Rockcliffe Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 274117
• Annual Income: £492,883 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £708,394 (2024)
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
• Application Method: By appeal to trustees
• Number of Trustees: 4

Contact Details

Phone: 020 7681 6137

Note: The trust does not appear to have a public website or published email address. Contact via phone is recommended.

Overview

The Rockcliffe Charitable Trust (registered charity 274117) is a UK-based grant-making trust registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. According to its charitable purposes, the trust distributes income through donations to charitable institutions in response to appeals received, with trustees exercising discretion to support charitable purposes they deem fit and appropriate. With an annual income of approximately £493,000 and expenditure of over £708,000 (year ending April 2024), the trust appears to be actively distributing grants. The trust operates with four trustees, at least one of whom receives payment for services to the charity. The Rockcliffe Charitable Trust supports causes across several sectors including historical conservation, environmental and natural protection, poverty alleviation, and support for disabled people.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates through an appeals-based system rather than formal grant programs. Organizations submit appeals directly to the trustees who exercise discretion in determining which charitable purposes to support.

Priority Areas

Based on identified grant recipients and the trust's stated charitable purposes, funding priorities include:

• Historical Conservation and Heritage Preservation: Support for archival preservation and historical documentation projects
• Environmental and Natural Protection: Environmental conservation initiatives and nature-based programs
• Poverty Alleviation: Support for organizations addressing poverty and social disadvantage
• Disability Support: Funding for organizations supporting disabled people
• Horticultural Education and Community Wellbeing: Support for programs combining gardening, creativity, and health benefits

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly stated. As the trust responds to appeals for “charitable institutions in respect of their charitable purposes,” it appears focused on supporting registered charities rather than individuals.

Ready to write a winning application for Rockcliffe Charitable Trust?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by four trustees who exercise discretion over grant-making decisions. One or more trustees receive payments or benefits for providing services to the charity, suggesting professional management of the trust's operations. Specific names of trustees are not readily available in public sources but can be obtained from the Charity Commission register.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The trust operates through an appeals process rather than a formal application system. According to its charitable purposes, the trust considers “appeals received” from charitable institutions. Organizations should:

1. Submit a written appeal to the trustees explaining the charitable purpose and funding need
2. Contact the trust via phone (020 7681 6137) to discuss potential funding opportunities
3. Provide information about your organization's charitable status and specific project or organizational need

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. As the trust responds to appeals on a discretionary basis, timing may vary depending on trustee meeting schedules and the nature of the appeal.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly stated. Organizations should inquire directly with the trustees about reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on identified grant recipients, the following factors appear important:

Proven Track Record: The trust has supported established organizations with clear charitable purposes, such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and well-structured community interest companies.

Alignment with Priority Areas: Projects that fit within historical conservation, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, or disability support appear most likely to succeed.

Clear Charitable Impact: The trust seeks to support charitable institutions with defined charitable purposes. Applications should clearly articulate the charitable benefit and intended impact.

Innovation and Legacy: The trust has supported inaugural programs (such as the Serge Hill Project Rockcliffe Gardening Scholar) and long-term preservation initiatives, suggesting interest in sustainable, forward-thinking projects.

Examples of Funded Projects:

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission/National Conservation Service film freezing preservation project (partnership with William Delafield Charitable Trust)
• Serge Hill Project Rockcliffe Gardening Scholar - two-year scholarship supporting horticultural training and community engagement through gardening, creativity, and health initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Appeals-based approach: This trust responds to appeals rather than open application rounds, so proactive outreach via phone or letter is necessary
• Discretionary grant-making: Trustees exercise significant discretion, so building a relationship and understanding their current interests may be beneficial
• Broad charitable remit: The trust's charitable purposes are intentionally broad, allowing flexibility across multiple cause areas
• Significant resources: With annual expenditure exceeding £700,000, the trust appears to be an active grant-maker with substantial resources
• Private operation: Limited public information suggests a preference for quiet philanthropy - direct contact is essential
• Partnership funding: The trust has co-funded projects with other charitable trusts (e.g., William Delafield Charitable Trust), suggesting openness to collaborative funding arrangements
• Focus on charitable institutions: The trust specifically supports registered charities and charitable institutions rather than individuals

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales, Register of Charities - Rockcliffe Charitable Trust (Charity Number 274117). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/274117
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Commonwealth War Graves & The National Conservation Service partner on vital film freezing project,". https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/news/commonwealth-war-graves-the-national-conservation-service-partner-on-vital-film-freezing-project/
• The Dirt Horticulture News, “The Serge Hill Project: Gardening Scholar,”. https://thedirt.news/job/the-serge-hill-project-gardening-scholar/
• The Serge Hill Project website. https://www.sergehillproject.co.uk/