Okehampton United Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £342,007 (2024)
• Total Income: £456,168 (2024)
• Decision Time: Monthly trustee meetings
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £26,815+ (£150,000 available for special projects)
• Geographic Focus: Okehampton Town and Okehampton Hamlets (Brightley, Southcott, Meldon, Stockley)

Contact Details

• Website: www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk
• Email: clerk@okehamptoncharities.org.uk
• Phone: 07715 621480
• Charity Manager and Clerk: Karen Percival
• Charity Number: 202686 (transitioning to new CIO number 1210636 as “Okehampton Foundation” from 31 December 2024)

Overview

Okehampton United Charity was established in 1873 when six local charities merged to benefit residents of Okehampton and its hamlets. With an annual income of £456,168 and grant-making totaling £342,007 in 2024, the charity serves as a major community funding source for the local area. The charity is governed by 11 trustees who meet monthly to review grant applications and manage the organization's affairs. Beyond grant-making, OUC manages two almshouses, three allotment sites, a community garden, and local land holdings. In 2023, the charity celebrated its 150th anniversary by offering up to £150,000 for a special long-term community project. The charity is transitioning to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) structure effective 31 December 2024, becoming the Okehampton Foundation, though day-to-day operations continue under the Okehampton United Charities name.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Organizational Grants (over £1,500): Require specific application form for groups and organizations. The charity awarded grants totaling £114,318 to 23 community groups in one reporting period, with individual awards ranging from £2,000 to £26,815.

Individual Grants: Support for residents under 25 for sport, art, and education projects. Direct grants for Post-16 Education, first year of Apprenticeships, and Further Education.

Chair's Crisis Fund: Emergency support for residents facing hardship or crisis situations.

Exceptional Achievement Awards: Recognition and support for outstanding individual accomplishments.

Ambassador's Award: Recognizes groups, organizations, or individuals advancing citizenship and community development within Okehampton and the Hamlets.

Educational Allocations: Regular grants to Okehampton College and three Okehampton Primary Schools.

Priority Areas

• Community Facilities: Capital projects and infrastructure improvements
• Community Support: Organizations providing services to local residents (e.g., 10+ years of ongoing support to Torridge, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice)
• Sport and Recreation: Equipment purchases, facility improvements, and individual athlete support
• Education: Post-16 education, apprenticeships, further education, and school curriculum support
• Emergency Response: Support for emergency services and community safety organizations

What They Fund

• Capital costs and running costs for organizations
• Equipment purchases for community groups
• New facility development and improvements
• Educational support and curriculum enhancement
• Individual bursaries and grants for young people
• Emergency and crisis support

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but the charity focuses exclusively on residents and organizations within Okehampton Town and Okehampton Hamlets. The charity has specific policies regarding applications from local authorities, governmental, and commercial organizations (detailed in trustee statements available on their website).

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Governance and Leadership

Chair

Mr. Daryll Chapman - Retired Chief Executive Officer of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust and former Principal of Okehampton College

Trustees

Nominated by Okehampton Town Council:

• John Simmons (Director of Miller Town & Country)
• Dr. Michael Ireland (Retired Associate Lecturer)

Nominated by Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council:

• Maria Cooper (Agriculture Manager)
• Phillip Davies (Retired Veterinary Surgeon)

Co-opted Trustees:

• Ross Campbell (Businessman)
• Christine Marsh (Local Councillor)
• Dr. Phil Murray (Retired Scientist)
• Richard Colman (Mayor of Okehampton)
• Bob Tolley (Retired Police Officer)
• Carol Chapman (Retired)
• Kevin Harding (Chartered Accountant)

Staff

• Chris Owen - Treasurer (FCCA)
• Karen Percival - Charity Manager and Clerk CG (Affiliated)
• Sally-Ann White - Assistant Clerk

The charity operates with 11 trustees and 30 volunteers, with no employees earning over £60,000.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Organizational Grants (over £1,500):

• Complete specific application form available at www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk/policies-application-forms-2/
• Review the Application Process document before applying
• Check Grant Conditions for Groups
• Verify current deadlines in “OUC Deadlines” document

For Individual Grants:

• Separate forms available for Art, Sport, and Education grants
• Review Individual Art/Sport/Education Policy
• Available to residents under 25

For Crisis Support:

• Contact Charity Manager directly for Chair's Crisis Fund applications

Contact for Guidance:

• Email: clerk@okehamptoncharities.org.uk
• Phone: 07715 621480
• Charity Manager Karen Percival available for pre-application inquiries

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet monthly to review and decide on grant applications
• Applications reviewed against specific deadlines (available in OUC Deadlines document on website)
• Multiple grant rounds throughout the year

Success Rates

Specific success rate data not publicly available. However, the charity awarded grants to 23 community groups in one reporting period, totaling £114,318, indicating active and regular grant distribution.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions mentioned. The charity maintains ongoing relationships with organizations, evidenced by 10+ years of continued support to organizations like Torridge, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice.

Application Success Factors

Recent Successful Projects

Examples of funded projects provide insight into the charity's priorities:

• North Dartmoor Search and Rescue: £10,000 for a new control vehicle (emergency services)
• Okehampton Flyers: £15,000 for new equipment (sport)
• Ockment Centre: £10,000 (community facility)
• Okehampton Remembers: £10,000 (community commemoration)
• Adventure 7: £10,000 (Rotary Club community project)
• OkeRail Forum: £26,815 loan (community infrastructure)
• Wren Music: £9,500 (arts and culture)
• Okehampton Men in Sheds: £7,672.70 (community support)
• Tors Support Services: £8,877 (community services)
• Chaos Muay Thai Gym: £6,000 (sport)
• Okehampton College: £2,000 for wind turbine (education/environment)
• Okehampton PADs: £3,460 for community defibrillators (health/safety)

Key Success Factors

Local Connection is Essential: All grants must benefit residents of Okehampton Town and Okehampton Hamlets specifically. Demonstrate clear local impact.

Lasting Benefit: The charity emphasized that their 150th anniversary special project should provide “lasting benefit” and be “self-sustaining in the long term.” Apply this principle to all applications.

Diverse Funding Portfolio: The charity funds across multiple sectors - don't assume they only fund one type of project. They support everything from emergency vehicles to arts programs.

Consider Both Capital and Running Costs: The charity explicitly states they will consider applications for both capital projects and running costs.

Build Relationships: Evidence suggests the charity maintains long-term relationships with organizations, providing ongoing support rather than one-off grants.

Clear Community Benefit: Successful projects demonstrate tangible benefits to the local community, whether through services, facilities, or support to residents.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Eligibility is Strict: You must serve residents of Okehampton Town or Okehampton Hamlets (Brightley, Southcott, Meldon, Stockley). This is non-negotiable.

• Grant Range is Flexible: Awards range from £2,000 to over £26,000, with special projects potentially receiving up to £150,000. Don't self-limit your ask if the project justifies it.

• Monthly Decision Cycle: With trustees meeting monthly, there are regular opportunities throughout the year to apply. Check the deadlines document on their website.

• Multiple Grant Streams Available: Consider which program fits best - organizational grants, individual support, crisis funding, or exceptional achievement awards. The charity offers diverse support mechanisms.

• Pre-Application Contact Welcomed: Karen Percival is identified as available for pre-application guidance. Use this resource to ensure your application aligns with current priorities.

• Long-Term Relationships Matter: The charity has supported organizations for over 10 years. Think beyond a single grant to how you might build an ongoing relationship demonstrating continued community impact.

• Founded on Local Heritage: With 150 years of history, the charity deeply values community legacy and lasting impact. Frame applications around sustainable, long-term community benefit.

References

1. Okehampton United Charities official website - www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk
2. “Policies and Application Forms,” Okehampton United Charities - https://www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk/policies-application-forms-2/
3. “What we do,” Okehampton United Charities - https://www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk/what-we-do/
4. “Who are we - Meet the team,” Okehampton United Charities - https://www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk/who-we-are/
5. Charity Commission Register, “OKEHAMPTON UNITED CHARITY - 202686” - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=202686
6. “Busy six months of grant giving for Okehampton United Charities,” Okehampton Today - https://www.okehampton-today.co.uk/news/busy-six-months-of-grant-giving-for-okehampton-united-charities-420977
7. "Okehampton United Charities offers £150,000 grant for 'special' project," Okehampton Today - https://www.okehampton-today.co.uk/news/okehampton-united-charities-offers-ps150000-grant-in-honour-of-150th-year-588233
8. “Meet the trustees of Okehampton United Charity,” Dartmoor Links - https://moortoseaanddo.co.uk/community-news/community-news_1/meet-the-trustees-of-okehampton-united-charity/