Guildford Poyle Charities

Quick Stats

• Annual Expenditure: £207,171 (2024)
• Annual Income: £130,099 (2024)
• Grant Range: Up to £7,500 (organizations); variable for individuals
• Decision Time: 2-3 weeks (individuals); quarterly (organizations)
• Geographic Focus: Central Guildford (GU1, GU2, parts of GU3 and GU4)
• Annual Distribution: Approximately 250 grants

Contact Details

Office Address: 208 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3JB

Phone: 01483 303678

Email: admin@guildfordpoylecharities.org

Website: www.guildfordpoylecharities.org

Overview

Guildford Poyle Charities was established nearly 400 years ago by Henry Smith (1549-1628), a wealthy benefactor who left money in his will to help vulnerable people in need or distress in Guildford. His legacy was invested wisely in property in the town of Guildford and over the centuries gained value. The charity's first formal constitution was published on 27 June 1879 when a Scheme was registered with the Charity Commission. In 2011, the charity completely revised its constitution and objects to bring them up-to-date with modern thinking, though its work remains true to its ancient purpose of helping the most vulnerable in Guildford. The charity is registered as charity number 1145202 and operates as a charitable company limited by guarantee. Today, the charity provides relief of financial hardship and enables social inclusion for vulnerable populations including the unemployed, elderly, and marginalized groups within central Guildford.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Organizational Grants: Up to £7,500

• Grants reviewed three times annually (March, June, November)
• Supports a wide variety of projects including running costs if a case can be made
• Application deadline: one month before trustee meeting
• Requires latest accounts and detailed project information
• Mandatory evaluation report required after project completion

Individual Grants: Variable amounts

• Rolling applications reviewed every 2-3 weeks
• Covers kitchen items/appliances, furniture, clothing, travel and training costs
• Professional referral letter strongly recommended
• Does NOT cover basic necessities like food, rent, or utility bills

Priority Areas

Organizations and individuals must serve or reside in central Guildford (GU1, GU2, parts of GU3 and GU4). The charity has funded diverse initiatives including:

• Educational programs (parenting classes)
• Technology upgrades and equipment
• Supported housing furnishings
• Youth services and clubs
• Financial advisory services (e.g., multi-year grant to CAB Guildford)
• Programs addressing social isolation and school exclusion

Organizations must “operate in ways that have regard to equality of opportunity and inclusiveness.”

What They Don't Fund

For individuals: food, rent, or utility bills (basic necessities)

Ready to write a winning application for Guildford Poyle Charities?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by a board of 14 trustees who are also directors of the company. The current trustees are:

• Andrew William Hamilton (appointed May 2024)
• John Warchus (appointed May 2024)
• Amanda Creese
• Audrey Elizabeth Howells
• Kathryn Mills
• Matthew John Christopher Roberts
• Robert John Kiley
• Alison Susan Bass
• Sandra Elisabeth Robinson
• Moyra Clare Matravers
• Michael David Evans
• Debbie Drury
• Tim Metson
• Matthew Gray

The trustees meet quarterly, though committees meet more frequently to assess grant applications and other matters. Guildford Borough Council is responsible for nominating some trustees, and at each AGM, one-quarter of the trustees must retire by rotation. No trustees receive remuneration or benefits. The charity maintains formal policies for conflict of interest, risk management, safeguarding, and financial controls.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply - Organizations

1. Send applications one month before the next trustee meeting

2026 Meeting Schedule:

• Deadline: 19 February → Meeting: 19 March
• Deadline: 14 May → Meeting: 18 June
• Deadline: 8 October → Meeting: 5 November

Late submissions are held until the next meeting cycle.

How to Apply - Individuals

1. Contact the office to request an application form (or download from website)
2. Include as much information as possible about circumstances and reason for the grant
3. Ideally obtain a referral letter from a professional who knows your circumstances (e.g., Home School Link Worker, housing support worker, or social worker)
4. Submit via email or post
5. For school uniforms and residential trips, applications go through the child's Home School Link Worker

Decision Timeline

Organizations:

• Applications reviewed three times per year at trustee meetings
• Applicants receive email notification of decision as soon as possible after the meeting
• Successful applicants must sign a “Conditions of Grant” form
• Grants transferred via BACS once form received

Individuals:

• Applications reviewed by trustees every 2-3 weeks
• Decision communicated by post as soon as possible after meeting

Post-Grant Requirements

Organizations must:

• Use funds solely for the approved project
• Notify the charity of any project changes
• Complete an evaluation report upon project completion or within one year
• Note: “Further applications for grants will not be considered unless a satisfactory evaluation report has been received”

Reapplication Policy

Organizations must submit satisfactory evaluation reports before further applications will be considered. This requirement ensures accountability and allows the charity to assess the impact of their funding. No specific waiting period is mentioned for individuals, though incomplete applications may be returned for additional information.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Specificity: Ensure your clients/beneficiaries clearly fall within the central Guildford catchment area (GU1, GU2, parts of GU3 and GU4). If unsure about eligibility, contact the office before applying.

Detailed Applications: The charity explicitly states that “application forms which do not include enough information will be returned with a request for more.” Provide comprehensive information about circumstances, project details, and intended use of funds.

Professional Support: For individual applications, obtaining a referral letter from a professional who knows your circumstances strengthens the application. For organizations, demonstrating professional partnerships and endorsements can be beneficial.

Clear Evaluation Plans: Applications should include “clear statements of how the funds will be used and how the project will be monitored and evaluated.” The charity takes evaluation seriously and will not consider further applications without satisfactory reports from previous grants.

Equality and Inclusiveness: Organizations are expected to “operate in ways that have regard to equality of opportunity and inclusiveness.”

Running Costs Consideration: While the charity funds various project types, they will consider running costs “if a case can be made.” Be prepared to justify how operational funding will directly benefit people in need.

Multi-Year Grants: The charity has awarded multi-year grants (e.g., CAB Guildford received a three-year grant), indicating they support longer-term projects with sustained impact.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic precision is critical: Verify beneficiaries reside in central Guildford (GU1, GU2, parts of GU3/GU4) before applying
• Submit complete applications: Incomplete forms are returned, delaying decisions. Include comprehensive details about circumstances/project needs
• Time your application strategically: For organizations, plan submissions to meet quarterly deadlines (one month before March, June, and November meetings)
• Professional endorsements matter: Referral letters from professionals who know the circumstances strengthen both individual and organizational applications
• Evaluation is mandatory and impacts future funding: Organizations must complete satisfactory evaluation reports or future applications won't be considered
• Maximum grant is £7,500 for organizations: Structure requests within this limit, though multi-year grants are possible
• Demonstrate alignment with equality values: Show how your organization operates with regard to equality of opportunity and inclusiveness
• The charity distributes around 250 grants annually: Competition exists, so clear articulation of need and impact is essential

References

• Guildford Poyle Charities Homepage
• Grants to Organisations
• The Applications Process
• Grants for Individuals
• About Us
• Charity Commission Register - Full Print
• Charity Commission - Trustees
• Guildford Borough Council - Guildford Poyle Charities
• Companies House Overview

All sources accessed: December 2025