Gwendoline And Margaret Davies Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £379,218 (2023-24)
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £10,000 (Main Grants); up to £2,000 (Small Grants)
• Geographic Focus: Wales only
• Application Schedule: Rolling deadlines throughout the year
• Income Threshold: Generally do not fund charities with income over £1 million

Contact Details

Website: https://daviescharity.org.uk

Email: applications@daviescharity.org.uk

General Enquiries: daviescharities@gmail.com

Phone: 07539 141215

Address: Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown, Powys SY16 2EH

Director: Heather Black

Chair: Daniel Davies

Overview

The Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity (registered charity number 235589) was established following the death of Margaret Davies in 1963 to continue the philanthropic legacy of sisters Gwendoline (1882-1951) and Margaret (1884-1963) Davies. The sisters, granddaughters of industrialist David Davies of Llandinam, were raised in Calvinistic Methodist traditions and believed in “putting their wealth to use in the service of those less fortunate.” Their enduring legacy includes gifting 260 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks to the National Museum Wales, establishing the renowned Gregynog Press, and donating Gregynog Hall to the University of Wales. Today, the charity distributes approximately £379,000 annually to registered charities across Wales, focusing on small and local organizations while also supporting projects of national significance in the arts, education, health, and social welfare.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants: Up to £2,000

• Application method: Email application letter, budget, and annual accounts to applications@daviescharity.org.uk
• Deadlines: End of February, April, June, August, October, and December

Main Grants: £2,000 - £10,000

• Application method: Email completed application form, budget, and annual accounts to applications@daviescharity.org.uk
• Deadlines: End of January, May, and September

Priority Areas

The charity supports organizations and projects that benefit:

• The Arts: Music organizations, arts projects, prominent national arts institutions, and cultural programs
• Education: Educational initiatives, youth programs, and projects promoting learning
• Health: Health services and wellbeing initiatives
• Social Welfare: Projects supporting vulnerable individuals, remote and disadvantaged communities

Special consideration is given to:

• Music and the arts (reflecting the sisters' passion for music at Gregynog)
• Projects in remote and disadvantaged communities
• Organizations providing services to vulnerable individuals
• Youth-focused initiatives
• Prominent national arts organizations
• Projects of national significance in education, music, and the arts

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations with annual incomes over £1 million
• Organizations without registered charity status in the UK
• Organizations without a presence in Wales
• Projects where primary beneficiaries are based outside Wales

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees:

• Daniel Davies (Chair)
• Heather Black (Director)
• Zoe Quick
• Dr. Denis Balsom
• Thomas Williams
• Elinor Gilbey
• Edd Rayner

The charity operates from Plas Dolerw in Newtown, Powys, continuing the philanthropic vision established by the Davies sisters over 60 years ago.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Small Grants (up to £2,000):

Email your application to applications@daviescharity.org.uk including:

• Letter of application
• Budget for the project
• Copy of your most recent annual accounts

For Main Grants (£2,000 - £10,000):

Email your application to applications@daviescharity.org.uk including:

• Completed application form
• Detailed budget for the project
• Copy of your most recent annual accounts

Applicants must be registered charities with a presence in Wales, and the primary beneficiaries of the grant must be based in Wales.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed according to the deadline schedule:

• Small Grants deadlines: End of February, April, June, August, October, December (6 rounds per year)
• Main Grants deadlines: End of January, May, September (3 rounds per year)

Decision timelines following each deadline are not publicly specified, though the charity operates on a regular grant-making cycle aligned with these deadlines.

Success Rates

Specific success rates and numbers of applications received versus grants awarded are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants are encouraged to contact the charity directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

While the charity does not publish detailed guidance on what makes applications successful, insights can be drawn from their funding priorities and legacy:

Alignment with Davies Sisters' Values: The charity continues the philanthropic vision of Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, who were deeply committed to:

• Music and the arts (they founded the Gregynog Press and hosted music festivals)
• Serving those less fortunate (rooted in their Methodist upbringing)
• Supporting Welsh communities and culture
• Enriching lives through cultural experiences

Evidence from Funded Projects: Recent grants have included:

• Music education programs such as support for the North Powys Youth Orchestra
• Inclusive community projects like 44 music sessions at Bedwas Workmen's Hall by Inside Out Cymru, offering services to vulnerable individuals with a focus on inclusivity, togetherness, and wellbeing

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a registered charity
• Must have a presence in Wales
• Primary beneficiaries must be based in Wales
• Generally do not fund organizations with incomes over £1 million (preference for small and local organizations)

Documentation Requirements: Applications must include a clear budget and recent annual accounts, suggesting the charity values financial transparency and clear project planning.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Welsh Focus is Mandatory: All applicants must be registered charities with a presence in Wales, and beneficiaries must be Wales-based—this is non-negotiable.
• Small and Local Organizations Preferred: The charity explicitly focuses on supporting smaller charities and generally excludes those with incomes over £1 million.
• Arts and Music Have Historical Significance: Given the Davies sisters' renowned legacy in art collecting and music patronage (Gregynog Press, music festivals, art donations), projects in these areas may resonate strongly.
• Choose the Right Grant Stream: Small Grants (up to £2,000) have more frequent deadlines (6 per year), while Main Grants (£2,000-£10,000) have only 3 deadlines annually—plan accordingly.
• Clear Budgets Essential: Both grant types require a detailed budget alongside accounts, indicating the charity values financial planning and accountability.
• Vulnerable Communities and Youth: Projects serving disadvantaged communities, remote areas, or vulnerable individuals align with the charity's Methodist-rooted values of service to those less fortunate.
• Straightforward Application Process: Unlike many funders, the process is relatively simple—email with application materials rather than complex online portals.

References

• Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity official website: https://daviescharity.org.uk
• Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 235589: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/235589
• Making Music: The Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity funding opportunity: https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/funding-opportunity/gwendoline-and-margaret-davies-charity
• Inside Out Cymru grant announcement: https://inside-out-cymru.org/coming-soon-thanks-to-the-gwendoline-and-margaret-davies-charity/
• Gregynog: The Davies Sisters: https://www.gregynog.org/about-and-history/davies-sisters/
• RCAHMW: The pioneering Davies Sisters of Gregynog: https://rcahmw.gov.uk/the-pioneering-davies-sisters-of-gregynog/
• Financial year ending 5 April 2024: Total charitable expenditure £379,218 (Charity Commission data)