John Martin's Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £950,678 (2023-24)
• Total Income: £1,085,667 (2023-24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Payments typically issued January/February for higher education grants; trustees meet monthly for other applications
• Grant Range: Up to £300 (miscellaneous education grants for ages 4-18); amounts vary for higher education and relief grants
• Geographic Focus: Town of Evesham and certain surrounding parishes in Worcestershire

Contact Details

Address: 16 Queens Road, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4JN

Phone: 01386 765440

Email: enquiries@johnmartins.org.uk

Website: www.johnmartins.org.uk

Grants Portal: johnmartins.benefactorcloud.co.uk

Advice: The charity recommends contacting them first and making an appointment before applying, especially for complex cases.

Overview

Founded in 1714 through the bequest of John Martin, a yeoman farmer from Hampton who lived through the Civil War period (1637-1714), John Martin's Charity celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2014 with a tercentenary service at Worcester Cathedral. The charity operates under a modernized scheme approved by the Charity Commission in 1981, with subsequent amendments through 2022. Originally managing 92 acres of land that generated modest income, the charity's capital grew significantly as Evesham expanded and the land was developed for investment.

With total income exceeding £1 million annually and charitable expenditure of approximately £950,000, the charity maintains John Martin's original philanthropic vision of supporting the poor, funding education, and assisting clergy, now adapted to contemporary community needs. The charity focuses on four key areas: Religious Support, Relief in Need, Education, and Health. It is administered by 10 trustees who meet monthly to review applications, supported by 3 staff members managing day-to-day operations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. General Assistance (Relief in Need)

• Amount: Varies based on need
• Covers: White goods, utility costs, emergency grants, furnishings, disability aids, school uniforms (First School through High School), and potential college clothing assistance
• Application: Online via grants portal, rolling basis
• Eligibility: Residents of Evesham Town who are in conditions of need or hardship

2. Miscellaneous Education Grants

• Amount: Up to £300
• For: School/club trips, music lessons, instrument hire, sports lessons, extra-curricular activities
• Age: 4-18 years inclusive
• Application: Online, subject to income assessment
• One grant per child per academic year

3. Standards of Excellence Awards

• Amount: Not specified
• For: Attaining excellence in sporting, artistic, or musical areas; achievements in the face of adversity
• Age: 4-18 years inclusive
• Recognizes county-level or exceptional achievements
• Application: Online with evidence of achievement

4. Student Grants (Higher/Further Education)

• Amount: Not specified; varies based on financial assessment
• For: HND, Degree (full or part-time), Post-graduate courses, part-time vocational courses
• Age: 16 to State Retirement Age
• Students 25+ subject to full financial assessment
• Application Period: August 1 - October 31 annually for HND/Degree courses; until June 2026 for part-time vocational courses
• Important: Late applications will not be accepted
• Payments typically issued January/February
• Must use online eligibility calculator

5. Pensioner Heating Grant

• Application Period: December 1 - February 28 annually
• For: Assistance with home heating costs
• Age: 65 and over
• Eligibility: Evesham residents

6. Organisation Grants

• For: Organizations supporting Evesham residents aligned with charity's aims (Religious Support, Relief in Need, Education, Health)
• Extended geographic area: Certain local parishes for organizations supporting people with chronic health conditions
• Application: Online via grants portal

Priority Areas

• Relief in Need: Assistance for residents of Evesham experiencing financial hardship or difficult circumstances, including support for children, families, individuals with disabilities, and those on low income
• Education: Promoting educational opportunities from age 4 through higher education and beyond
• Health: Relieving needs of those with chronic health problems and related health issues
• Religious Support: Supporting Christian upbringing and education, clergy support (historical focus maintained in modern form)

What They Don't Fund

• Applications from individuals not permanently resident in the Town of Evesham (except for certain surrounding parishes for chronic health support through organizations)
• Late applications for time-sensitive programs (particularly student grants with firm October 31 deadline)

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Governance and Leadership

Board Composition

The charity is administered by a Board of up to 13 Trustees comprising:

• 1 ex-officio Trustee: The Vicar of Hampton
• 3 nominative Trustees: One appointed by the Vicar of Hampton, two by Evesham Town Council
• 9 co-optative Trustees

Currently, the charity has 10 active trustees, all serving without remuneration, payments, or benefits.

Operational Structure

• Trustees meet monthly to consider applications for assistance
• Day-to-day management carried out by the Clerk to the Trustees and two other full-time staff
• Governance established through schemes dating from March 17, 1981, with amendments in 1989, 1998, 2001, 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2022

Strategic Approach

The charity operates under “a modern interpretation of the wishes of John Martin,” maintaining his 300-year-old philanthropic vision while adapting to contemporary community needs in Evesham.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

All applications must be made online:

1. Visit johnmartins.benefactorcloud.co.uk
2. Create an account or log in with valid email address
3. Application forms become available on the Apply page once logged in
4. Upload required supporting documents (proof of residency, evidence of achievements, financial information as applicable)
5. For student grants, use the online eligibility calculator before applying

Recommended Pre-Application Step: Contact the charity at 01386 765440 or enquiries@johnmartins.org.uk to make an appointment, especially for complex applications.

Application Deadlines

• Higher Education Grants (HND/Degree): August 1 - October 31 annually
• Part-time Vocational Courses: Applications accepted until June 2026
• Pensioner Heating Grants: December 1 - February 28 annually
• All Other Programs: Rolling basis throughout the year

Critical Note: Late applications will not be accepted for time-sensitive programs.

Decision Timeline

• Student Grants: Payments typically issued January/February following autumn application deadline
• Other Grant Programs: Trustees meet monthly to review applications; specific decision timelines not publicly disclosed but appear to be relatively prompt given monthly meeting schedule
• Notification method not specified in public materials

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed. With annual charitable expenditure of £950,678, the charity distributes substantial funding across its various programs.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy or restrictions are mentioned in publicly available materials. Given the rolling nature of most programs and the variety of grant types, applicants may inquire about reapplication possibilities by contacting the charity directly.

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements for Success

1. Geographic Eligibility is Paramount

• Must be a permanent resident of the Town of Evesham for most programs
• Residency documentation is required
• Organizations serving chronic health needs may access slightly wider geographic area including certain surrounding parishes

2. Financial Assessment

• Student grants subject to income assessment using online eligibility calculator
• Students aged 25+ undergo full financial assessment
• Miscellaneous education grants (up to £300) subject to income assessment
• Demonstrate genuine financial need for relief grants

3. Evidence and Documentation

• Provide proof of residency in Evesham
• For Standards of Excellence Awards, submit evidence of county-level or exceptional achievements
• For student grants, provide course details and financial information
• Upload all supporting documents through the online portal

4. Strict Adherence to Deadlines

• The charity explicitly states “Late applications will not be accepted” for student grants
• Application periods are clearly defined and must be respected
• Plan ahead: student grant payments aren't issued until January/February

5. Contact Before Applying

• The charity recommends making an appointment before applying
• Use this opportunity to clarify eligibility, especially if course details are unclear
• Phone: 01386 765440 or email: enquiries@johnmartins.org.uk

Strategic Guidance

Alignment with Founder's Vision: While the charity operates under a modern interpretation, applications that demonstrate alignment with John Martin's original purposes (supporting those in need, promoting education, relieving health issues, supporting Christian values) may resonate with trustees.

One Grant Per Child Rule: For most categories, only one grant per child per academic year is available, so prioritize which program to apply for.

Early Preparation: Given the requirement for supporting documents and the use of online calculators, prepare materials in advance. For student grants, the three-month application window (August-October) requires organized preparation over the summer.

Community Focus: As a charity deeply rooted in Evesham's 300-year history, applications that demonstrate connection to the local community and genuine local need are likely to be well-received.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local Focus is Critical: This charity exclusively serves Evesham residents (with limited extension to surrounding parishes for chronic health organizational grants). Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable.

• Diverse Grant Portfolio: The charity offers grants across life stages from age 4 through retirement, creating multiple entry points for support. Identify which program best matches your client's needs.

• Deadlines are Absolute: The charity's explicit statement that “late applications will not be accepted” for student grants indicates a strict administrative approach. Missing the October 31 deadline means waiting another year.

• Online Applications Only: All applications must be submitted through the online portal at johnmartins.benefactorcloud.co.uk. No paper applications are accepted. Ensure clients have email access.

• Substantial Annual Giving: With nearly £1 million in annual charitable expenditure, this is a significant local funder with capacity to make meaningful grants across its program areas.

• Pre-Application Contact Recommended: The charity actively encourages applicants to contact them before applying. Use this opportunity to clarify eligibility and strengthen applications, particularly for complex cases.

• Financial Assessment Expected: Most programs involve some level of financial assessment. Be prepared to demonstrate genuine need and provide supporting financial documentation.

References

• John Martin's Charity official website. “Home.”. https://www.johnmartins.org.uk/
• John Martin's Charity grants portal. “Programmes.”. https://johnmartins.benefactorcloud.co.uk/Home/Programmes
• John Martin's Charity official website. “About Us.”. https://www.johnmartins.org.uk/about-us/
• John Martin's Charity official website. “Educational Grants.”. https://www.johnmartins.org.uk/how-we-can-help/educational-grants/
• John Martin's Charity official website. “Administration.”. https://www.johnmartins.org.uk/administration/
• John Martin's Charity official website. “300th Anniversary.”. https://www.johnmartins.org.uk/anniversary/
• Charity Commission for England and Wales. "JOHN MARTIN'S CHARITY - Charity number 527473." Register of Charities.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/527473
• Charity Commission financial data for year ending 31 March 2024: Total income £1,085,667; Charitable expenditure £950,678