Robyn Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £66,480 (year ended April 2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: £100 - £30,000
• Geographic Focus: UK and overseas (international)
• Applications: Rolling basis, written applications accepted anytime

Contact Details

Address: 101 New Cavendish Street, 1st Floor South, London W1W 6XH

Phone: 020 7467 6300

Charity Number: 327745

Website: None (the Trust does not maintain a website)

Note: The Trust does not have a formal online application portal or website. All applications must be submitted in writing to the address above.

Overview

The Robyn Charitable Trust was founded in 1988 by musician Mark Knopfler OBE and his wife, actress and writer Kitty Aldridge Knopfler. Previously known as The Mark Knopfler Charitable Trust, this small but focused grant-making charity supports organizations working in the welfare of children, particularly for the relief of need and education. With income of £97,940 and expenditure of £59,840 in the year ending April 2025, the Trust has distributed grants totalling £66,480 in 2023 (compared to £232,062 in 2022). The Trust operates through a trustee-led review process, accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Notable past beneficiaries include The Teenage Cancer Trust, The Honeypot Charity, Malawi Against Aids, and The One-to-One Children's Fund. Mark Knopfler continues his charitable work through various initiatives, including serving as a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust and supporting organizations like Small Steps Project.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates a single grant program with flexible award levels:

• Children's Welfare and Education Grants: £100 - £30,000 (no set minimum or maximum levels)
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Written applications reviewed by trustees
• No matched funding requirement

Priority Areas

Geographic Scope: UK registered charities working both domestically and internationally

Thematic Focus:

• Welfare of children and young people in need
• Education for children in need anywhere in the world
• Relief of need for children
• Other charitable objectives relating to children at trustees' discretion

Previous Grant Recipients (examples of supported organizations):

• The Teenage Cancer Trust
• The Honeypot Charity
• Malawi Against Aids
• The One-to-One Children's Fund

What They Don't Fund

While the Trust's exclusions are not explicitly published, their charitable objects focus specifically on children's welfare and education. Applications from organizations working outside these areas are unlikely to align with the Trust's objectives.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The Trust is governed by three trustees:

• Mr. Mark Knopfler OBE - Founder, musician, songwriter, and patron of Teenage Cancer Trust. Known for his extensive charitable work supporting children's causes.
• Mrs. Kitty Aldridge Knopfler - Co-founder, actress and writer. Appointed as trustee in 2020.
• Mr. Malcolm Webber - Trustee
• Mr. Ronnie Harris - Trustee

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Operational Approach

The Trust operates with a hands-on trustee review model. According to their stated policies: "The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are to receive applications for funding from various organisations. The trustees review them and ensure that they are in accordance with the Charity's objectives before approving them."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Robyn Charitable Trust accepts written applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. There is no online application portal, website, or formal application form.

Application Method:

• Applications may be made at any time in writing
• Address applications to: The Trustees, The Robyn Charitable Trust, 101 New Cavendish Street, 1st Floor South, London W1W 6XH
• Phone: 020 7467 6300

What to Include:

While the Trust does not publish specific application requirements, applicants should ensure their written applications clearly demonstrate:

• How the proposed work aligns with the Trust's focus on children's welfare and education
• Evidence of UK charity registration
• Whether work is UK-based, overseas, or both
• The specific need being addressed
• The amount requested and how it will be used

Decision Timeline

The Trust does not publicly disclose specific decision timelines or trustee meeting schedules. As applications are accepted on a rolling basis, review times may vary depending on when trustees meet to review applications.

Success Rates

The Trust does not publish data on the number of applications received or the percentage approved. With grants totalling £66,480 awarded in the 2023 financial year (down from £232,062 in 2022), the Trust maintains active grant-making operations, though the number and size of grants varies year to year.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publish a specific reapplication policy. Organizations may submit applications at any time, as the Trust operates on a rolling application basis.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public guidance from the Trust, the following factors can be inferred from their stated objectives and operational approach:

Alignment with Charitable Objects: The trustees explicitly review applications to "ensure that they are in accordance with the Charity's objectives." Strong alignment with children's welfare and education is essential.

UK Charity Registration: Grants are specifically “available for UK registered charities working in the UK and/or overseas,” making charity registration a fundamental eligibility requirement.

Clear Demonstration of Need: Given the Trust's focus on “the relief of need and education,” applications that clearly articulate the need being addressed among children are likely to be more compelling.

Previous Funding Patterns: The Trust has supported both UK-based organizations (Teenage Cancer Trust, The Honeypot Charity) and international work (Malawi Against Aids), indicating openness to both domestic and overseas projects.

Simplicity and Clarity: Without a formal application form or website, the Trust appears to value straightforward, written communication. Applications should be clear, concise, and focused on the core work with children.

Flexible Grant Sizes: With awards ranging from £100 to £30,000, the Trust appears willing to consider both small and substantial requests, suggesting they may value impact over size.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Rolling applications: You can apply at any time throughout the year - there are no fixed deadlines to work toward
• Written applications only: Prepare a compelling written case as there is no online form or structured application process
• UK charity registration essential: Only UK registered charities are eligible, though the work can be UK-based or overseas
• Focus sharply on children: All applications must clearly relate to children's welfare, education, or relief of need
• Be patient and persistent: Without published timelines or feedback mechanisms, the decision process is not transparent
• Consider the personal connection: Founded by Mark Knopfler and focused on causes he supports (like Teenage Cancer Trust), understanding the founder's philanthropic interests may be valuable
• Expect variation: Annual giving has fluctuated significantly (£232,062 in 2022 vs £66,480 in 2023), suggesting funding availability may vary

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Monica Rabagliati Charitable Trust
• The Rest-Harrow Trust
• THE TULA TRUST LIMITED
• Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust
• The Bassil Shippam and Alsford Trust
• The Ian & Natalie Livingstone Charitable Trust
• A J BELL TRUST
• KATHLEEN BERYL SLEIGH CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE TRESANTON TRUST
• ST CLARE AND ST FRANCIS TRUST

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities: ROBYN CHARITABLE TRUST - 327745

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/327745

• PAVO (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services): The Robyn Charitable Trust

https://www.pavo.org.uk/news/the-robyn-charitable-trust/

• Bath and North East Somerset Council: The Robyn Charitable Trust

https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/88984

• OpenCharities: ROBYN CHARITABLE TRUST

http://opencharities.org/charities/327745

• Look to the Stars: Mark Knopfler: Charity Work & Causes

https://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/mark-knopfler

• Teenage Cancer Trust: Our Patrons

https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/events/music-and-entertainment/celebrity-support/our-patrons