Joyce Wilkinson Charitable Trust Fund

Quick Stats

• Administration: Cumbria Community Foundation (Charity No. 1075120)
• Geographic Focus: Rosley, Westward, Wigton, and Aspatria in North Cumbria
• Grant Range: No minimum or maximum (judged on merit)
• Distribution: Twice yearly
• Priority Beneficiaries: Older adults, children and young people, village facilities

Contact Details

Administered by: Cumbria Community Foundation

Contact Person: Tracy Cheesbrough

Phone: 01900 512395

Email: tracy@cumbriafoundation.org

Website: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/joyce-wilkinson-trust-fund/

Trustee/Accounting Contact:

Bevan Osgood, Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants

Email: Bevan@doddaccountants.co.uk

Phone: 01228 530913

Overview

The Joyce Wilkinson Charitable Trust Fund was established through the estate of Joyce Wilkinson, a lifelong resident of Rosley and Westward who dedicated much of her life to community work in North Cumbria. Upon her death, Joyce left much of her estate to create an endowed trust supporting charitable activities in and around her home villages. The trust operates under the administration of Cumbria Community Foundation (established 1969, Charity No. 1075120) working in partnership with the appointed trustees of the Joyce Wilkinson Trust. The fund makes grants twice yearly to support local voluntary and community organizations, with a particular emphasis on projects benefiting those areas closest to Joyce Wilkinson's home and reflecting her commitment to community life.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Program

• No specified minimum or maximum grant amount
• Applications judged on individual merits
• Particular consideration given to proximity to Rosley and Westward
• Distributed twice yearly

Priority Areas

Primary Focus:

• Projects helping older adults
• Activities supporting children and young people
• Management and maintenance of village facilities (halls, play areas, schools)
• Services operating in or near the specified parishes

Geographic Priority:

• Rosley (highest priority)
• Westward (highest priority)
• Wigton
• Aspatria
• Close surrounding areas in North Cumbria

Funded Project Examples:

• Local play groups and nurseries
• Village hall and community building refurbishments
• Youth group activities and equipment
• Local support groups for health conditions
• Community facility improvements

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (only groups and organizations eligible)
• Projects outside the geographic focus area
• Standard Cumbria Community Foundation exclusions apply

Ready to write a winning application for Joyce Wilkinson Charitable Trust Fund?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

Administrative Structure:

The trust is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation in association with the Trustees of the Joyce Wilkinson Trust.

Cumbria Community Foundation (Charity No. 1075120):

• Registered: 28 May 1969
• Address: Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN
• Manages multiple grant-making funds on behalf of individuals and organizations
• Makes grants targeting children, young people, older people, people with disabilities, unemployed individuals, and those on low incomes

Professional Support:

Bevan Osgood of Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants provides accounting and trust services. Bevan is a Chartered Tax Adviser, founding member of the Cumbria and South West Scotland branch of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are managed through Cumbria Community Foundation's grant application process. Contact Tracy Cheesbrough to discuss eligibility and obtain application materials.

Application Route:

• Contact Cumbria Community Foundation
• Discuss project eligibility and alignment with fund priorities
• Submit application through foundation's process
• Emphasis on demonstrating benefit to the specified parishes

Decision Timeline

• Grant decisions made twice yearly
• Specific decision dates and timelines available from Cumbria Community Foundation
• Contact Tracy Cheesbrough for current application deadlines and decision schedules

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes not publicly disclosed. However, the flexible grant range (no minimum or maximum) suggests applications are evaluated individually on merit rather than through competitive funding rounds.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies should be confirmed with Cumbria Community Foundation. Organizations are advised to contact Tracy Cheesbrough regarding eligibility for repeat funding.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Proximity is Critical:

Applications are explicitly judged with “particular consideration given to proximity to Rosley and Westward.” Organizations based in or primarily serving these two villages will have the strongest advantage, followed by those in Wigton and Aspatria.

Align with Joyce's Values:

The fund honors Joyce Wilkinson's lifetime commitment to village life and community work. Applications should demonstrate how projects strengthen community bonds, support village life, and reflect the values of a woman who dedicated herself to her local area.

Focus on Priority Demographics:

While the fund is open to various community projects, explicit priority is given to projects helping:

• Older adults (reflecting the aging population in rural communities)
• Children and young people (investing in the future of rural villages)

Village Infrastructure Matters:

Projects involving the management, maintenance, or improvement of village facilities (halls, play areas, schools) are specifically highlighted. These represent the physical infrastructure of community life that Joyce Wilkinson valued.

Demonstrate Community Benefit:

Applications should clearly articulate how the project benefits the local community, particularly in small, rural parish settings. Evidence of community support and involvement will strengthen applications.

Flexible Funding Approach:

With no set minimum or maximum, applicants can request what they genuinely need. This suggests the trustees are pragmatic and will consider projects of varying scales, from small equipment purchases to larger facility improvements.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geography is paramount: Organizations based in Rosley and Westward have the strongest advantage; proximity to these villages is the single most important factor.

• Rural community focus: This fund exists specifically to support small, rural community organizations—exactly the type often overlooked by larger funders.

• Two opportunities per year: With twice-yearly distribution, timing your application correctly is important; contact the foundation early to ensure you don't miss a decision cycle.

• No standardized amounts: The absence of minimum or maximum grant levels means you can request genuinely needed amounts, but also means competition isn't limited by funding bands.

• Personal legacy matters: Frame applications in terms of strengthening village life and community bonds—values Joyce Wilkinson embodied throughout her life.

• Professional administration with local knowledge: While administered by Cumbria Community Foundation (ensuring professional grant management), the fund retains independent trustees who understand the local area.

• Pre-application contact encouraged: Tracy Cheesbrough can provide guidance on fit and timing before you invest significant effort in a full application.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
• The David Snowdon Trust
• THE ALAN EDWARD HIGGS CHARITY
• The Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust
• The Roselands Charitable Trust
• The Harold and Alice Bridges Charity
• THE ERIC WRIGHT CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE BALLINGER CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation
• John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust

References

1. Cumbria Community Foundation - Joyce Wilkinson Charitable Trust Fund page

https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/joyce-wilkinson-trust-fund/

Accessed: January 2026

1. Funds for NGOs - Joyce Wilkinson Charitable Trust Fund profile

https://www2.fundsforngos.org/latest-funds-for-ngos/joyce-wilkinson-charitable-trust-fund-united-kingdom/

Accessed: January 2026

1. UK Charity Commission - Cumbria Community Foundation (Charity No. 1075120)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/3960945/full-print

Accessed: January 2026

1. Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants - Bevan Osgood profile

https://www.doddaccountants.co.uk/about-us/our-team/bevan-osgood

Accessed: January 2026