T F C Frost Charitable Trust
Charity Number: 256590
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Quick Stats
- Charity Number: 256590
- Annual Expenditure: £92,975 (latest accounts)
- Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
- Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
- Grant Range: Up to £40,000 per fellowship (based on 2018 data)
- Geographic Focus: UK-based ophthalmologists (for training usually abroad)
Contact Details
Email: holmes_and_co@hotmail.com
Phone: 01372 465378
Address: 10 Torrington Road, Claygate, Esher, Surrey KT10 0SA
Website: No dedicated website
Pre-application Contact: Trustees' Secretary (email above)
Overview
The T F C Frost Charitable Trust, established in 1966, is a specialist grant-making charity dedicated to advancing ophthalmology research and training in the United Kingdom. Registered with the UK Charity Commission (charity number 256590), the trust has a distinguished history of supporting eye disease research through recognised university and hospital research departments. With annual expenditure of approximately £93,000 (latest accounts showing income of £117,983 and expenditure of £92,975), the trust operates with 8 trustees who serve without remuneration, demonstrating a commitment to maximising funds available for research and training support. The trust works with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to support promising ophthalmologists who will advance UK eye care.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Clinical Fellowships (up to £40,000 based on 2018 data)
- Supports ophthalmologists currently training in the UK
- Funds fellowship periods at centres of excellence, usually abroad
- Applications via email to trustees' secretary
Priority Areas
The trust focuses exclusively on:
- Eye disease research through recognised university and hospital research departments
- Clinical fellowships for ophthalmologists in UK training programmes
- Training at centres of excellence that will impact both the applicant's career and UK ophthalmology broadly
- Research and training that advances understanding and treatment of visual impairments
What They Don't Fund
While not explicitly stated, the trust's narrow focus suggests they do not fund:
- Projects outside ophthalmology and eye disease research
- Applicants not currently training in UK ophthalmology programmes
- General medical research not related to eye disease
- Infrastructure or equipment costs unrelated to research fellowships
- Retrospective funding for completed training
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Governance and Leadership
Trustees: 8 trustees oversee the charity, all serving without remuneration, payments, or benefits
Trustees' Secretary: Mr John Holmes F.C.A. (primary contact for applications)
The trust operates with no employees and no trading subsidiaries, maintaining a lean structure that maximises the proportion of funds directed to research and training grants.
How to Apply to T F C Frost Charitable Trust
How to Apply
Application Method: Email submission to trustees' secretary
Contact: holmes_and_co@hotmail.com
Application Components: Should include:
- Summary of proposed clinical and research fellowship
- Demonstration that fellowship is at a centre of excellence
- Evidence of impact on applicant's career
- Evidence of broader impact on UK ophthalmology
- Place of research (name of hospital or university)
Decision Timeline
Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Contact the trustees' secretary for current application deadlines and review schedules.
Success Rates
Success rates are not publicly disclosed.
Reapplication Policy
No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Applicants should contact the trustees' secretary for guidance on resubmission if unsuccessful.
Application Success Factors
Based on the trust's stated priorities:
Demonstrate Centre of Excellence Status: Applications must clearly show the proposed training location is internationally recognised for ophthalmology excellence. Provide evidence of the institution's reputation, faculty expertise, and unique training opportunities not available in the UK.
Show Dual Impact: The trust seeks impact on both the individual applicant's career trajectory and UK ophthalmology more broadly. Applications should articulate how skills and knowledge gained will be disseminated and implemented within UK practice upon return.
Merit-Based Selection: Applications should emphasise academic achievement, research potential, and clear training objectives.
International Training Focus: The trust values international exposure and training at centres of excellence abroad.
Professional Partnership: Working through The Royal College of Ophthalmologists demonstrates the trust's commitment to supporting trainees within established professional frameworks. Applicants should ensure their applications reflect professional standards expected by the College.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Specialist funder: This trust funds exclusively ophthalmology research and clinical training fellowships—do not approach for other medical specialties or general eye care services
- Competitive awards: With substantial grants and a focused remit, competition is significant; applications must be exceptional
- International focus valued: The trust supports training at international centres of excellence
- Career development emphasis: The trust seeks to support individuals who will become leaders in UK ophthalmology, not just fund research projects
- Merit trumps need: Academic excellence and training quality are paramount
- Long-term impact required: Applications must demonstrate how training will benefit UK ophthalmology beyond the individual applicant's career advancement
Similar Funders
These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:
- Miss Barbara Mary Wilmot Discretionary Trust
- Moorfields Eye Charity
- Fight For Sight
- Sight Research Uk
- The Spectacle Makers' Charity
- The Mabs Mardulyn Charitable Foundation
- Retina Uk
- The Ulverscroft Foundation
- Sir Samuel Scott Of Yews Trust
- Federation Of Optometrists And Dispensing Opticians Educational Charity
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References
- UK Charity Commission Register, T F C Frost Charitable Trust (Charity No. 256590). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/256590
- The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, “The T.F.C. Frost Charitable Trust awards of up to £40,000”, June 2018. https://curriculum.rcophth.ac.uk/2018/06/the-t-f-c-frost-charitable-trust-2/
- NGO Explorer, “T F C Frost Charitable Trust”. https://ngo-explorer.dkane.net/charity/256590
- Charity Choice, “T F C Frost Charitable Trust”. https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/t-f-c-frost-charitable-trust-256590
- University of Southampton, “A Lotery TFC Frost Charitable Trust” research project listing. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/projects/a-lotery-tfc-frost-charitable-trust
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