Marjorie Coote Old Peoples Charity Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £176,998 (2024)
• Annual Income: £156,185 (2024)
• Decision Time: Decisions made in early autumn
• Geographic Focus: South Yorkshire (excluding Doncaster) - specifically the area of jurisdiction of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire
• Application Window: July only

Contact Details

Email: mcop@neillcharities.com

Phone: 01759 322102

Website: www.neillcharities.com/mcop

Registered Charity Number: 226747

Overview

The Marjorie Coote Old Peoples Charity Fund was established in 1958 by Marjorie Wike Coote and registered with the Charity Commission on 16 June 1970. Part of the Neill Charities family of grant-making trusts, the Fund concentrates its support on established charitable organisations working actively for the benefit of elderly people of small means in South Yorkshire. With annual expenditure of approximately £177,000, the charity operates within the historic area of jurisdiction of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, which corresponds to the Sheffield postcode area (“S” postcode) and all of South Yorkshire (excluding Doncaster). The Fund is managed by six volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing charitable impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates a single annual grant program with applications considered once per year at the Annual Meeting of Trustees in early autumn. There is no standard application form.

Priority Areas

The Fund specifically benefits:

• Elderly people of small means who were born in South Yorkshire, OR
• Elderly people who have resided for not less than 20 years in the area of jurisdiction of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire (Sheffield and South Yorkshire)

The trustees prioritize funding for:

• Established charitable organisations working for elderly people
• New initiatives by organisations working for the benefit of elderly people in South Yorkshire
• Services and programs that directly benefit elderly people with limited financial means

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• Applications from organisations outside South Yorkshire
• Organisations without established charitable status

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

• Lady Neill DL - Chair
• Mr N J A Hutton MBE
• Dr C J Lawrenson
• Mrs S D Neill
• Mrs P M Jewitt
• Mr J M G Neill ACA

All six trustees serve on a voluntary basis with no remuneration or benefits. The charity has no paid employees, keeping administrative costs minimal to maximize grant-making impact.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted during the month of July only, with a deadline of 31 July. There is no standard application form. Applications should be submitted by email to mcop@neillcharities.com.

Application Requirements (maximum 4 pages):

1. Organisational Details - Name, registration number, contact information
2. Organisational Structure - Governance, staffing, and operational overview
3. Project Description - Clear explanation of the work benefiting elderly people and how grant funds would be used
4. Financial Statements - Recent accounts demonstrating financial stability

Decision Timeline

• Application Window: July (deadline 31 July)
• Decision Meeting: Annual Meeting of Trustees in early autumn (typically September/October)
• Notification: Following the Annual Meeting

The entire process from application deadline to decision typically takes 2-3 months.

Reapplication Policy

The charity accepts new applications each year. There is no published restriction on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants, though organisations should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and strengthen their applications based on previous feedback if available.

Application Success Factors

The trustees have clearly stated their funding approach: “It is the policy of the Trustees to concentrate their support on established charitable organisations which work actively for the benefit of old people in the area of jurisdiction.”

Key factors for success include:

• Established Track Record: The charity prioritizes organisations with a proven history of working with elderly people. New applicants should demonstrate their experience and effectiveness.

• Geographic Relevance: Applications must clearly demonstrate how the work benefits elderly people in South Yorkshire, particularly those born in the area or who have resided there for 20+ years.

• Focus on Small Means: The charity's founding purpose emphasizes supporting “old people of small means.” Applications should articulate how services reach elderly people with limited financial resources.

• Active Service Delivery: The trustees look for organisations that “work actively” for elderly people - passive or administrative functions are less likely to be funded.

• Innovation Within Experience: While prioritizing established organisations, the trustees have stated they are “prepared to consider support for new initiatives by other organisations working for the benefit of old people in South Yorkshire.” This suggests openness to fresh approaches from credible organisations.

• Concise, Clear Applications: The maximum 4-page application requirement indicates the trustees value clarity and conciseness over lengthy proposals.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Timing is Critical: Applications are only accepted during July, with a hard deadline of 31 July. Miss this window and you must wait a full year.

• Demonstrate Established Credibility: Even if proposing a new initiative, your organisation should have a proven track record of working with elderly populations.

• Geographic Specificity Matters: Clearly articulate how your work serves elderly people in South Yorkshire, particularly Sheffield and surrounding areas within the historic Cutlers' jurisdiction.

• Target Population Clarity: Emphasize how your services reach elderly people with limited financial means - this is central to the charity's founding mission.

• Keep Applications Concise: With a 4-page maximum, focus on the most compelling information about your organisation, your work, and your impact.

• Annual Funding Cycle: Plan ahead for the July application window and autumn decision timeline when budgeting for the following year.

• Part of the Neill Charities Family: Understanding the Neill family's broader charitable work in the region may provide context for the trustees' priorities and values.

References

• Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 226747: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=226747&subid=0
• Neill Charities Official Website - Marjorie Coote Old Peoples Charity Fund page: https://www.neillcharities.com/mcop
• Charity Commission Financial Data for year ending 31 March 2024
• The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire - Geographic Coverage Information: https://www.cutlers-hallamshire.org.uk/the-company-is/hallamshire-sheffield-and-south-yorkshire/