Pobl Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £191,165 (2023-24 expenditure)
• Grant Range: Up to £1,000 per grant
• Geographic Focus: South Wales (areas where Pobl Group operates, primarily along M4 corridor including Newport, Swansea, Cardiff, RCT, Monmouthshire, and 16 local authority areas)
• Funding Rounds: Multiple rounds per year (3 times annually mentioned in sources)
• Total Income: £111,534 (2023-24)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.poblgroup.co.uk/pobl-trust

Email: pobltrust@poblgroup.co.uk

Phone: 0800 012 1080

Address: Exchange House, High Street, Newport, Wales

Overview

Pobl Trust (Charity Number 1161479), formerly known as Gwalia Trust, is the charitable arm of Pobl Group, established as a company limited by guarantee in July 2013. The Trust's mission is to help improve the quality of life for people and communities across areas where Pobl Group operates in South Wales. Following Pobl Group's merger with Linc Cymru in April 2024, creating a 23,000+ home housing association, the Trust's potential reach has significantly expanded. The Trust is primarily funded through the Pobl staff lottery (which contributes 50% of receipts), fundraising events including their annual “Luxury Raffle,” and supplier partnerships through a procurement levy. For the financial year ending 31 March 2024, the Trust had a total income of £111,534 and total expenditure of £191,165, reflecting their planned decision to award higher-value donations. The Trust operates under the governance of Pobl Group Limited and adheres to the Charity Housing Code of Governance.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Grants: Up to £1,000 per award
• Application Method: Rolling basis through multiple funding rounds per year
• Eligible Applicants: Individuals, community groups, and organisations

Priority Areas

The Trust focuses on three core funding themes:

1. Housing and Homelessness: Projects addressing housing need and homelessness prevention
2. Mental Health and Learning Disabilities: Initiatives supporting people with mental health challenges or learning disabilities
3. Building Stronger Communities: Projects that strengthen community cohesion and create opportunities

The Trust's charitable objects specifically focus on relief of those in need by reason of poverty, homelessness, old age, mental or physical disability, or ill health through the provision of grants, items, and services.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented in available sources, but applications must align with Pobl Group's ambitions and address the Trust's annual funding themes to be considered eligible.

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (as of 2024)

The Trust is governed by 11 trustees:

1. Natalie Dupre
2. Lynne Whistance
3. Victoria Leigh Eynon
4. Victoria Hiscocks
5. Emily Victoria Saunders
6. Christopher Davies
7. Ashleigh Handley
8. Dafydd Hellard
9. Alison Haberstraw
10. Lucie Thomas
11. Thomas Cadwallader

The statutory power of appointing new trustees is vested in Pobl Group Limited, which serves as the immediate and ultimate parent undertaking and controlling party. Trustee training is made available to all new members on appointment and at regular intervals.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Pobl Trust operates through regular funding rounds throughout the year. Grants are awarded up to the value of £1,000 through an application process where individuals, community groups, and organisations submit applications that align with Pobl's ambitions and address the Trust's annual funding themes.

Applications are invited during specific funding windows. Details of current and upcoming funding rounds are published on the Pobl Group website and social media channels. Application forms and guidance are available at: https://www.poblgroup.co.uk/pobl-trust/application-and-guidance

Decision Timeline

All applications are reviewed by the Pobl Trust Trustees. Those deemed eligible are awarded grants. Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented, but given the multiple funding rounds per year, decisions are likely made within weeks to a few months of each round closing.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. Historical data shows that in the 2018/19 financial year, the Trust awarded over £156,000 to 29 projects and initiatives, indicating a selective but active grant-making program.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for clarification.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and governance structure, successful applications likely demonstrate:

Alignment with Pobl's Mission: Since the Trust is the charitable arm of Pobl Group (a major Welsh housing association), projects that complement Pobl's housing and community support work are well-positioned. The Trust specifically seeks projects that “are in line with the Pobl ambitions.”

Connection to Pobl's Operating Areas: The Trust focuses on communities where Pobl Group operates, primarily along the M4 corridor in South Wales, including Newport, Swansea, Cardiff, RCT, Monmouthshire, and other areas across 16 local authority regions. Projects in these geographic areas are essential.

Fit with Annual Funding Themes: The Trust sets specific themes each year. For 2023-24, these included Housing and Homelessness, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, and Building Stronger Communities. Applications must address these current themes.

Clear Community Impact: The Trust prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve quality of life and create opportunities for people in need. Evidence of direct community benefit is crucial.

Examples of Funded Projects:

• Awen Cultural Trust received funding for work wear for trainees in their B-Leaf and Wood-B programs (2023)
• Cerebra Innovation Centre received funding for materials to create bespoke equipment for children with brain conditions

Appropriate Scale: With grants capped at £1,000, successful projects are typically small-scale community initiatives, equipment purchases, or program enhancements rather than major capital projects.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Maximum grant of £1,000 makes this ideal for small community projects, equipment, or program supplements rather than large initiatives
• Geographic specificity is crucial - you must be working in areas where Pobl Group operates in South Wales
• Alignment with annual themes is mandatory - check current year's themes before applying, as these guide all funding decisions
• Multiple funding rounds throughout the year provide several opportunities to apply annually
• Trust is closely tied to Pobl Group's mission - understanding Pobl's housing and community support work will strengthen applications
• Staff lottery funding model means the Trust has modest but consistent income streams, though expenditure in 2023-24 exceeded income as part of planned grant-making
• Applications reviewed by trustees directly - clear, concise applications that demonstrate community impact and theme alignment will stand out
• Diverse beneficiaries supported - the Trust helps children/young people, elderly people, and people with disabilities

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - Pobl Trust (1161479): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=1161479

1. Charity Commission Trustees Register - Pobl Trust: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5043525/trustees

1. Pobl Group Website - Pobl Trust: https://www.poblgroup.co.uk/pobl-trust

1. Pobl Group Website - Pobl Trust Grants: https://www.poblgroup.co.uk/grants

1. Pobl Trust Financial Statements 2023-24: https://storagestrapicms1.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Pobl_Trust_Financial_Statements_2023_24_8f912bb1b6.pdf

1. Awen Cultural Trust - Thanks to Pobl Trust for Funding (2023): https://www.awen-wales.com/2023/03/30/6629/

1. Cerebra - Pobl Trust Fund Innovation Centre Materials: https://cerebra.org.uk/fundraising/pobl-trust-fund-innovation-centre-materials/

1. Companies House - POBL TRUST (08621335): https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08621335