Rotary Club of Felixstowe Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £95,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by trustee meeting schedule
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £2,000+ (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Felixstowe/Suffolk (primary), with some national and international

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.felixstowerotaryclub.org/ (redirects to Rotary RIBI page)
• Phone: 07967047924
• Email: markr.davis@btinternet.com
• Address: 174 High Road, Trimley St. Mary, Felixstowe IP11 0SS
• Meeting Location: Thursdays at 12:30 for 1pm, Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club

Overview

The Rotary Club of Felixstowe Charitable Trust (Charity Number: 271984) is an active grant-making charity that distributes over £100,000 annually to local, national, and international causes. Established as part of the Rotary International network, the trust operates through fundraising events and member contributions to support a diverse range of beneficiaries. With 38 volunteers and 6 trustees, they focus primarily on Felixstowe and Suffolk organisations whilst maintaining commitments to national charities like Save the Children and international Rotary initiatives including polio eradication. The trust generates funds through popular community events including their annual Fun Run, Santa's Ride, and various social fundraisers throughout the year.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Whilst specific programmes aren't publicly detailed, documented grants include:

• Community Support Grants: £1,000 - £2,000 (for local charities and causes)
• Equipment Funding: Variable amounts for defibrillators, ECG machines
• Youth Development Support: Funding for Young Carers activities and youth programmes
• Emergency Services Support: Grants to search and rescue organisations

Priority Areas

• Local health and wellbeing services (hospices, mental health, dementia support)
• Youth development and support for young carers
• Emergency and rescue services
• Food security and basic needs (food banks, community pantries)
• Environmental conservation (local nature reserves)
• International humanitarian aid (through Rotary International projects)

What They Don't Fund

Whilst not explicitly stated, their giving history suggests they do not fund:

• Individual beneficiaries
• Political organisations
• Religious activities (though faith-based charities providing community services are supported)
• Commercial enterprises

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Governance and Leadership

The trust operates with 6 trustees and follows standard Rotary Club governance. Recent presidents include Paul Griffiths (2024/25) and Nick Barber (2025/26), who was twice Mayor of Felixstowe. The club maintains strong community connections with members actively involved in local civic life. No trustees receive remuneration, and all funds raised go directly to charitable causes after minimal administrative expenses.

How to Apply to Rotary Club Of Felixstowe Charitable Trust

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on:

• Presentations from charities to club members at meetings
• Member recommendations and community connections
• Designation of specific fundraising events to particular beneficiaries
• Direct relationships with local organisations

Organisations seeking support should contact the club directly via email (markr.davis@btinternet.com) or phone (07967047924) to explore opportunities for engagement.

Getting on Their Radar

• Attend Thursday meetings: The club meets weekly at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club at 12:30 for 1pm - charities can request to present
• Participate in fundraising events: Organisations that support or participate in their Fun Run, Golf Day, or other events gain visibility
• Connect through members: Many grants appear to come through existing member relationships with local organisations
• Present your impact: The club regularly hosts charity presentations where organisations can share their work and needs

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified, but appears to align with regular trustee meetings and fundraising event schedules

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

No stated policy, though multiple organisations appear to receive repeated support

Application Success Factors

Based on their documented giving patterns:

• Strong local connection: Organisations based in Felixstowe or serving Suffolk residents receive priority
• Clear community impact: Recent beneficiaries all demonstrate tangible benefits to local residents
• Alignment with Rotary values: Service above self, community development, and humanitarian causes resonate
• Personal presentation: Many successful grants follow presentations to club members
• Event participation: Organisations that actively support club fundraising events build stronger relationships
• Specific equipment or project needs: Concrete requests (defibrillators, activity weekends) appear more successful than general operating support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process - relationship building through direct contact is essential
• Strong preference for Felixstowe and Suffolk organisations, though national charities with local impact are considered
• Typical grants range from £1,000-£2,000, with larger amounts possible for specific equipment
• Best approach is to request an opportunity to present at a Thursday meeting
• Participating in or supporting their fundraising events significantly improves visibility
• Focus communications on specific, tangible community benefits rather than general organisational needs
• The club raises substantial funds annually through events, ensuring consistent funding availability

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Dj Sidebottom/glasdon Charitable Programme
• The Jones 1986 Charitable Trust
• The Harpenden Trust
• The Mansfield Building Society Charitable Trust
• Rotary Club Of Burnley & Burnley Pendleside
• The C T Thomas Trust
• The David And Ruth Behrend Fund
• Masonic Charitable Foundation
• The Speedomick Foundation
• Finegrant Limited

References

• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/271984
• Rotary Club of Felixstowe Official Page: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=469
• Community Outreach Activities: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=769090&ClubID=469
• Charity Choice Profile: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/rotary-club-of-felixstowe-charitable-trust-157607
• Various Rotary RIBI pages documenting specific fundraising events and donations (2023-2024)