Poor's Allotment

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £40,000-50,000 (grants and support)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Trustee meetings held quarterly
• Grant Range: £50 - £500 (typical individual grants)
• Geographic Focus: Sheringham, Norfolk only

Contact Details

• Website: Not available
• Phone: 01263 822577
• Email: info@sheringhampoors.org.uk
• Address: Sheringham, Norfolk

Overview

Poor's Allotment is a historic charity established centuries ago to support residents of Sheringham, Norfolk who are experiencing financial hardship. With charity number 208459, the organization manages almshouses and provides financial assistance to individuals in need within the Sheringham parish boundaries. The charity operates on income from its historic endowments and property holdings, distributing funds through quarterly trustee meetings. As a traditional relief-of-poverty charity, Poor's Allotment focuses exclusively on supporting local residents facing genuine financial difficulties, maintaining its centuries-old mission of providing practical help to those most in need in the Sheringham community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Individual Hardship Grants: £50 - £500 (for essential needs, utilities, household items)
• Emergency Support: Small grants for urgent financial crises
• Almshouse Provision: Subsidized accommodation for elderly residents in need

Priority Areas

• Relief of poverty and financial hardship
• Support for elderly residents of Sheringham
• Emergency assistance for unexpected financial crises
• Help with essential living costs
• Support for basic household needs

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations or charities
• Projects outside Sheringham parish boundaries
• Business ventures or educational courses
• Holidays or non-essential items
• Residents who don't meet local connection criteria

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by a board of local trustees who meet quarterly to review applications and make grant decisions. Trustees are typically long-standing members of the Sheringham community with knowledge of local needs and circumstances. The charity maintains traditional governance structures common to historic poor relief charities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are made by contacting the charity directly via phone (01263 822577) or email (info@sheringhampoors.org.uk). There is no online application portal. Applicants typically need to:

• Demonstrate genuine financial need
• Provide evidence of Sheringham residency
• Explain the specific purpose of the grant request
• May require a supporting letter from a social worker, doctor, or other professional

Decision Timeline

• Trustee meetings held quarterly (typically March, June, September, December)
• Emergency grants may be considered between meetings at trustees' discretion
• Decisions communicated within 1-2 weeks of trustee meetings

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Individuals can reapply if circumstances change or new needs arise, though repeated applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Success Factors

• Clear demonstration of financial hardship: Provide specific details about financial circumstances and why assistance is needed
• Local connection: Must be a current resident of Sheringham with established ties to the community
• Specific need: Clearly explain what the grant will be used for and why it's essential
• Supporting evidence: Letters from professionals (social workers, doctors, advice agencies) strengthen applications
• Realistic requests: Ask for amounts appropriate to the need - typically under £500

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an individual-only funder - organizations cannot apply for grants

• Strictly limited to Sheringham residents experiencing financial hardship

• Small grants focused on immediate, practical needs rather than long-term support

• Traditional application process requires direct contact rather than online forms

• Quarterly decision-making means timing applications appropriately

• Historic charity with deep local roots and traditional approach to poverty relief

• Best suited for social workers or advice agencies referring clients rather than direct organizational funding

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales - Charity Number 208459
• Local charity directories and Norfolk community resources
• Historic poor relief charity frameworks and governance structures
• Date accessed: December 2024