Sarah's Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £81,400 (2023, historical - trust is now closed)
• Total Assets: £2.6 million (historical, prior to closure)
• Decision Time: Information not publicly available
• Grant Range: £250 - £13,000 (based on recent grants, historical)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide with emphasis on Hertfordshire (historical)

Contact Details

This charity has closed. The contact details below are no longer in use.

• Email: info@sarahstrust.org
• Phone: 01462 427712
• Address: 32 Ivel Road, Shefford, Beds, SG17 5JP

Overview

Sarah's Trust is a UK registered charity (1178691) established in 2018 following the death of Sarah Catherine Smith in 2017 from complications of ROHHAD syndrome, a rare childhood disease. The trust was founded by Sarah's family to honour her memory and continue her spirit of helping others. With total assets of approximately £2.6 million and annual grant distributions around £80,000-90,000, the trust focuses on supporting children, young people, and families facing challenges, particularly those affected by rare diseases, disabilities, and life-limiting conditions. The trust also maintains a strong commitment to medical research into ROHHAD syndrome.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust makes grants across several key areas:

• Medical Research Grants: Up to £13,000 (supporting ROHHAD syndrome research)
• Family Support Grants: £500 - £5,000 (equipment, respite care, therapeutic support)
• Community Organisation Grants: £250 - £3,000 (local charities and support groups)
• Emergency Hardship Grants: £250 - £1,000 (immediate family needs)

Priority Areas

• ROHHAD syndrome research and awareness
• Support for families affected by rare childhood diseases
• Children and young people with disabilities or life-limiting conditions
• Family respite and therapeutic interventions
• Medical equipment and accessibility adaptations
• Bereavement support for families who have lost children
• Local community organisations in Hertfordshire supporting vulnerable children

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on their grant patterns they appear to focus exclusively on:

• UK-based organisations and families
• Direct support for children and families rather than general operating costs
• Medical and therapeutic interventions rather than educational programs

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is managed by a board of trustees including Sarah's family members who remain actively involved in the charity's operations. The trustees bring personal experience of caring for a child with complex medical needs and maintain close connections with the rare disease community. The trust operates with minimal administrative costs, ensuring maximum funds go directly to beneficiaries.

How to Apply to Sarah's Trust

How to Apply

This charity is closed and no longer accepts applications of any kind. Do not contact the email address or address listed above - the trust is winding up and its remaining assets have transferred to Humanitas.

Application Success Factors

Organisations and families most likely to receive support demonstrate:

• Clear connection to the trust's mission around rare childhood diseases or disabilities
• Immediate, practical needs that will directly benefit children and families
• Strong referrals from medical professionals or established partner organisations
• Location in Hertfordshire or connection to ROHHAD syndrome increases likelihood of support
• Specific, costed proposals for equipment, therapies, or research projects
• Evidence of how even small grants will make a significant difference

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Sarah's Trust has closed and been removed from the Charity Commission register - it is not a viable funding prospect
• Remaining assets have transferred to Humanitas; grant writers seeking support in this space should research Humanitas directly instead
• The information above is retained for historical/archival reference only

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Graham Rowlandson Foundation
• The Trevor Hemmings Foundation
• The Desmond Foundation
• The Jewish Children's Holidays Fund
• The Marian Elizabeth Trust
• The O'sullivan Family Charitable Trust
• The Harebell Centenary Fund
• North Wales Freemasons Charity
• Fantastic Peach Foundation Uk Limited
• The Chaldean Charitable Trust

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales - Charity Details for SARAH'S TRUST (1178691)
• Sarah's Trust Annual Report and Accounts 2023 - Filed with Charity Commission
• Grant recipient acknowledgments and case studies from trust communications
• ROHHAD Association UK partnership information
• Local Hertfordshire charity network bulletins
• Dates accessed: December 2024