Old Charity Of Thomas Dawson (2024)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £178,859 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: Oxford (postcodes OX1-4), with preference for St Clement's Parish

Contact Details

Address: St. Clements Centre, Cross Street, Oxford, OX4 1DA

Phone: 01865 634301

Email: office@cotd.org.uk

Website: www.cotd.org.uk

General Manager: Hugh Lawton

Overview

The Old Charity of Thomas Dawson was established in 1521 and has supported the people of Oxford for over 500 years. Originally founded to support St Clement's Parish, the charity underwent significant restructuring in 2023-2024, merging with the Parochial Charities of St Clement Oxford to form a charitable company (registered charity number 1205844, registered 22 November 2023). The historic entity continues as “Old Charity of Thomas Dawson (2024)” under registration number 203258. With total income of £288,164 in 2024 (primarily from property investments) and charitable expenditure of £178,859, the charity continues its dual mission: maintaining St Clement's Church fabric (which receives half of all income) and providing relief of poverty through education and direct grants to individuals and organizations in central Oxford.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates two distinct grant programs:

Individual Grants: One-off educational grants for young people up to age 25 who need help with educational or training costs. Supports courses or apprenticeships up to degree level (but not Masters or Postgraduate courses).

Organisational Grants: Funding for organizations delivering education and development opportunities for people under 25 in central Oxford. The charity particularly values community-based organizations that provide the greatest public benefit and empower local, sustainable change. Organizations seeking multi-year funding should contact the General Manager directly.

Application Method: Quarterly rolling basis - Grants Committee meets quarterly before Trustees Board Meetings

Priority Areas

• Education and training for young people under 25
• Relief of poverty in the Parish of St Clement
• Community-based organizations providing educational opportunities
• Development opportunities for youth in central Oxford
• Upkeep and repair of St Clement's Church fabric

What They Don't Fund

• Masters or Postgraduate courses for individuals
• Projects or individuals outside the OX1-4 postcode area
• Applications from those who have not lived in Oxford for at least five years (for individual applicants)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (as of 2024):

• Godfrey Paul Cole - Chair
• Rev Mark Alastair Hay
• Sean Willis
• Alun Evans
• Plus 5 additional trustees (total of 9)

The charity operates with no paid trustees - all serve on a voluntary basis. The charity maintains a staff complement (though no employees earn over £60,000) and is managed day-to-day by General Manager Hugh Lawton.

The trustees emphasize their role as "stewards of the assets and the founder's intentions," continuing a 500-year legacy while adapting to modern needs. The charity's governance structure underwent significant modernization in 2023 when it became a charitable company.

How to Apply to Old Charity Of Thomas Dawson (2024)

How to Apply

For Individuals:

1. Download the Grant Criteria document from www.cotd.org.uk
2. Complete the Individual Grant Application form
3. Email completed form to office@CoTD.org.uk
4. Must have lived in postcodes OX1, OX2, OX3, or OX4 for at least five years
5. Must be under 25 years old at time of application

For Organizations:

1. Download the Grant Criteria document from www.cotd.org.uk
2. Complete the Organization Grant Application form
3. Email completed form to office@CoTD.org.uk
4. Must deliver education/development opportunities within OX1-4 postcodes
5. For multi-year funding, contact the General Manager directly

Eligibility Uncertainty: The charity encourages potential applicants to contact them if unsure about qualification: “if you are not sure you or your organisation qualify, please contact us.”

Decision Timeline

• Grants Committee: Meets quarterly prior to Trustees Board Meetings
• Review Process: Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Board
• Board Decision: Trustees make final decisions at quarterly Board Meetings
• Notification: Successful applicants are contacted after Board Meetings to arrange payments
• Estimated Timeline: Typically one quarter (3 months) from submission to decision, depending on timing relative to quarterly meetings

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The charity proactively approaches organizations and schools that meet their criteria in addition to accepting applications, suggesting a selective but relationship-focused approach.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Given the quarterly meeting cycle and case-by-case approach, applicants are encouraged to contact the charity directly to discuss unsuccessful applications and potential for resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Connection is Essential: Applicants must demonstrate clear connection to Oxford postcodes OX1-4. For individuals, this means five years of residency. For organizations, this means service delivery within these postcodes.

Age Criteria is Strict: All grants (individual and organizational) focus on people under 25. Organizations must demonstrate they support this age group.

Community Impact Matters: The charity's stated preference is for “community-based organisations as these provide the greatest public benefit.” Applications should emphasize local impact and sustainable change.

Alignment with Founding Purpose: The charity views itself as steward of Thomas Dawson's 1521 intentions - relief of poverty and support for St Clement's Parish. Applications should demonstrate how they align with these historic purposes, updated for modern context.

Educational Focus: While the charity supports poverty relief, the educational strand (managed through the former Thomas Dawson Educational Foundation merger in 1982) is central to their grant-making. Emphasize educational or training outcomes.

Proactive Approach: The charity states it “proactively approaches organisations and schools that meet their criteria,” suggesting that relationship-building and visibility in the Oxford community may increase chances of support.

Contact When Uncertain: The charity explicitly encourages contact if applicants are “not sure you or your organisation qualify” - this suggests they value dialogue and may provide guidance before formal application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local focus is non-negotiable: Only Oxford OX1-4 postcodes are eligible, with particular preference for St Clement's Parish - demonstrate deep local roots
• Youth-centered applications succeed: All funding must benefit people under 25 - make this age group central to your application
• Quarterly timing matters: Plan applications around quarterly Grants Committee meetings to ensure timely consideration
• Community-based organizations are preferred: Emphasize grassroots, community-led approach and sustainable local impact
• Don't self-reject: The charity encourages contact if unsure about eligibility - reach out before deciding not to apply
• Relationship-building is valued: The charity proactively approaches organizations it knows - consider building a relationship before applying for major support
• Educational outcomes are key: Even poverty relief grants favor educational pathways - frame support in terms of learning and development opportunities

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Mr And Mrs J A Pye's Charitable Settlement
• The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust
• The St Michaels And All Saints Charity
• Doris Field Charitable Trust
• St Aldates Parochial Charity
• The Davidge Usher Trust
• The Bartlett Taylor Charitable Trust
• The Helen Roll Charity
• The Pharsalia Charitable Trust
• Oxfordshire Community Foundation

References

• Charity Commission Register - Old Charity of Thomas Dawson (203258): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/203258/full-print
• Charity Commission Register - Charity of Thomas Dawson (1205844): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5220195
• The Charity of Thomas Dawson Official Website: https://www.cotd.org.uk/
• The Charity of Thomas Dawson - Grants for Organisations and Individuals: https://www.cotd.org.uk/grant-giving-oxford/
• The Charity of Thomas Dawson - About Page: https://www.cotd.org.uk/thomas-dawson-charity-oxford/
• Giving is Great - Charity of Thomas Dawson Factsheet: https://givingisgreat.org/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1205844