The Albert Dawson Educational Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £140,000 - £200,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly meetings (approximately 3-4 months)
• Grant Range: £500 - £2,000 (typical individual grants)
• Geographic Focus: Brighton & Hove and surrounding areas, with some national reach

Contact Details

• Email: albertdawsontrust@gmail.com
• Phone: 01273 326840
• Website: No public website available
• Registered Charity Number: 1098540

Overview

The Albert Dawson Educational Trust, established in 2003, is a Brighton-based educational charity that provides financial support to individuals and organizations advancing education. With annual charitable expenditure ranging from £140,000 to £200,000, the trust focuses on removing financial barriers to education for students and supporting educational initiatives. The trust operates primarily in Brighton & Hove and the surrounding areas, though it has supported beneficiaries across the UK. The trust is managed by five trustees who meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates two main funding streams:

• Individual Educational Grants: £500 - £2,000 (supporting students with course fees, equipment, and living costs)
• Organizational Grants: Variable amounts (supporting educational projects and programs)

Priority Areas

• Financial assistance for students in higher and further education
• Support for vocational training and professional development
• Educational equipment and resources
• Course fees and examination costs
• Living expenses for students facing financial hardship
• Educational projects that benefit the wider community

What They Don't Fund

• Retrospective funding for costs already incurred
• General appeals or circular requests
• Projects outside their geographical area of benefit (unless exceptional circumstances)

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by five trustees who bring expertise in education, finance, and charitable giving. The trustees meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions. The trust maintains a relatively low administrative overhead, with most funds going directly to beneficiaries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing to the trust via email at albertdawsontrust@gmail.com or by post. There is no formal application form, but applications should include:

• A clear explanation of the educational purpose and need
• Budget breakdown showing how the grant will be used
• Supporting documentation (acceptance letters, course information, financial circumstances)
• References or supporting letters where appropriate

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet quarterly (typically March, June, September, and December)
• Applications should be submitted at least one month before trustee meetings
• Decisions are communicated within 2-3 weeks of trustee meetings
• Total timeline from application to decision: approximately 3-4 months

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed, but the trust makes approximately 80-100 grants annually based on their charitable expenditure and typical grant sizes.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply if their circumstances change or they can provide additional information to support their application. Previous grant recipients may apply for further support for different educational stages or purposes.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's funding patterns and priorities:

• Demonstrate clear financial need and how the grant will make a difference
• Show how the education or training will benefit your future prospects
• Provide detailed budget breakdowns rather than vague requests
• Include supporting documentation to verify your educational place and circumstances
• Applications from the Brighton & Hove area may receive priority consideration
• Individual applications should clearly explain any special circumstances or barriers to education

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The trust operates without a public website or formal application process, making direct contact via email or phone the primary route
• Quarterly trustee meetings mean timing applications appropriately is important
• Small to medium grants (£500-£2,000) are the typical range for individuals
• Strong local connection to Brighton & Hove area, though not exclusively limited to this region
• The trust values removing financial barriers to education - emphasize how funding addresses specific financial obstacles
• No formal application form means clear, well-structured letters with supporting evidence are essential
• The trust has been consistently active since 2003, showing stable and reliable grant-making

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales - Charity Details for The Albert Dawson Educational Trust (1098540).
• The Albert Dawson Educational Trust Annual Return and Accounts 2023. Filed with Charity Commission
• Charity Commission Annual Return data showing income and expenditure patterns 2019-2023
• Contact information verified via Charity Commission official register