding towards the project.” The Trust rarely provides 100% funding.

Matched Funding for Major Grants: Major grants operate on a £1 for £1 matched funding basis for newly raised funds from personal/corporate donations, fundraising activities, local authorities, and other charitable organizations.

Strong Community Benefit: The Trust prioritizes projects with clear community impact. As CEO Chris Boulton states: “The main focus in everything is always about the community.”

Inclusivity in Sports: When applying for sports-related funding, demonstrate inclusivity and programs that serve people with disabilities, disadvantaged backgrounds, or aim to get children active.

Use The Good Exchange: “By listing your project on The Good Exchange, you are maximising your chances of securing multiple donations and grants from different sources.”

Geographic Alignment: Ensure your project serves West Berkshire or neighboring ward areas of North Hampshire (Newbury and environs)

Recent Funded Projects Examples:

• £200,000 matched funding for community pavilion (£1 million+ total project)
• £181,696 to West Berkshire Museum for refurbishment
• £500,000 matched funding for major community project
• Scout facility replacement projects
• Cricket club pavilion developments with accessibility improvements

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

• Don't submit general appeal letters; complete the full application via their website
• Don't apply for projects already completed
• Don't request funding for landlord responsibilities
• Don't apply for 100% funding; show you've raised other sources

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Match funding is critical: For major grants, demonstrate £1 for £1 matched funding from other sources; for community grants, show you've already raised some funding to significantly improve your chances
• Timing matters: Apply well in advance (if seeking Summer funding, apply by April for Spring committee consideration)
• Leverage The Good Exchange: Using their required platform opens opportunities for multiple funding sources beyond Greenham Trust
• Emphasize community impact and inclusivity: Projects serving disadvantaged groups, promoting inclusivity in sports, or supporting rural communities align strongly with Trust priorities
• Seek pre-application support: Contact Jill Owen before applying for guidance—the Trust actively encourages applicants to reach out for help
• Geographic focus is strict: Projects must serve West Berkshire and neighboring North Hampshire ward areas
• Build sustainable legacy: CEO Chris Boulton emphasizes long-term impact and sustainability; frame your project in these terms

References

1. Greenham Trust Official Website - greenhamtrust.com
2. Charity Commission - Register of Charities, GREENHAM TRUST LTD (1062762) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk
3. Find That Charity - GB-CHC-1062762 Greenham Trust Ltd - https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1062762
4. The Good Exchange - Greenham Trust Ltd - https://app.thegoodexchange.com/funders/10803/greenham-trust-ltd
5. Estates Gazette Interview: "Greenham Trust's Chris Boulton on property with purpose" - https://www.estatesgazette.co.uk
6. Charity Times: “Leadership diaries: A charity CEO on transitioning away from Zoom” - https://www.charitytimes.com
7. Newbury Today: “What is Greenham Trust?” - https://www.newburytoday.co.uk
8. FundsForNGOs: “Greenham Trust: Call for Applications from Charitable Organisations (UK)” - https://www2.fundsforngos.org