Sir John And Lady Heathcoat Amory's Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 203970

Annual Expenditure: £0.1M
Geographic Focus: Devon, Somerset

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £77,845 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: Up to £8,500 (generally less than £5,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Devon and Somerset

Contact Details

Address: The Island, Lowman Green, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4LA

Phone: 01884 254899

Email: charities@lowman.co.uk

Website: No website available

Pre-application Support: Contact via post (applications by post only, not by email)

Overview

Sir John and Lady Heathcoat Amory's Charitable Trust was established in 1962 and is registered with the Charity Commission (number 203970). The trust is part of the charitable legacy of the Heathcoat-Amory family, whose fortune was established by John Heathcoat, the inventor of a revolutionary industrial lace-making machine who moved to Tiverton in 1816. The family's lasting contribution to Devon includes not only their business enterprise but also their sustained philanthropic commitment to the region. In the year ending April 2024, the trust had total income of £72,951 and total expenditure of £77,845. The trustees follow a general policy of distributing the trust's income whilst maintaining the substance of the trust's investments to enlarge its grant-giving potential. The trust operates with three trustees and maintains a traditional approach to grant-making, focusing on discretionary awards to support charitable purposes across Devon and Somerset.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants Programme: Up to £8,500 (generally less than £5,000)

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis by post
  • No application form required - written applications only
  • Discretionary grant-making at trustees' discretion

Priority Areas

The trust supports a broad range of charitable causes including:

  • Education and Training: Advancing educational opportunities for all ages
  • Health and Welfare: Supporting healthcare initiatives and promoting wellbeing
  • Relief of Poverty: Preventing and relieving financial hardship
  • Support for Vulnerable Groups: Including children, young people, and elderly/older people
  • Support for Other Charities: Grants to charitable organizations and voluntary bodies

What They Don't Fund

The trust has not published specific exclusions, operating instead on a broad discretionary basis. However, given the modest grant sizes, large capital projects or national organizations seeking major funding may be less suitable.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Sir Ian Heathcoat Amory serves as Chair of the trust. Sir Ian is involved with multiple charitable trusts in the Heathcoat-Amory family portfolio, including Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust, Sir John Amory's Old People's Trust, The Twyford Trust, Calverleigh Charitable Trust, and Lord Amory Trust.

The trust has three trustees in total. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, and the trust does not have any trading subsidiaries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  • Method: Written application by post only (not by email)
  • No Application Form: Simply write a letter explaining your charitable purpose and funding needs
  • Address: Sir John and Lady Amory's Charitable Trust, The Island, Lowman Green, Tiverton, EX16 4LA
  • Application Schedule: Rolling basis - no fixed deadlines

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. Applicants should contact the trust directly for information about when decisions are typically made.

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes are not publicly available. The trust operates on a discretionary basis with limited public reporting due to its size.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the trust directly to enquire about reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Examples of Funded Projects

The trust has previously funded:

  • Tiverton Market Centre: £2,000
  • Knightshayes Garden Trust: £17,000
  • Relief for the Elderly and Infirm: £1,000

These examples demonstrate the trust's support for local community facilities, heritage projects (particularly those connected to the family's legacy), and services for vulnerable populations.

Strategic Considerations

  • Local Connection: The trust has deep roots in Tiverton and the Mid-Devon area. Projects demonstrating connection to or benefit for these communities may be particularly well-regarded.
  • Family Legacy: Given the family's historic contribution to the region through employment and civic engagement, projects that align with community development, heritage preservation, or supporting local people may resonate with trustees.
  • Modest Funding Requests: Most grants are under £5,000. Organizations seeking larger amounts should have exceptional justification or be prepared to apply for partial funding.
  • Clear Charitable Benefit: With discretionary grant-making, clearly articulating the charitable purpose and benefit to beneficiaries is essential.

Application Tips

  • Written Applications: Since applications must be by post with no form, craft a clear, concise letter that covers: your organization's background, the specific project or need, the amount requested, the charitable benefit, and how it aligns with the trust's areas of interest.
  • Be Specific: Include concrete details about beneficiaries, outcomes, and how the funding will be used.
  • Local Focus: Emphasize connections to Devon and Somerset, particularly the Mid-Devon/Tiverton area.
  • Keep it Simple: The trust operates on a traditional model without online applications or complex forms. A straightforward, well-written letter may be most appropriate.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Truly Local: This is a family trust with deep roots in Devon, particularly Tiverton. Strong local connections and demonstrable benefit to Devon/Somerset communities are likely important factors.
  • Modest Grant Sizes: Budget requests should typically be under £5,000. The trust made an exceptional grant of £17,000 to Knightshayes Garden Trust (connected to the family estate), but this is not the norm.
  • Broad Discretion: The trust can fund “any charitable purposes” at trustees' discretion, offering flexibility for diverse projects aligned with education, health, welfare, and poverty relief.
  • Traditional Approach: No website, no online form, postal applications only. This signals a traditional grant-making approach that values personal, written communication.
  • Heritage Connection: The Knightshayes grant suggests interest in preserving local heritage, particularly projects connected to the family's historic contribution to the area.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Specific mention of children/young people and elderly/older people as beneficiary groups indicates potential priority for projects serving these populations.
  • Direct Contact Welcome: With an email and phone number provided, don't hesitate to make initial contact to discuss your project's suitability before submitting a full application.

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