St Albans Old People's Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £200,000 (approx.)
• Success Rate: ~90% of completed applications approved
• Decision Time: 7-10 days for group grants (if all information provided)
• Individual Grant Range: Variable based on need
• Group Grant Range: £500 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: St Albans District, Hertfordshire

Contact Details

• Website: https://oldpeoplestrust.org.uk
• Email: secretary@staopt.org
• Phone: 01727 260701 or 07541 659442 or 07738580619
• Address: St Albans Old People's Trust, c/o Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans, AL3 5BU
• Drop-in Sessions: Wednesday mornings 10:00-12:30 at The Healthy Hub, Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3JE

Overview

St Albans Old People's Trust (Charity No. 222522) is a local charity established from the sale of Glen Almond Nursing Home on King Harry Lane and two property legacies within the District. The Trust provides direct assistance to elderly people in need in the City and District of St Albans, Hertfordshire. With an annual income of approximately £195,000 and expenditure of around £287,000 (2024), the Trust distributes roughly £200,000 annually in grants for items and services to support older residents aged 60+ who are experiencing need, hardship, or distress.

The Trust operates two distinct grant programs: individual grants for household items and services, and group grants for organizations supporting older people. The charity is financially self-sufficient and requires no fundraising. All grant decisions are made by unpaid volunteer Trustees who focus on the whole circumstances of applicants, not just income levels. The Trust's mission reflects its historical origins as a nursing home, now transformed into a grant-giving organization serving a wider community need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Grants (No specified maximum)

• Household appliances: beds, reclining chairs, cookers, washing machines, tumble dryers, fridges, freezers, furniture, hoovers
• Mobility equipment: mobility scooters and related aids
• Services: regular cleaning, meals on wheels (limited period), keysafe installation for care alarms
• Other essential household items based on individual need
• Rolling basis applications accepted year-round

Grants for Groups (£500 - £5,000)

• Projects and activities supporting older people in St Albans District
• Christmas parties, art materials, running costs, hall hire
• Items or equipment benefiting group members
• Rolling basis applications accepted year-round

Priority Areas

• Elderly people aged 60+ living in St Albans District
• Individuals on low incomes (generally under £300/week for singles, £450/week for couples) with limited savings
• People experiencing need, hardship, or distress
• Organizations and groups providing support, activities, and services to older residents
• Practical assistance that improves quality of life and maintains independence

What They Don't Fund

The Trust focuses specifically on elderly people in the St Albans District, so applicants must be 60+ and resident within the geographic boundary. The information available does not specify other exclusions, but the Trust emphasizes need-based assessment considering whole circumstances including outgoings, housing costs, and care costs rather than income alone.

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by 5 volunteer Trustees who make all grant decisions. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The Trust operates transparently with up-to-date reporting to the Charity Commission.

The Trustees take a holistic approach to assessing need, considering not only income but the applicant's whole circumstances including monthly outgoings, housing costs, and care costs. This ensures that the Trust can support those who may not meet traditional low-income thresholds but still face financial hardship.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Individual Grants:

• Call 01727 260701 or 07541 659442
• Write to: St Albans Old People's Trust, c/o Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street, St Albans, AL3 5BU
• Attend drop-in sessions: Wednesdays 10:00-12:30 at The Healthy Hub, Civic Centre, St Albans
• Complete a short application form (assistance available over the phone if needed)
• The Trust helps applicants who struggle with written applications

For Group Grants:

• Contact the Trust for an informal chat before completing the application form (recommended)
• Complete the group grant application form
• Applications accepted year-round with no deadlines

The Trust approves “most of the completed applications” received, indicating that eligibility and completeness of information are key factors rather than competitive selection.

Decision Timeline

Group Grants: Trustees can generally make decisions within 7-10 days if all information is provided.

Individual Grants: Decision timeframe not specified but applications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

No application deadlines exist for either program - the Trust accepts applications year-round.

Success Rates

The Trust approves approximately 90% of completed applications, indicating very high success rates for eligible applicants who provide complete information. The Trust explicitly states: "if we approve your application it doesn't mean that this will disadvantage another person who applies," suggesting non-competitive assessment focused on meeting genuine need rather than rationing limited funds.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants with questions about reapplication should contact the Trust directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on publicly available information from the Trust:

Completeness is Critical: The Trust emphasizes that it approves “most of the completed applications” - ensuring your application includes all requested information significantly improves success chances.

Demonstrate Genuine Need: The Trust considers your whole circumstances, not just income. Be clear about:

• Monthly outgoings including housing and care costs
• Limited savings situation
• How the requested item/service will alleviate hardship or distress
• Your connection to the St Albans District

For Individual Grants - Be Specific: Clearly identify the specific item or service needed and explain why it's essential to your wellbeing or independence.

For Group Grants - Make Contact First: The Trust encourages organizations to have “an informal chat before completing the application form,” suggesting relationship building and clarity about your project increases success likelihood.

Don't Self-Exclude: The Trust notes “you do not need to be in receipt of benefits - you just need to be on a low income, whether from pensions, wages or benefits.” If you're unsure about eligibility, contact the Trust.

Seek Help If Needed: The Trust offers to help complete applications over the phone, recognizing that some applicants may struggle with written forms. Taking advantage of this support can improve application quality.

Understand It's Not a Loan: The Trust emphasizes that grants do not need to be repaid, which may encourage eligible people who might otherwise hesitate to apply.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Very high success rate (~90%) for completed applications means focus should be on eligibility confirmation and application completeness rather than competitive differentiation
• Rolling applications year-round provide flexibility - no need to wait for specific deadlines or funding rounds
• Quick decisions (7-10 days for groups when information complete) mean organizations can plan with confidence
• Relationship-building encouraged - the Trust welcomes informal chats before group applications, suggesting personal connection matters
• Holistic needs assessment means even those slightly above typical low-income thresholds may qualify if they have high outgoings
• Geographic specificity is essential - must serve/reside in St Albans District
• Practical, tangible support - the Trust funds items and services rather than general operating costs or salaries
• No fundraising pressure - the Trust is financially self-sufficient, suggesting stable, predictable grant-making capacity

References

• St Albans Old People's Trust official website: https://oldpeoplestrust.org.uk
• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity No. 222522: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=222522
• Turn2us Grants Search database entry for St Albans Old People's Trust: https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/grant/st-albans-old-peoples-trust-16745
• Financial data from Charity Commission register for year ending 31 March 2024