Milton Mount Foundation

Charity Number: 306981

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £179,112 (FY 2024)
  • Annual Income: £152,522 (FY 2024)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Means-tested, specific amounts not published
  • Geographic Focus: National (UK)
  • Application Deadline: 10th May annually

Contact Details

Website: www.miltonmountfoundation.org.uk

Email: miltonmountfoundation@gmail.com

Phone: 01252 715087

Registered Charity Number: 306981

Overview

The Milton Mount Foundation was established in 1962 from the sale of Milton Mount College, an independent girls' school founded in 1871. The Foundation operates as a trust governed by a Charity Commission-approved scheme with total expenditure of £179,112 in the financial year ending June 2024. The Foundation's mission is to provide educational support primarily to children of ministers from the United Reformed Church, the Congregational Federation, the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, and the Unaffiliated Congregational Churches, and secondarily to female children of members of these churches. The Foundation is entirely volunteer-run, with 8 trustees who receive no remuneration, and has no paid employees. Funding is dependent on investment income, which means the availability and size of grants may vary from year to year.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

School Bursarial Awards

  • Means-tested support for school fees at independent boarding and day schools approved by Trustees
  • Available for children aged 11 or over
  • Highest awards for families with income at or below URC minister's basic stipend
  • Includes initial fitting out costs and exam fee coverage
  • Renewed annually (continuation not guaranteed but Trustees aim to support full secondary education)
  • Application method: Email application by 10th May for academic year starting September

University Degree Grants

  • Available to children of ministers undertaking first undergraduate or first postgraduate degree courses
  • Application method: Email application

Secondary School Uniform Grants

  • Support for uniform costs for girls and boys entering secondary education
  • Application method: Email application

Further Education Grants (Women)

  • Specifically for women entering higher education for the first time
  • Application method: Email application

Priority Areas

The Foundation exclusively supports:

  • Children of ministers from United Reformed Church, Congregational Federation, Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, and Unaffiliated Congregational Churches (primary beneficiaries)
  • Female children of members of these churches (secondary beneficiaries)
  • Educational costs including school fees, uniforms, and university degree programs

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation has a very specific beneficiary group. They do not fund:

  • Individuals outside the designated church denominations
  • Organizations or institutions (only individuals/families)
  • Non-educational purposes
  • Applicants who have not exhausted other sources of financial assistance
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Governance and Leadership

The Milton Mount Foundation is governed by 8 trustees who serve on a voluntary basis. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The Foundation has no paid staff, keeping administrative costs minimal to maximize funds available for bursaries and grants.

The Secretary manages applications and enquiries via email at miltonmountfoundation@gmail.com.

The Trustees retain discretion to provide educational support beyond the listed categories when appropriate, demonstrating flexibility within their charitable purposes.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications and enquiries should be made by email to the Secretary at miltonmountfoundation@gmail.com.

For School Bursaries:

  • Application deadline: 10th May (for academic year starting the following September)
  • Applicants must state total family income on the application form
  • Information is treated confidentially
  • Awards are means-tested with highest awards for families with income at or below URC minister's basic stipend
  • Applicants must demonstrate they have exhausted other sources of financial assistance

For University/Further Education Grants:

  • Contact the Secretary via email for application forms and guidance
  • Specific deadlines not publicly stated

Annual Review:

  • School bursary recipients must provide updated income verification annually
  • Continuation of bursaries requires annual renewal (not automatic)

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. For school bursaries with a 10th May deadline for September admission, decisions are likely communicated over the summer months, but applicants should contact the Foundation directly for expected timeframes.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However, with annual expenditure of £179,112 and income of £152,522, the Foundation is actively distributing funds despite operating at a modest deficit, suggesting they are committed to supporting eligible applicants within their available resources.

Reapplication Policy

  • School bursaries are renewed annually and require fresh income verification each year
  • Continuation is not guaranteed but Trustees aim to support students through their full secondary education once support has begun
  • No specific information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Financial Need

The Foundation explicitly states that awards are means-tested and that applicants must demonstrate they have exhausted other sources of financial assistance. Highest awards go to families with income at or below URC minister's basic stipend. Be thorough and transparent in documenting family income and other funding sources explored.

Meet Eligibility Criteria Precisely

The Foundation has very specific beneficiary criteria focused on denominational affiliation. Ensure you clearly demonstrate the connection to United Reformed Church, Congregational Federation, Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, or Unaffiliated Congregational Churches through ministerial service or church membership.

Apply by the Deadline

The 10th May deadline for school bursaries is firm. Late applications may not be considered for the upcoming academic year.

Understand Income Dependency

The Foundation's website states that funding availability depends on investment income. This means grant amounts and availability may vary year to year based on financial performance. Set realistic expectations and be prepared for potential fluctuations in support.

Plan for Annual Renewal

School bursaries require annual renewal with updated financial information. Budget accordingly and understand that continuation, while aimed for, is not guaranteed.

Choose Trustee-Approved Schools

For school bursaries, only independent boarding and day schools approved by the Trustees are eligible. Consider checking eligibility of your chosen school before applying.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Highly Specialized Beneficiary Group: This Foundation exclusively serves children connected to specific Congregational and United Reformed Church denominations—ensure you meet the precise eligibility criteria before applying
  • Means-Testing is Central: Financial need assessment is critical; prepare comprehensive income documentation and evidence of other funding sources explored
  • May 10th Deadline is Non-Negotiable: For school bursaries starting in September, the annual deadline is firm—plan ahead
  • Investment-Dependent Funding: Grant amounts vary based on investment performance; maintain realistic expectations about award levels
  • Annual Renewal Required: School bursaries are not multi-year commitments but annual awards requiring fresh applications and income verification
  • Volunteer-Run Efficiency: With no paid staff and all trustees serving voluntarily, the Foundation maximizes funds for beneficiaries but response times may vary
  • Trustee Discretion Exists: While specific programs are outlined, Trustees retain flexibility to support educational needs beyond listed categories when appropriate

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