Peter Adams Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £62,507 (2023-24)
• Total Income: £314,378 (2024-25)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Described as “swift” and “quick” by applicants
• Grant Range: Individual grants vary; Conservation grants capped at £10,000
• Geographic Focus: Within 15 miles of Ashford, Kent (may extend at trustees' discretion)

Contact Details

Website: www.peteradamstrust.co.uk

Email: info@peteradamstrust.co.uk

Phone: 01233 820218

Address: The Thorne Estate Office, Forge Hill, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent TN26 3AF

Overview

The Peter Adams Trust was established through the will of Peter Eric Adams, an educationalist with interests in conservation and travel. After inheriting The Thorne Estate in Bethersden following his mother's death, Peter Adams left his entire net estate on charitable trust, as he was the last of his family line. The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission in 2003 (charity number 1096642). The majority of the Trust's income comes from rental income from residential, commercial, and agricultural properties it owns, plus investment income. With annual giving of approximately £62,507, the Trust focuses on supporting individuals and local organizations within the Ashford area to achieve goals that would not otherwise be possible, reflecting Peter Adams' commitment to education, conservation, and community benefit.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust offers four distinct grant categories:

1. Personal Improvement Grants

• Purpose: To assist individuals to achieve a goal which may not otherwise be possible
• Examples: Course fees, exam fees, textbooks, coaching, equipment, further education support
• Funding: Typically expects 50% matched funding from applicants (flexible case-by-case)
• Application: Online via website, assessed on merit (academic, artistic, athletic, or other abilities) and financial need

2. Conservation Grants

• Purpose: To promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment
• Maximum: £10,000 per grant
• Funding: Requires at least 50% matched funding (flexible)
• Examples: Ashford Green Corridor Interpretation Panels (14 new panels installed), Medway Valley Countryside Partnership grassland and meadow conservation projects

3. Community Benefit Grants

• Purpose: To assist local bodies to achieve a goal for the benefit of the Community
• Examples: Village hall improvements (kitchen updates, new blinds), Bethersden Recreation Field children's play area (two grants awarded), recreation facilities regeneration, school computer provision, Scout group floor construction

4. Miscellaneous Grants

• Purpose: To assist individuals, societies, or others in circumstances not covered by other grant categories
• Includes: Transport costs, international sports participation at local/county/national level

Priority Areas

• Further education and personal development
• Environmental conservation and protection
• Community infrastructure improvements
• Youth organizations (Scouts, Guides)
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Village halls and community centers
• Pensioner support
• Local heritage interpretation

What They Don't Fund

• Applications where the individual/organization can afford costs independently
• Unspecified purposes
• Student Loans alternatives (for personal improvement)
• Retrospective funding
• Projects altering private property structures or school buildings
• Projects outside the 15-mile radius of Ashford without trustee approval
• Projects with insufficient community benefit
• Applications that don't meet established merit or need criteria

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by a board of 3 trustees who serve three-year terms and are appointed by resolution of existing trustees. The board can consist of between 2 and 7 trustees. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, ensuring all resources are directed toward grant-making activities. The charity has no employees earning over £60,000 and operates without trading subsidiaries or active fundraising operations.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Trust has established an online application system accessible through their website at www.peteradamstrust.co.uk. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis.

Application Requirements vary by grant type but typically include:

For Personal Improvement:

• Personal details and contact information
• Objective description and timeline
• Estimated costs and grant amount requested
• Explanation of financial need
• Supporting documentation
• Consent to data processing and confirmation of information accuracy

For Conservation:

• Detailed project objectives
• Implementation timeline and duration
• Cost estimates and grant amount requested
• Justification explaining community need
• Supporting documentation

Following submission, the Trust may require further information and possibly arrange a meeting with applicants.

Decision Timeline

Recipients describe the decision process as “swift,” “quick,” and “timely.” Once a grant is agreed, the Trust is “very quick to provide their help,” with the response time noted as “impressive” by applicants. Specific timeframes (weeks or months) are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The Trust does not publicly disclose the number of applications received versus approved, so specific success rate percentages are not available.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not specify formal restrictions on reapplication. However, applications for retrospective funding are explicitly not accepted, and the Trustees' decision on all matters is final.

Application Success Factors

Based on testimonials from successful applicants and Trust guidance, the following factors increase application success:

Merit and Need Balance: The Trust assesses both merit-based criteria (academic, artistic, athletic abilities for personal improvement; environmental value for conservation; community benefit for organizational grants) and genuine financial need. Applications must demonstrate that the goal would not be achievable without Trust support.

Matched Funding: While the Trust typically expects 50% matched funding from applicants, this is assessed flexibly on a case-by-case basis. Demonstrating efforts to secure partial funding from other sources strengthens applications.

Geographic Eligibility: Being within the 15-mile radius of Ashford, Kent is the standard requirement, though trustees may extend this at their discretion. Clearly state your location and distance from Ashford.

Clear Community Benefit: For community and conservation grants, articulate specific benefits to the local community. As noted by recipient Diane Comley, Partnership Officer: “The procedure was relatively easy but rigorous in terms of assuring the trustees that the money would be spent well.”

Complete Documentation: Submit thorough supporting documentation. The Trust's assessment process is described as “thorough and rigorous,” ensuring grants are awarded to deserving projects.

Progress Accountability: Be prepared for grant conditions requiring progress reporting, maintaining course attendance (for education grants), achieving required standards, and authorizing the Trust to verify project quality or obtain educational establishment reports.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Do not apply if you can afford the cost independently, if you're seeking retrospective funding, if Student Loans are available (for education), or if your project doesn't meet geographic or purpose criteria.

Responsiveness: Applicants praise the Trust's “helpful and positive” trustees. Be responsive to requests for additional information or meetings.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local Focus is Critical: The 15-mile radius from Ashford, Kent is a firm eligibility requirement for most grants; ensure you meet this geographic criterion before applying.

• Demonstrate Both Merit and Need: Successful applications show not only the quality and value of the project/goal but also genuine financial need that prevents achievement without grant support.

• Expect a Thorough Process: While applicants describe the process as “simple and quick,” trustees conduct rigorous due diligence to ensure funds are spent well; prepare comprehensive documentation.

• Matched Funding Expected: Plan to provide at least 50% of costs from other sources, though flexibility exists based on circumstances; showing funding diversification strengthens applications.

• Conservation Grants Have Clear Limits: Conservation projects are capped at £10,000, so scope projects appropriately or secure additional funding sources.

• Build Rapport with Trustees: Successful applicants consistently describe trustees as “helpful,” “positive,” and “friendly”; the Trust values personal interaction and may request meetings.

• Online Applications Preferred: The Trust has invested in an online application system; use the website portal at www.peteradamstrust.co.uk rather than paper applications.

References

• Peter Adams Trust Official Website -
• Peter Adams Trust - Personal Improvement Grants -
• Peter Adams Trust - Conservation Grants -
• UK Charity Commission - Peter Adams Trust (1096642) -
• Peter Adams Trust Annual Report & Financial Statements - Year ended 31 March 2024
• Testimonial from Diane Comley, Partnership Officer (Ashford Green Corridor Interpretation Panels project) - via Peter Adams Trust website