The Animal Defence Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 263095
• Annual Income: £90,273 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £129,171 (2024)
• Grant Focus: Capital projects and animal protection
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (primarily England and Wales) with occasional international grants
• Application Deadline: March 31st annually
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed in July

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 44, Plymouth, PL7 5YW

Physical Address: 1A Dolphin Court Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, PL9 8RS, England

Phone: 01752 408238

Email: r.t.stokes@blueyonder.co.uk

Website: www.animaldefencetrust.org

Charity Registration: 263095 (England and Wales)

Overview

The Animal Defence Trust was founded in 1903 by Swedish Countess Emilie Augusta Louise “Lizzy” Lind-af-Hageby as the Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society. Following Lind-af-Hageby's death in 1963, the society's assets were transferred to a trust, which registered as a charity in September 1971. The Trust inherited a substantial legacy of nearly £92,000 from its founder, continuing her pioneering work in animal welfare and anti-vivisection advocacy.

Today, the Trust makes grants annually to animal welfare charities throughout Great Britain and internationally, focusing on organizations that care for animals which have undergone suffering and cruelty before rescue. With an annual expenditure of approximately £129,000, the Trust supports capital projects and animal protection initiatives. The charity is governed by five trustees who serve without remuneration and holds annual meetings each July to review grant applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Animal Defence Trust operates a single annual grant program with applications reviewed once per year. Grants are typically one-off payments supporting:

• Capital Projects: Equipment, facilities, and infrastructure for animal rescue and care
• Animal Protection Projects: Direct animal welfare initiatives
• Running Costs: Considered in cases where applicant charities face restricted finances

Priority Areas

The Trust focuses on three main objectives:

1. Animal Welfare and Protection: Supporting charities caring for animals that have experienced suffering and cruelty before rescue
2. Research Alternatives: Promoting research to discover ways of reducing the use of animals in scientific research
3. Humane Transportation: Establishing proper inspection standards for animal transportation to ensure humane accommodation

The Trust makes representations to the European Union regarding the treatment of farm animals transported from the United Kingdom to Europe, advocating for adequate rest and watering during long-distance transportation.

Geographic Scope

• Primary focus: England and Wales
• Extended reach: Throughout Great Britain
• International: Occasional grants to organizations in Afghanistan, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Malaysia, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, and Thailand

What They Don't Fund

The Animal Defence Trust explicitly does not provide grants for:

• Building improvements or construction on non-owned premises: Unless the improvements or buildings can be transferred to new premises
• Organizations that are not registered charities
• Projects unrelated to animal welfare

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The Animal Defence Trust is governed by five trustees who serve without remuneration:

• Miss Marion Saunders
• Mrs Carole Bowles MBE - Awarded MBE for services to animal welfare
• Richard J Vines Esq.
• Mrs Karla McKechnie
• Alan Meyer Esq.

The trustees meet annually in July to review grant applications and make funding decisions. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, demonstrating their volunteer commitment to animal welfare.

Charity Structure

• Governed by a trust deed dated 21st September 1971
• No employees with benefits over £60,000
• No trading subsidiaries
• Charity reporting is up to date with the Charity Commission

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by post only - electronic applications are not accepted.

Postal Address for Applications:

Animal Defence Trust

PO Box 44

Plymouth

PL7 5YW

Required Documentation:

1. Completed application form (available as PDF download from website)
2. Full supporting documentation
3. Evidence of registered charity status

Important: Applicants must carefully review the Trust's Terms and Conditions and Guidance Notes before applying. These documents are available on the Trust's website at www.animaldefencetrust.org.

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: March 31st annually
• Review Period: Applications are reviewed once per year
• Decision Meeting: July (trustees meet annually to review applications)
• Notification: Following the July meeting
• Grant Type: Usually one-off payments

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Organizations:

• Must be a registered charity in the UK
• Must focus on animal welfare
• Priority given to organizations caring for animals that have experienced suffering and cruelty

Eligible Projects:

• Capital projects (equipment, facilities, infrastructure)
• Animal protection projects
• Running costs (only where finances are restricted)

Ineligible:

• Non-registered charities
• Building improvements on premises not wholly owned by the charity (unless transferable)
• Projects outside animal welfare scope

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly disclosed by the Animal Defence Trust. The Trust reviews all applications annually at their July trustees' meeting.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publicly specify restrictions on reapplication. Organizations that are unsuccessful may wish to contact the Trust directly to discuss feedback and future application opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations for Applicants

Focus on Rescued Animals: The Trust explicitly prioritizes “animal charities who care for animals which have undergone suffering and cruelty before rescue.” Applications should clearly demonstrate work with animals that have experienced prior suffering or cruelty.

Capital Projects Over Running Costs: While the Trust will consider running costs “where finances are restricted,” their primary interest is in capital projects. Strong applications will focus on equipment, facilities, or infrastructure needs that will enable better animal care.

Property Ownership Matters: If applying for building improvements or construction, ensure your charity wholly owns the premises. The Trust has clear restrictions on funding improvements to leased or rented properties unless the improvements are transferable.

Complete Documentation: Applications must include full supporting documentation. Incomplete applications are unlikely to succeed. Take time to gather all required materials before the March 31st deadline.

Alignment with Historical Mission: The Trust's roots in anti-vivisection and protecting animals from cruelty remain central to its mission. Applications that align with reducing animal suffering and promoting alternatives to animal testing may resonate with the trustees.

International Reach: While primarily UK-focused, the Trust has funded projects in numerous countries. International organizations should not be discouraged from applying if their work aligns with the Trust's mission.

Registered Charity Status: This is non-negotiable. Ensure your charity registration is current and include evidence in your application.

One-Off vs. Ongoing Support: The Trust typically makes one-off payments rather than multi-year commitments. Frame your project as a discrete initiative with clear outcomes rather than ongoing operational support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Postal applications only - allow time for mail delivery before the March 31st deadline; electronic submissions are not accepted
• Annual cycle with single deadline - applications are reviewed once per year in July, so timing is critical
• Focus on rescued and abused animals - explicitly prioritize work with animals that have experienced prior suffering or cruelty
• Capital projects preferred - equipment, facilities, and infrastructure investments are the primary focus; running costs are secondary
• Property ownership is crucial - building improvements must be for wholly-owned premises or transferable assets
• One-off grants - expect single payments rather than multi-year support; frame projects accordingly
• Historical anti-vivisection roots - the Trust's heritage in reducing animal testing and preventing cruelty remains central to its mission
• No remuneration for trustees - demonstrates volunteer commitment and suggests preference for applicants with similar ethos

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• THE JEAN SAINSBURY ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST
• The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
• The Shanly Foundation
• The Hobson Charity Limited
• Clark Foundation
• THE IAN ASKEW CHARITABLE TRUST
• Marjorie Coote Animal Charity Trust
• The Phillips Charitable Trust
• M J CAMP CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
• THE HEDGEHOGS
• THE JOHN YOUNG CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT
• Young Charitable Trust

References

• About page: https://www.animaldefencetrust.org/about.htm
• Grant Applications page: https://www.animaldefencetrust.org/grant-applications.htm

• https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/263095/charity-overview
• Financial year ending 30 November 2024: Income £90,273, Expenditure £129,171
• Financial year ending 30 November 2023: Income £135,348, Expenditure £115,308

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Defence_and_Anti-Vivisection_Society
• Historical information about Lizzy Lind-af-Hageby and the Trust's founding

• http://opencharities.org/charities/263095
• Trustee information and charity details

• https://www.instrumentl.com/grants/animal-defense-trust-grant-programme
• Grant eligibility and program information

• https://richmondcvs.org.uk/funding-animal-defence-trust-mar-2026-deadline/
• Application deadline and grant information