John Bristow And Thomas Mason Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £111,562 (2022-23 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: ~4 weeks from submission
• Grant Range: Varies - from small personal grants to £100,000+ for major projects
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Charlwood (1926 boundary) including Hookwood and Lowfield Heath

Contact Details

Website: www.jbtmt.org.uk

Phone: 01293 862734

Email: trust.secretary@jbtmt.org.uk

Trust Secretary: Sam Songhurst

Address: Beech Hay, Ifield Road, Charlwood, Surrey, RH6 0DR

Overview

The John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust (JBTMT) is a historic local grant maker established in 1999 through the merger of two centuries-old charities, with roots dating back to the early 17th century. With recent annual expenditure exceeding £111,000 and total grants of nearly £1.3 million over 24 years, the trust serves the very specific geographic area of Charlwood Parish within its 1926 boundary. The trust owns significant property assets including Charlwood's first school building and supports both individuals and organizations through grants for education, welfare, recreation, and community development. Their strategic approach focuses on meeting local needs while preserving the historic charitable intent of their founding benefactors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Personal Grants: Variable amounts for residents in need, hardship, or distress
• Educational Grants: Support for individual educational advancement
• Organizational Grants: From small awards to £100,000+ for major community projects
• Application method: Request application form by phone, rolling basis

Priority Areas

• Education promotion and educational facilities
• Relief of residents in need, hardship, or distress
• Support for sick, convalescent, disabled, handicapped, or infirm residents
• Recreation and leisure-time facilities
• Community infrastructure and facilities
• Church and religious building restoration
• Local clubs, groups, and schools

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside the 1926 Charlwood Parish boundary that don't benefit area residents
• Direct payments to contractors/builders (must pay through applicant)
• Projects not aligned with the four charitable objectives

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Governance and Leadership

Chair: Alison Martin

Trust Secretary: Sam Songhurst

Trustees: 8 trustees total, including ex-officio, nominated, and co-opted members

• Ex-officio trustees hold position by virtue of another role
• Nominated trustees appointed by bodies such as Charlwood Village Infant School and Parish Council (4-year terms)
• Co-opted trustees appointed for fixed terms

Trustee meetings occur 5-6 times annually to review grant applications.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Contact Trust Secretary Sam Songhurst at 01293 862734 to request appropriate application form
2. Three forms available: Personal Grant, Organizational Grant, Educational Grant
3. Forms also available online at www.jbtmt.org.uk/grant-application.html
4. Submit completed application at least 2 weeks before trustee meeting
5. For major organizational projects requiring full/majority funding: obtain 3 written estimates
6. All applications treated in strict confidence

Decision Timeline

• Trustee meetings: 5-6 times per year
• Application deadline: Minimum 2 weeks before meeting
• Response time: Within 2 weeks after trustee meeting
• Total process: Approximately 4 weeks from submission to decision

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Each application considered on its own merits; unsuccessful applicants may reapply

Application Success Factors

• Geographic verification: Clearly demonstrate residence or benefit within the 1926 Charlwood Parish boundary
• Alignment with objectives: Frame applications within the four charitable purposes
• Documentation for major projects: Provide 3 written, up-to-date estimates when requesting full project costs
• Community benefit: Organizations should clearly articulate how projects benefit area residents
• Timing: Submit well in advance of funding needs given 4-week decision timeline
• Consultation: Contact Trust Secretary for guidance on eligibility before applying
• Invoice management: Be prepared to manage contractor payments as trust pays grants to applicants, not directly to suppliers

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Hyper-local focus requires clear demonstration of benefit to residents within 1926 Charlwood Parish boundary
• Trust has capacity for both small personal grants and major six-figure infrastructure investments
• Phone contact with Trust Secretary recommended before application for eligibility confirmation
• Flexible, merit-based assessment allows for diverse funding requests
• Major community projects with strong local benefit have precedent for substantial funding (£100,000+)
• Rolling application process with regular trustee meetings provides multiple opportunities annually
• Historic trust with 400+ year educational heritage values long-term community investment

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Faringdon United Charity CIO
• Chippenham Borough Lands Charity
• Provincial Grand Charity of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire
• Waterside Community Fund
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• ST ANDREW HOLBORN AND STAFFORD'S CHARITY
• William Kendall's Charity (Wax Chandlers Company)
• THE MANSFIELD BUILDING SOCIETY CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• Colyton Chamber of Feoffees

References

• John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust Official Website. www.jbtmt.org.uk.
• Grant Application Information. www.jbtmt.org.uk/grant-application.html.
• Charity Commission Register. “JOHN BRISTOW AND THOMAS MASON TRUST - 1075971.” register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk.
• “Charlwood Pavilion Project.” Charlwood and Hookwood Community Website. www.charlwoodandhookwood.co.uk/charlwood-pavilion.php.
• Trust Secretary Contact: Sam Songhurst, 01293 862734