Spielman Charitable Trust
Stay updated on changes from Spielman Charitable Trust and other funders
Get daily notifications about new funding opportunities, deadline changes, and programme updates from UK funders.
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: ~£250,000 (based on expenditure)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
- Grant Range: Average £6,000 (up to £10,000)
- Geographic Focus: Bristol and the South West of England
Contact Details
- Address: Whitefriars Business Centre, 2nd Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT
- Phone: 01179 291929
- Email: spielmantrust@gmail.com
Overview
The Spielman Charitable Trust was established on 23 August 1979 through a deed dated 8th June 1979. The Trust provides grants to a range of institutions and individuals to help them deal with immediate needs, with a particular focus on charities engaged in caring for and educating children and young people in Bristol and the South West of England.
The Trust has played a significant role in the development of the cultural sector in Bristol over the last 20 years, supporting organisations such as Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol Ensemble, and various community projects. Their most notable contribution was a major gift to Tobacco Factory Theatres' £1.5 million redevelopment project, resulting in the new studio theatre being named the “Spielman Theatre” in recognition of their support.
In the financial year ending 5 April 2024, the Trust had a total income of £265,908 and total expenditure of £252,086, demonstrating consistent grant-making activity.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Small Grants Programme: Average grants of £6,000 (classified as under £10,000)
- Applications submitted in writing with no closing date (rolling basis)
Priority Areas
- Children and young people services
- Education and youth development
- People with disabilities
- Cultural and arts organisations (particularly those with youth/educational programmes)
- General charitable purposes benefiting Bristol and South West communities
- Organisations addressing immediate needs
What They Don't Fund
While specific exclusions are not published, the Trust:
- Will only fund work that takes place in Bristol and the surrounding area
- Focuses primarily on registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Prioritises organisations caring for and educating children and young people
Ready to write a winning application for Spielman Charitable Trust?
Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.
Governance and Leadership
Trustees
- MR C J L MOORSOM (Chair)
- KAREN PETERSEN HANN
- MR P A COOPER
- Amelia Hann (appointed 28 January 2020)
- Anna Jennifer MacCarthy (appointed 28 January 2020)
No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.
Policies in Place
The Trust maintains comprehensive governance policies including:
- Bullying and harassment policy
- Complaints procedures
- Financial reserves policy
- Internal financial controls
- Risk management
- Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries
- Trustee conflict of interest management
- Trustee expenses policies
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted in writing to the Trust. There is no formal online application portal. Contact the Trust via:
- Email: spielmantrust@gmail.com
- Post: Whitefriars Business Centre, 2nd Floor, Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT
- Phone: 01179 291929
Decision Timeline
The Trust operates on a rolling basis with no fixed closing dates. Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for information on current processing times.
Reapplication Policy
No publicly available information on reapplication restrictions.
Application Success Factors
Based on the Trust's funding patterns and stated priorities:
- Geographic alignment is essential: The Trust will only fund work that takes place in Bristol and the surrounding area in the South West of England
- Children and young people focus: Applications demonstrating clear benefit to children and young people are prioritised. The Trust's support for the Spielman Theatre specifically noted it would "unlock potential for increased children's workshops, artist development and community activity"
- Immediate needs: The Trust emphasises helping organisations “deal with immediate needs” - applications addressing pressing requirements may be favoured
- Organisational status: Registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) are eligible
- Cultural sector with educational elements: The Trust has a track record of supporting cultural organisations that combine artistic work with youth and educational programmes
- Tobacco Factory Theatres (major gift for theatre redevelopment)
- Bristol Ensemble (arts and music education)
- Hawkesbury Skate Park Appeal (£4,000 for youth health and wellbeing project)
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Bristol focus is critical: Ensure your work directly benefits Bristol and the surrounding South West area - this is a firm geographic restriction
- Youth and education angle: Frame applications to highlight benefits to children and young people, even if not the primary focus of your organisation
- Rolling applications: No deadline pressure, but contact the Trust early to understand their current priorities and timelines
- Personal approach recommended: With a small trustee board and email/phone contact details available, building a relationship may be valuable
- Modest grant sizes: Expect grants averaging £6,000 - appropriate for project funding rather than large capital appeals (though they have made larger gifts for significant projects)
- Cultural organisations welcome: The Trust has a strong track record in supporting Bristol's cultural sector, particularly organisations with youth engagement programmes
- Submit in writing: Prepare a clear, concise written application outlining your organisation, the specific need, and how the grant would be used
🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.
Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.
Data privacy and security by default
Your organisation's past successful grants and experience
AI analysis of what reviewers want to see
A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours
References
- Charity Commission Register of Charities - Spielman Charitable Trust (Charity 278306): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/278306/full-print
- Bath and North East Somerset Council - Spielman Charitable Trust Small Grants: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/86649
- Tobacco Factory Theatres - New studio theatre to be named 'Spielman Theatre': https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/new-studio-theatre-named-spielman-theatre/
- Bristol Ensemble - Support Us page: https://bristolensemble.com/support-us/
- B&NES Advice Ltd - Spielman Charitable Trust funding information: https://bandltd.org.uk/funding/spielman-charitable-trust
Information