Michael Lowe's And Associated Charities

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £100,000 (approx)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Up to 2 months (meetings held approximately every 2 months)
• Grant Range: No minimum or maximum specified
• Geographic Focus: City of Lichfield only (strictly defined boundaries)
• Charity Number: 214785
• Founded: 1593

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 8680, Burton on Trent, DE14 9QB

Telephone: 07546 966964

Email:

• Clerk: Simon R. James LLB (Hons) - srjames@michael-lowes.org
• Administrator: Jane Bethell - jabethell@michael-lowes.org

Website: www.michael-lowes.org

Overview

Founded in 1593 by Michael Lowe, an attorney and Lord of the Manor of Tymore, this historic charity has been supporting residents of Lichfield for over 430 years. The present scheme was established on 26 June 1980 when several small charities were amalgamated. With an annual expenditure of approximately £100,000 (FY 2023-24), the charity funds its work through property and stock market investments rather than active fundraising.

The charity's mission is to relieve residents of the City of Lichfield who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress, providing grants to both individuals and organizations. Notable initiatives include annual fuel grants for eligible residents aged 67+, assistance with white goods and beds for those in financial hardship, and funding the Lichfield Furniture Transfer Scheme which has helped over 700 families since its inception approximately 14 years ago.

The charity operates under strict geographic boundaries - grants can only be made to or for the benefit of residents within the City of Lichfield (excluding areas such as Elmhurst and parts of Streethay).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Grants (Rolling Basis)

• Winter Fuel Grants: Annual grants for residents aged 67+ with low income or special heating needs
• White Goods and Beds: For individuals suffering financial or other hardship
• General Hardship Grants: For those in conditions of need, hardship or distress
• Application Method: Online form, paper form, or postal application

Voluntary Organizations Grants (Rolling Basis)

• No minimum or maximum grant amount
• Grants for items, services or facilities that reduce disadvantage
• Can include pilot projects
• Grants may be payable by instalments subject to satisfactory progress reports
• Application Method: Downloadable form (PDF or Word) submitted by post

Lichfield Furniture Transfer Scheme

• Funded program providing furniture and household items
• Same-day delivery service
• Usually free, sometimes £15 delivery charge
• Over 700 families helped to date

Priority Areas

The charity focuses on residents of the City of Lichfield who are:

• Disadvantaged individuals of all ages
• Needy elderly persons (67+ for fuel grants)
• Those experiencing financial or other hardship
• People in conditions of need, hardship or distress
• Families facing challenges such as homelessness, domestic violence, or family breakdown

What They Don't Fund

Geographic Exclusions:

• Any residents outside the City of Lichfield boundaries (including Elmhurst and parts of Streethay)
• A boundary map is available on their website

Organizational Restrictions:

• If an organization serves an area larger than the City of Lichfield, any grant would be proportionate to the number of Lichfield City residents served
• Organizations must demonstrate that beneficiaries are primarily Lichfield residents

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Governance and Leadership

Trustee Structure

The charity has 15 trustees appointed under the following categories:

• 1 ex-officio trustee (Rector or Priest in Charge of St. Chad's Parish, Lichfield)
• 7 nominative trustees
• 7 co-optative trustees

No trustees receive remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

Current Trustees (2026)

• Reverend I. Hayter - Chairman
• Mr. N. G. Sedgwick - Vice Chairman
• Reverend C. E. Davies - Ex officio (Rector of St Chad's)
• Mrs. J. M. Eagland
• Ms. D. Greatorex
• Mrs. B. Hanks
• Mr. R. M. Hartley
• Mr. P. L. Hitchman
• Dr. A. Hughes
• Dr. T. M. James
• Mr. M. G. Pawson
• Mrs. E. L. Rawling
• Mrs. E. M. Ridler
• Mr. B. R. Watkins
• Dr. M. J. White

Administrative Team

• Clerk to the Trustees: Simon R. James LLB (Hons)
• Administrator: Jane Bethell

The Clerk, assisted by the Administrator, is responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of the Trust.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Voluntary Organizations:

1. Submit by post to: The Clerk to the Trustees, Michael Lowe's and Associated Charities, PO Box 8680, Burton on Trent, DE14 9QB

Important: If your organization covers an area larger than the City of Lichfield, you must specify the proportion of members or beneficiaries who are City residents, as any grant would be proportionate to this number.

For Individuals:

• Fuel grants: Apply annually using online or paper forms
• Other hardship grants: Contact the Clerk or complete individual application form
• Home visits by trustees take place during the last full week of each month (excluding December)

Decision Timeline

• Applications can be submitted at any time
• Trustee meetings occur approximately every 2 months
• Applications may take several weeks before consideration
• Emergency applications can have special arrangements made

2026 Trustee Meeting Dates:

• 26 March 2026
• 25 June 2026
• 17 September 2026
• 10 December 2026

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The charity's application notes state: “Not all applications can be successful; the Trustees will give priority to applications in which they are satisfied that the persons to be helped are in the greatest need.”

Reapplication Policy

The trustees cannot commit themselves to repeat or renew a grant, but would consider making grants payable by instalments subject to satisfactory reports. There is no explicit policy preventing reapplication, suggesting unsuccessful applicants may apply again in the future.

Application Success Factors

Key Guidance from the Charity

From Application Notes:

• “All applications are considered on their merits with the fullest possible information”
• Priority given to applications demonstrating “greatest need”
• For organizations: “The persons to be helped must be disadvantaged”

What They Look For:

1. Clear Geographic Eligibility: Demonstrate beneficiaries are residents within the City of Lichfield boundaries (boundary map available on website)
2. Evidence of Need: Strong documentation showing disadvantage, hardship or distress
3. Comprehensive Information: The charity emphasizes providing “the fullest possible information”
4. Proportionality: For organizations serving wider areas, clearly state the proportion of Lichfield residents served
5. Personal Connection: Trustees will likely request a personal meeting to discuss applications from organizations

Required Documentation:

• For organizations: Annual reports, accounts, press cuttings, publicity materials
• Clear explanation of how grant will reduce disadvantage
• Method of assessing project impact

Application Tips:

• Applications accepted year-round, but allow time for bimonthly meeting schedule
• Emergency cases can have special arrangements
• No minimum or maximum grant amounts, allowing flexibility in requests
• Installment payments possible with satisfactory progress reporting

Proven Success - Lichfield Furniture Transfer Scheme Example:

The charity's own furniture scheme demonstrates their commitment to practical, tangible support. This scheme has helped over 700 families by providing furniture and household items with same-day delivery, primarily serving those experiencing family breakdown, homelessness, or domestic violence.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Boundary is Critical: Verify your beneficiaries live within the strict City of Lichfield boundaries before applying - use the boundary map on their website
• Demonstrate Disadvantage: The charity explicitly seeks to help “disadvantaged” people - use clear language about hardship, need, or distress
• Provide Complete Information: The charity emphasizes “fullest possible information” - thorough applications are more likely to succeed
• Personal Engagement Likely: Be prepared for trustees to request a meeting to discuss your application - this is a positive sign
• Flexibility on Amounts: With no minimum or maximum, you can request what you genuinely need rather than fitting a predetermined range
• Long-Term Relationship Building: While repeat grants aren't guaranteed, the charity supports ongoing projects with installment payments and considers future applications
• Historic Mission, Modern Approach: While founded in 1593, the charity has expanded from its original narrow focus to support diverse needs - demonstrate how your work aligns with relieving hardship

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The League of the Helping Hand
• Frimley Fuel Allotments CIO
• Worcester Municipal Charities (CIO)
• The Lapworth Charity
• R. Daphne Plunket Charitable Trust
• Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire
• John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust
• Guildford Poyle Charities
• The Tantum Trust
• The Lashes Foundation

References

• Michael Lowe's and Associated Charities official website: https://michael-lowes.org/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=214785
• Application Notes for Voluntary Organizations: https://michael-lowes.org/application-notes/
• History of the Trust: https://michael-lowes.org/history-of-the-trust/
• Current Trustees: https://michael-lowes.org/current-trustees/
• Contact Information: https://michael-lowes.org/contact-us/
• Governance and Management: https://michael-lowes.org/governance-and-management/
• Lichfield Furniture Transfer Scheme: https://lichfieldfurnituretransferscheme.wordpress.com/
• Trustee Meeting Dates: https://michael-lowes.org/trustees-meeting-dates/