John Weston Stretton Of Kidderminster Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £128,521 (2023-24)
• Decision Time: 6 weeks (November deadline, December decision)
• Grant Range: Variable, determined annually by trustees
• Geographic Focus: Worcestershire and West Midlands
• Beneficiary Type: Individual medical students only

Contact Details

Website: https://johnwestonstretton.org.uk/

Phone: 01684 368560

Email:

• General: info@johnwestonstretton.org.uk
• Applications: applications@johnwestonstretton.org.uk

Address: 2 Osborne House, 1A Victoria Road, Malvern, WR14 2TD

Overview

The John Weston Stretton of Kidderminster Charity was established on 30 May 2013 under the will of Antony John Stretton, with first bursaries paid in the 2014/15 academic year. The charity honors the legacy of three generations of Stretton family surgeons who provided medical services to Kidderminster from 1856 to 1952. Funded through Antony Stretton's estate—built through his success as a horticulturist and land developer despite severe stroke disability from age 9—the charity had an annual income of £102,196 and expenditure of £128,521 in the financial year ending August 2024. The charity provides a limited number of annual bursaries to medical students with connections to Worcestershire or the West Midlands who are studying at Cambridge University, Barts and The London School of Medicine, or Three Counties Medical School in Worcester.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Medical Student Bursaries: Variable amounts determined annually

• Multi-year support throughout entire medical degree
• Requires annual renewal with progress reports
• Application deadline: November 1st annually

Priority Areas

• Individual medical students only (not organizations)
• Must have lived, studied, or previously studied in Worcestershire or West Midlands
• Must study medicine at one of three specific universities:
• Cambridge University
• Barts and The London School of Medicine
• Three Counties Medical School in Worcester

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations or institutions
• Students without geographic connection to specified regions
• Medical students at other universities
• Non-medical courses
• Postgraduate medical training

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Governance and Leadership

Chairman: David Malcomson

Trustees: Eunice Roberts, Clare Nock, Tim Gulliver, Paul Newrick, Christopher Stretton

Clerk to the Trustees: Jim Quinn

The charity embodies the Stretton family philosophy: “A good doctor is not just a good professional, he is a vital member of a vital community where the talents that he has been given can improve the lot of the members of the community.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Online application form via website
• Downloadable PDF form available
• Submit to: applications@johnwestonstretton.org.uk

Required Information:

• Personal and educational background
• Detailed financial breakdown
• Other funding sources
• Motivation for medical career (first-time applicants)

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: November 1st
• Review: December trustee meeting
• Notification: After December meeting (approximately 6 weeks from deadline)

Success Rates

Not publicly available. Charity describes offering “a limited number” of bursaries annually.

Reapplication Policy

• Continuing students can reapply annually using renewal option
• Must provide institutional progress reports
• Policy for unsuccessful first-time applicants not specified

Application Success Factors

• Geographic Connection: Clearly demonstrate ties to Worcestershire or West Midlands through residence or education
• Financial Need: Provide comprehensive financial information including all income sources and detailed expenditure
• Academic Progress: Maintain good standing (required for renewals)
• Mission Alignment: Show commitment to community-focused medical service, particularly in the regions served by the Stretton family
• Institutional Match: Must be enrolled at one of the three specified medical schools

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Important: This charity funds individual medical students, not organizations. Grant writers for charitable organizations cannot apply.

For eligible medical students:

• Strict eligibility: Must meet ALL criteria - no exceptions
• Multi-year support: Funding available throughout entire medical degree with annual renewals
• Limited spaces: Apply early and demonstrate strong alignment with mission
• Financial transparency: Be prepared for detailed financial disclosure
• Regional focus: Emphasize connections to Worcestershire/West Midlands
• Legacy awareness: Understanding the Stretton family's century of medical service strengthens applications

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The George Drexler Foundation
• The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries General Charity Limited
• Sebright's Educational Foundation
• THE CLIVE RICHARDS FOUNDATION
• Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent
• THE VICTORIA FOUNDATION
• BMA Charities Trust Fund
• The Britford Bridge Trust
• WISPERS TRUST LIMITED
• The Astor Foundation

References

• John Weston Stretton Charity official website. https://johnwestonstretton.org.uk/
• John Weston Stretton Charity. Scholarship Applications. https://johnwestonstretton.org.uk/scholarship-applications/
• John Weston Stretton Charity. Charity Background. https://johnwestonstretton.org.uk/charity-background/
• Charity Commission for England and Wales. Charity Overview: John Weston Stretton of Kidderminster Charity (1152222). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1152222&subId=0