Sir George Martin Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £403,491 (2024)
• Decision Time: 4-6 months (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000
• Typical Grant: £2,000 - £3,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily West Yorkshire

Contact Details

• Website: www.sirgeorgemartintrust.org.uk
• Email: info@sirgeorgemartintrust.org.uk
• Phone: 07967 321594
• Trust Manager: Carla Marshall (provides personalized guidance)
• Application Portal: https://sirgeorgemartintrust.smartygrants.co.uk/SGMTGrant

Overview

The Sir George Martin Trust is an independent grant-making charity established to support disadvantaged and vulnerable residents of West Yorkshire. With annual expenditure of approximately £403,000, the Trust provides flexible, one-off grants to locally-based registered charities and churches. The Trust focuses on improving the well-being of economically and socially disadvantaged people through support for a wide range of community initiatives. They offer personalized guidance through their Trust Manager and operate a two-stage application process designed to be accessible to smaller organisations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: £500 - £5,000 (typically £2,000 - £3,000) for running costs, capital costs, and project costs
• Multi-year Grants: By invitation only for selected organisations
• Application via online portal with Expression of Interest first

Priority Areas

• Social welfare initiatives
• Support for older people
• Youth services and activities
• Disability support services
• Physical and mental health programs
• Community music and arts for disadvantaged communities
• Environmental projects benefiting vulnerable populations

What They Don't Fund

The Trust generally does not fund:

• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Schools
• Community groups (non-charitable)
• Organisations with annual income over £1 million
• Projects outside their geographic focus area

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust operates with a streamlined governance structure with one trustee. The Trust Manager, Carla Marshall, provides personalized support and guidance to applicants throughout the application process.

How to Apply to Sir George Martin Trust

How to Apply

1. Submit Expression of Interest through online portal: https://sirgeorgemartintrust.smartygrants.co.uk/SGMTGrant
2. If invited, submit full application
3. Trust Manager provides personalized guidance throughout the process
4. Applications reviewed at quarterly trustee meetings

Decision Timeline

• Quarterly grant meetings typically held in February, June, and October
• Decisions typically made within 4-6 months of Expression of Interest
• Check website for current meeting dates and application deadlines

Reapplication Policy

Organisations can reapply if unsuccessful, though specific waiting periods were not detailed in available information.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic Focus: Must clearly demonstrate benefit to West Yorkshire disadvantaged communities
• Organisation Size: Best suited for smaller charities with under £1 million annual income
• Flexible Approach: Trust supports running costs, capital, and project costs - be clear about actual needs
• Local Connection: Emphasise local base and community knowledge
• Clear Impact: Demonstrate direct benefit to economically/socially disadvantaged residents
• Personalized Support: Take advantage of Trust Manager guidance during application process

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Trust specifically targets smaller, locally-based charities - highlight local roots and community connections
• Flexible funding available for various cost types - don't hesitate to request core funding support
• Two-stage process allows for early feedback - submit Expression of Interest well in advance
• Trust Manager provides personalized guidance - engage early for best results
• Quarterly decision cycles - plan applications around February, June, and October meetings
• Must be West Yorkshire-based registered charity or church - CICs and community groups generally not eligible
• Sweet spot for grants appears to be £2,000 - £3,000 range

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Bbc Children In Need
• The Leigh Trust
• National Lottery
• Awards For All
• White Rose
• Wakefield District Sight Aid
• Children In Need Fund
• The Free School

References

• Sir George Martin Trust official website (www.sirgeorgemartintrust.org.uk)
• Charity Commission Register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) - Charity Number 223554
• Financial data from 2024 annual returns filed with Charity Commission