Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £502,959 (FY 2024/25)
• Annual Income: £365,803 (FY 2024/25)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Lancashire and surrounding areas

Contact Details

Address: 2nd Floor Parkgates, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester

Phone: 01619049942

Email: houghtondunnct@gmail.com

Website: None

Note: The trust does not have a website or extensive public communications. Applications should be made in writing to the correspondence address.

Overview

The Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust (registered charity number 261685) is an established UK grant-making trust that has been supporting charitable causes in Lancashire and the surrounding region. With an annual income of approximately £365,803 and grant expenditure of £502,959 (FY ending April 2025), the trust maintains a focused approach to supporting charitable organizations across multiple sectors. The trust is governed by two trustees who serve without remuneration, reflecting a commitment to maximizing funds available for charitable purposes. The trust operates with particular emphasis on supporting charities based in or with branches in the Lancashire area, maintaining a strong regional focus in its grant-making activities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant program with applications accepted in writing. Specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed, though the trust's annual expenditure suggests capacity for multiple grants across their priority areas.

• Application Method: Written applications to the correspondence address
• Application Schedule: Not publicly specified (appears to operate on a rolling or periodic basis)
• Grant Amounts: Not publicly disclosed

Priority Areas

The trust makes donations to bodies embracing a wide range of charities, with main fields supported being:

• Medical and Health: Supporting health services, medical research, and healthcare provision
• Welfare in the Community: Community welfare projects and social support services
• Environment and Wildlife: Environmental conservation and wildlife protection initiatives
• Church and Heritage: Supporting religious buildings, church activities, and heritage conservation

The trust shows particular interest in charities that:

• Are based in the Lancashire area
• Have branches or operations in Lancashire
• Support young people
• Support people with disabilities
• Focus on health and wellbeing
• Address poverty relief
• Involve religious activities

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Given the trust's focus on Lancashire-based organizations, charities without a Lancashire connection are unlikely to be considered.

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by two trustees who serve without receiving any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The identity of the trustees is not prominently publicized, reflecting the trust's low-profile operational approach.

The trust operates without employees or trading subsidiaries, maintaining a lean administrative structure that maximizes funds available for grant-making.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing to:

Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust

2nd Floor Parkgates

Bury New Road

Prestwich

Manchester

Email applications may be sent to: houghtondunnct@gmail.com

Telephone enquiries: 01619049942

The trust does not operate an online application portal or provide detailed application guidance on a website.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should allow reasonable time for trustees to review applications.

Success Rates

Success rates, application volumes, and number of grants awarded are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information available about the trust's grant-making process, the following factors can be inferred from the trust's stated priorities:

• Geographic Connection: Strong Lancashire presence or operations in the Lancashire area appears to be a significant factor
• Alignment with Priority Areas: Clear fit with medical/health, welfare, environment/wildlife, or church/heritage focus
• Organizational Credibility: As with most trusts, demonstrated track record and financial stability
• Clear Charitable Purpose: Well-articulated charitable objectives that align with the trust's mission
• Support for Specific Groups: Projects benefiting young people and people with disabilities may receive favorable consideration

Application Approach Recommendations:

• Clearly articulate your Lancashire connection
• Be specific about which priority area(s) your work addresses
• Provide evidence of organizational stability and effectiveness
• Keep applications concise and focused
• Include specific project or organizational funding needs
• Demonstrate impact on beneficiary groups the trust prioritizes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strong Regional Focus: Lancashire connection appears essential; clearly demonstrate your presence or work in the Lancashire area
• Broad but Defined Priorities: While the trust supports diverse causes, ensure your work clearly fits within medical/health, welfare, environment/wildlife, or church/heritage
• Low Public Profile: The trust operates with minimal public communications; expect limited guidance and be prepared for potentially slower or less transparent processes
• Traditional Application Process: Written applications only; no online portal or detailed application forms
• Meaningful Grant Capacity: With annual expenditure exceeding £500,000, the trust has significant grant-making capacity
• Lean Governance: Two-trustee structure may mean decisions are made efficiently, but also that there are fewer opportunities for relationship building
• Focus on Core Charitable Work: No trustee remuneration and lean structure suggest commitment to maximizing funds for charitable purposes

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities, MRS WATERHOUSE CHARITABLE TRUST (261685), https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=261685&subid=0
• Charity Commission Financial Information for Charity 261685, FY ending April 2025
• Charity Choice Directory, Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust, https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/mrs-waterhouse-charitable-trust-161132