The Audrey Muriel Stratford Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 1045027

Annual Expenditure: £0.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £25,830 (grants to institutions, 2024)
  • Total Income: £1.36 million
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: King's Lynn, Norfolk
  • Application Method: Rolling (online application form)

Contact Details

Overview

The Audrey Muriel Stratford Charitable Trust was established in 1990 by Audrey Muriel Stratford, a businesswoman who ran 'Stratfords,' a clothing store in King's Lynn. The trust was created when Audrey recognized that the history of King's Lynn was in danger of being lost to an ever-changing world. With total income of £1.36 million and grants to institutions totaling £25,830 in 2024, the trust focuses on preserving and documenting King's Lynn's history while also supporting the broader community. The trust's dual mission is to advance education through historical preservation and to benefit the inhabitants of King's Lynn. The trust has recently modernized its approach, updating its website and branding through a youth design competition, demonstrating its commitment to engaging younger generations with local history.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a rolling application system through an online application form on their website. No specific deadlines or grant amount ranges are publicly disclosed.

Priority Areas

The trust funds projects that:

  • Historical Preservation & Education: Documenting King's Lynn's history through records, photographs, diaries, letters, property deeds, maps, and films
  • Audio-Visual Recording: Creating contemporary recordings of the sounds and sights of King's Lynn
  • Archival Projects: Supporting the establishment and maintenance of historical collections
  • Street Documentation: Developing comprehensive street plans and documenting the evolution of King's Lynn's streets
  • Community Support: Projects that benefit the inhabitants of King's Lynn, including support for diverse communities and those in need
  • Historical Research: Supporting research into King's Lynn's geology, prehistory, and history
  • Educational Initiatives: Projects that advance education about King's Lynn's heritage

What They Don't Fund

The trust's charitable objects are specifically focused on King's Lynn and its history. Projects outside of this geographic area or without clear benefit to King's Lynn inhabitants are unlikely to be funded.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Jeffrey Albert Hazel - Chair
  • Julie Maria Easter - Trustee (appointed June 2024)
  • Marie Frances Kennedy - Trustee (appointed October 2017)
  • Paul Anthony Croker - Trustee (appointed November 2014)
  • Sharman Elizabeth Muriel Kunes - Trustee
  • Julie Dawn Chaplin - Trustee

Administrative Support

Claire Melton FCCA TEP serves as clerk to the trustees. She is a specialist in probate and trust work with Stephenson Smart and a member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

The trustees have stated: “These two young people have brilliant careers ahead of them and it has been a great experience for the trustees to showcase their talents” (referring to young logo designers), demonstrating their commitment to supporting and celebrating local talent.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online form on the trust's website (amstratford-trust.org.uk). Applicants must provide:

  • Organization's official name and address
  • Charity registration number (if applicable)
  • Main contact details
  • Latest published accounts or bank statements
  • Governing document
  • Project description (maximum 100 words)
  • Detailed project budget
  • Information about other potential funders contacted

Key Application Questions

Applicants should be prepared to address:

  • What is your project?
  • Why is it important?
  • Who will benefit from it?
  • How many people will participate?
  • What skills and experience does your organization have?
  • What is the total project cost?
  • How much funding are you requesting?

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The trust operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2024, the trust awarded £25,830 in grants to institutions.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Recent Funded Projects

Examples of successful applications include:

  • King's Lynn Preservation Trust: Received funding to build a new archive store within their offices for preserving historical documents
  • Access Charity: Secured funding for laptops and mobile phones to enable their team (supporting migrant communities) to work from home during the pandemic
  • Sound Mirrors Project (2023): Supported a large-scale sound sculpture and projection showcasing the thoughts and feelings of young people in King's Lynn
  • Historical Research: Multi-year support for research into King's Lynn High Street traders from 1830 to present
  • Women Aloud Event (2019): Funding for an International Women's Day community event

Key Success Factors

  1. Clear Connection to King's Lynn: Projects must demonstrate clear benefit to King's Lynn's inhabitants or contribute to documenting the town's history
  2. Educational Value: Strong emphasis on projects that advance education about local history and heritage
  3. Community Impact: The trust values projects that support diverse communities and address local needs
  4. Historical Preservation: Priority given to projects that preserve records, documents, and contemporary recordings of King's Lynn
  5. Detailed Budget: Applications should include comprehensive project budgets and information about other funding sources
  6. Organizational Capacity: Demonstrate your organization's relevant skills and experience

Language and Approach

The trust uses inclusive language about supporting "the inhabitants of King's Lynn“ and ”our diverse community." They value projects that bridge historical preservation with contemporary community needs. Applications should emphasize both the historical/educational significance and the tangible benefit to King's Lynn residents.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Focus is Critical: Your project must clearly benefit King's Lynn and its inhabitants. The trust does not fund projects outside this geographic area.
  • Dual Mission Understanding: Recognize that the trust balances historical preservation with broader community support. Frame your project within this context.
  • Be Concise in Initial Description: The application limits project descriptions to 100 words, so develop a compelling, concise summary.
  • Demonstrate Community Impact: Clearly articulate how many people will benefit and who they are. The trust values projects serving diverse communities.
  • Show Financial Transparency: Provide detailed budgets and be upfront about other funding sources being pursued.
  • No Deadline Pressure: The rolling application system allows time to develop a strong application, but also means funding may not be tied to specific cycles.
  • Historical Connection: Even if your project is primarily community-focused, consider how it might connect to or document King's Lynn's contemporary history, as the trust values recording the “developing history” of the town.

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