J W Chapman Earlesmere Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity Number: 223002
• Annual Income: £210,010 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £227,051 (2024)
• Geographic Focus: Doncaster, UK only
• Grant Types: Individual hardship grants and organizational grants
• Application Method: Online application portal (rolling basis)

Contact Details

Address: 4 Priory Place, Doncaster DN1 1BP

Phone: 01302 365374

Email:

• General applications: apply@chapmantrust.org
• Organization grants: grants@chapmantrust.org

Website: www.chapmantrust.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Primary Contact: Sue Ackroyd (day-to-day operations and first point of contact for applications)

Overview

The J W Chapman Earlesmere Charitable Trust, often known as the JW Chapman Trust, was established through the will of the late JW Chapman, who continued a lifelong investment in Doncaster by leaving a substantial cash and property portfolio to help those in need. Registered with the UK Charity Commission (number 223002) and operating as "Doncaster's Safety Net," the trust makes grants to individuals experiencing financial hardship and charitable organizations that benefit Doncaster citizens. The trust is focused exclusively on relief of poverty within Doncaster and has shown recent emphasis on tackling food insecurity and the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis. The trust is governed by four trustees who are persons of high standing in the community and who receive no remuneration for their service.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates two distinct funding streams:

Individual Hardship Grants: Financial support for Doncaster residents in need, typically for essential household items including:

• Beds and mattresses
• Fridges and freezers
• Washing machines
• Carpets
• Clothing

Organizational Grants: Funding for charities and organizations benefiting Doncaster citizens. Grant amounts are not publicly specified, but the trust has made investments ranging from project support to “major investments” in key organizations.

Priority Areas

Current Focus: The trust has demonstrated recent emphasis on addressing food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis.

Funded Areas:

• Youth services and support for young people
• Alcohol and drug misuse support services
• Cancer care and health support
• Food banks and nutritional support
• Poverty relief and essential needs provision

The Key Requirement: All grants must have “a direct impact on Doncaster Residents” - this is the trust's fundamental criterion.

Recent Grant Recipients

• Barnardo's: Multiple projects including the Junction Project for young people
• Aspire: Alcohol and drug misuse work in Doncaster
• Cavendish Cancer Care Sheffield: Supporting Doncaster residents
• Fareshare Yorkshire: Major investment in foodbank provision and cost-of-living support

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust's focus is exclusively on Doncaster residents, so:

• Organizations not serving Doncaster citizens
• Work that does not directly benefit Doncaster residents
• Individual applicants who are not Doncaster residents

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The trust is governed by four trustees who meet regularly to make award decisions and ensure legal compliance:

• Mark Hunter - Chairman
• Lady Neill DL
• Mr M G Gornall
• Mr D G Kirk

All trustees serve without remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. They are described as “persons of High Standing in the Community who have been appointed to guide the work of the charity, consider applications and ensure that the Trust meets its community and legal obligations.”

Operational Team

• Sue Ackroyd: Leads day-to-day operations and serves as first point of contact for applications
• Peter Downie: Trust Visitor who conducts assessments
• Rosemarie Sharp: Trust Secretary

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Organizations: Contact the trust at grants@chapmantrust.org with details about your organization and the specific funding you are seeking, demonstrating how it will directly impact Doncaster residents.

For Individuals: Complete the online application form at form.jotform.com/81391368201352 or contact apply@chapmantrust.org

Application Rules and Restrictions: Available on the trust's website, including specific guidance for professional advisors who may make referrals on behalf of clients.

Decision Timeline

The application process involves multiple stages:

1. Acknowledgement: The Admin Team processes the application and sends acknowledgement
2. Information Gathering: Additional information may be requested if needed
3. Assessment Visit: A Trust Visitor conducts a professional assessment (for individual applications)
4. Trustee Review: The application goes before the next trustee meeting for decision
5. Notification: Applicants are informed of the decision

Trustees meet regularly throughout the year to consider applications. Specific timelines for the complete process are not publicly stated.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented on the trust's website. Applicants should contact the trust directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Requirement is Absolute: The trust's website consistently emphasizes that “the key proviso is that the awards made must benefit Doncaster residents.” Applications must clearly demonstrate direct impact on Doncaster citizens.

Current Priorities Matter: The trust has shown recent focus on food insecurity and cost-of-living impacts. Projects addressing these areas align with current trustee priorities.

Types of Organizations Funded: The trust has demonstrated willingness to fund both large established charities (Barnardo's, Cavendish Cancer Care) and local community organizations (Aspire, Fareshare Yorkshire), suggesting they value both scale and local impact.

Professional Referrals Welcome: The trust maintains a professional advisors portal, indicating they work collaboratively with social workers, housing officers, and other professionals who identify clients in need.

Assessment Process: For individual applications, be prepared for a home visit from a Trust Visitor who will conduct a professional assessment of your circumstances. This suggests the trust values thorough due diligence.

Multiple Projects with One Organization: The trust has invested in "a number of Barnardo's projects," suggesting successful grantees can receive multiple awards for different initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Doncaster-only focus is non-negotiable: Every aspect of your application must demonstrate direct benefit to Doncaster residents - this is the trust's fundamental criterion
• Align with current priorities: With recent emphasis on food insecurity and cost-of-living crisis, projects addressing these needs are timely
• Be prepared for thorough assessment: The trust uses professional assessors and regular trustee meetings, indicating a careful, considered approach to grant-making
• Relationship-building opportunities exist: The professional advisors portal and willingness to fund multiple projects with proven partners suggests value in developing ongoing relationships
• Contact early for organizational grants: Use grants@chapmantrust.org to discuss funding needs before formal application
• Demonstrate direct impact: Applications should clearly articulate how funding will directly benefit Doncaster residents in concrete, measurable ways
• Range of organization sizes funded: Both large national charities with local presence and local community organizations receive funding, so organizational size is less important than impact on Doncaster citizens

References

• JW Chapman Trust official website: https://chapmantrust.org/
• About Us page: https://chapmantrust.org/about-us-2/
• Supporting Organisations page: https://chapmantrust.org/supporting-organisations/
• Make an Application page: https://chapmantrust.org/services/makeapplication/
• UK Charity Commission Register - Charity #223002: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=223002&subid=0
• Charity Choice Directory: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/j-w-chapman-earlesmere-charitable-trust-150061
• Funding for All: https://fundingforall.org.uk/funds/chapman-charitable-trust/