Nottinghamshire Miners' Welfare Trust Fund Scheme

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity: 1001272
• Annual Grants: 240+ individual grants; 12+ education grants; community grants (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Determined by Trustee Board meetings (timeline not specified)
• Grant Range: £600 - £1,000+ (varies by need and project)
• Geographic Focus: Nottinghamshire former coalfield communities

Contact Details

Website: www.nmwtf.co.uk

Email: admin@nmwtf.co.uk

Phone: 01623 880701

Address: The Trustees, c/o Notts Pension Scheme Office, Berry Hill Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 4JR

Application Forms:

• Individual Contact Form: nmwtf.co.uk/individual-contact-form/
• Group Contact Form: nmwtf.co.uk/group-contact-form/
• Group Application Pack: Downloadable from website

Overview

The Nottinghamshire Miners' Welfare Trust Fund Scheme (NMWTF) was formally established in 1990 as a registered charity dedicated to promoting and improving the health, social wellbeing, and living conditions of persons employed in the coal industry and their dependants. The Trust serves the former Nottinghamshire coalfield, covering 30 specific collieries and mining-related locations including Annesley, Mansfield, and Ollerton. In 2024, the Trust awarded over 240 individual grants to former Nottinghamshire miners or their dependants, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting mining communities. The organization works in partnership with CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation) to extend its reach and provide comprehensive welfare support. The Trust's mission statement emphasizes their dedication: “We are committed to supporting former miners and their dependants now and in the future.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Grants (means-tested, discretionary)

• Mobility aids (scooters, wheelchairs)
• Stairlifts
• Home adaptations for independent living
• Funeral expenses
• Hardship support
• Debt relief
• Education/training for employment

Education Grants

• Support for education and training to help with employment
• 12 education grants awarded in 2023

Community Grants (discretionary, varies by project)

• Examples: £600 for school computers, £1,000+ for Ollerton Bowls Club equipment
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis through online form and application pack

Priority Areas

Individual Support:

• Former coal miners from 30 designated Nottinghamshire collieries
• Partners of former miners
• Dependent children after a miner's death
• Focus on those experiencing hardship, mobility issues, or needing welfare benefits assistance

Community Support:

• Organizations, clubs, and charities serving former mining communities
• Projects improving quality of life in former Nottinghamshire coalfield areas
• Infrastructure improvements and equipment for community organizations
• Training and skill development programs

Recent Funded Projects Include:

• Defibrillators and First Aid Training (12 people trained, equipment purchased)
• Two defibrillators installed on specialist transport minibuses for Blidworth community
• School computers for home learning (£600)
• Satnav fitting for community charity minibus
• Ollerton Bowls Club reconditioned mower plus £1,000 donation
• Annual grants supporting Nottinghamshire Miners Ladies Section

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly listed. However, eligibility is restricted to:

• Those connected to the Nottinghamshire coal mining industry
• Projects benefiting former mining communities within their designated geographic area
• Only one individual grant awarded per 12-month period per applicant

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

• Alastair Hadfield
• Jeff Wood
• Stephen Hudson
• Jade Winterton
• George Nelson
• John Stevens

Community Volunteers

• Val Perrin
• Rita Brownley
• Elaine Brownley
• Georgia Bilbie

The Trust operates through a Trustee Board that considers all grant requests on a discretionary basis. Community volunteers conduct home visits for individual applicants, assessing needs and assisting with application completion.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Individual Grants:

1. Contact the Trust via email (admin@nmwtf.co.uk) or complete the online individual contact form
2. Request a home visit by a community volunteer
3. Volunteer assesses needs and helps complete application
4. Application considered by Trustee Board
5. Written notification of decision sent to applicant
6. If successful, payment made directly to equipment/service supplier

Community Grants:

1. Download the Group Application Pack from website
2. Complete the online group contact form or submit detailed project proposal
3. Application considered by Trustee Board
4. Written notification of decision
5. Grant awards vary depending on project and community benefit

Partnership Applications:

Individual grant applications can also be submitted via CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation) personal welfare team.

Decision Timeline

Applications are considered by the Trustee Board at their meetings. Specific meeting schedules and decision timeframes are not publicly disclosed. Applicants are notified in writing whether successful or not.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2024, the Trust awarded over 240 individual grants plus 12 education grants and multiple community grants, indicating active grant-making.

Reapplication Policy

For individual grants, only one grant is awarded per 12-month period. This suggests unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months, though explicit reapplication policies are not publicly stated.

Application Success Factors

Means-Testing and Assessment:

All individual grants are means-tested and based on hardship and essential need. The Trust considers:

• Income and benefits received
• Outgoings and recent expenditure
• Savings
• Assessment report from community volunteer or CISWO welfare team

Demonstrating Community Impact:

For community grants, applications should clearly demonstrate how the project will “improve the quality of life of those living in former mining communities” and benefit miners, their families, and dependants.

Eligibility Evidence:

Applicants must demonstrate connection to the Nottinghamshire coal mining industry. The Trust serves 30 specific collieries including Annesley, Babbington, Bentinck, Bevercotes, Bilsthorpe, Blidworth, Calverton, Clipstone, Gedling, Harworth, Hucknall, Linby, Mansfield, Newstead, Ollerton, Pleasley, Rufford, Sherwood, Shirebrook, Silverhill, Thoresby, Welbeck, and others.

Partnering for Success:

The Trust works in partnership with CISWO, which provides professional social work support, confidential home visiting services, and assistance with welfare benefit applications and industry-related compensation schemes. Engaging with CISWO may strengthen applications.

Application Quality:

Community grant applications should include detailed project information as outlined in the Group Application Pack, clearly showing:

• Specific community benefit
• Connection to mining communities
• Clear budget and project plan
• How the project aligns with the Trust's mission

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Specificity: Ensure your organization or beneficiaries are connected to one of the 30 designated Nottinghamshire collieries—this is a fundamental eligibility requirement
• Means-Testing is Central: Individual grants are assessed on financial need, so be prepared for thorough financial assessment and home visits by community volunteers
• Demonstrate Community Impact: Community grant applications must clearly show how the project benefits former mining communities and improves quality of life
• Partnership Approach: Consider engaging with CISWO for individual welfare needs, as the Trust works closely with this partner organization
• Discretionary Process: All grants are discretionary and decided by the Trustee Board—applications should make a compelling case for support
• Direct Payment Model: For individual grants, payments are made directly to suppliers, not to applicants
• Active Grant-Making: With 240+ individual grants in 2024, the Trust is actively supporting its beneficiary community—don't hesitate to apply if eligible

References

1. Nottinghamshire Miners' Welfare Trust Fund official website - nmwtf.co.uk
2. “About us” page - https://nmwtf.co.uk/about-us/
3. “Helping You” page - https://nmwtf.co.uk/helping-you/
4. “Helping your communities” page - https://nmwtf.co.uk/helping-communities/
5. “News” page - https://nmwtf.co.uk/news/
6. Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1001272 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1001272
7. CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation) - https://ciswo.org.uk/