The Aurelius Charitable Trust
Charity Number: 271333
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £103,682 (2024)
- Annual Income: £68,268 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Trustees meet twice yearly
- Grant Range: £1,000 - £10,000 (typically under £5,000)
- Geographic Focus: England and Wales
Contact Details
Email: philip.haynes@tiscali.co.uk
Phone: 01737 842186
No website available
Postal Address:
Mr P E Haynes
The Aurelius Charitable Trust
Briarsmead, Old Road
Buckland, Betchworth
Surrey RH3 7DU
Overview
The Aurelius Charitable Trust was established in 1976 as a charitable trust focused on the conservation of culture inherited from the past and the dissemination of knowledge, particularly in the humanities field (though not in the educational field). With an annual expenditure of approximately £103,682 (2024), the Trust operates with a small governance structure of two trustees and two volunteers. The Trust takes a selective, discretionary approach to grant-making, with trustees meeting twice annually with their advisors to identify and discuss projects that align with their core objectives. In recent years, the Trust has prioritized physical conservation projects focused on protecting biodiversity, wildlife, wild places, and endangered species, while maintaining its commitment to cultural conservation and humanities-focused initiatives.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- General Grants: £1,000 - £10,000 (typically under £5,000)
- Rolling application basis - applications accepted at any time
- Trustees meet twice per year to consider applications
- No matched funding requirement
Priority Areas
- Conservation of culture inherited from the past
- Dissemination of knowledge in the humanities field
- Physical conservation projects
- Biodiversity protection
- Wildlife conservation initiatives
- Preservation of wild places
- Protection of endangered species
- Heritage preservation projects
What They Don't Fund
- Educational initiatives (explicitly excluded despite humanities focus)
- Projects outside England and Wales
- Grants to individuals (only charitable organizations)
- Projects that do not align with cultural or environmental conservation

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Governance and Leadership
Trustees:
- Philip Edmund Haynes FCA - Appointed 21 May 1990 (Contact person for the Trust)
- William John Wallis FCA - Appointed 22 December 1975 (Founding trustee)
Both trustees are Fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA), bringing financial expertise to the Trust's governance. The Trust operates with 2 volunteers supporting operations, and trustees meet twice annually with advisors to review applications.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in writing by post to:
Mr P E Haynes
The Aurelius Charitable Trust
Briarsmead, Old Road
Buckland, Betchworth
Surrey RH3 7DU
Important: Include a stamped addressed envelope if you require a reply.
Requirements:
- Must be a UK registered charity
- Must operate in England or Wales
- Rolling application basis (accepted throughout the year)
- No online application system or downloadable forms
Decision Timeline
- Trustees meet twice per year (reportedly January and July)
- Several months between application submission and trustee meeting
- Notification by post if stamped addressed envelope included
Success Rates
Not publicly available. With annual expenditure of approximately £103,682 and typical grants of £1,000-£5,000, the Trust likely makes between 15-25 grants per year.
Reapplication Policy
No specific policy documented. Given the rolling application basis and twice-yearly meetings, unsuccessful applicants may reapply if their project strongly aligns with priorities.
Application Success Factors
- Strong alignment with conservation focus - Either cultural heritage or environmental/wildlife conservation
- Clear, concise written application - Since there's no form, your letter must be compelling and professional
- Realistic funding request - Most grants are under £5,000
- Demonstrable conservation outcomes - Show tangible, measurable results
- Geographic eligibility - Must serve beneficiaries in England or Wales
- Registered charity status - Essential requirement
- Physical conservation work appears favored over research or educational initiatives
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Write a compelling letter focusing on conservation outcomes and alignment with the founder's vision
- Be patient - expect several months between submission and decision
- Emphasize conservation whether cultural or environmental
- Don't apply for educational projects despite the humanities focus
- Keep funding requests realistic (under £5,000 typical)
- Include a stamped addressed envelope for response
- Research similar successful projects to understand alignment with Trust priorities
Similar Funders
These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:
- THE 29TH MAY 1961 CHARITY
- The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust
- The Idlewild Trust
- THE ALAN EVANS MEMORIAL TRUST
- Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
- The Leche Trust
- THE LENNOX HANNAY CHARITABLE TRUST
- The Pilgrim Trust
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
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References
- The Charity Commission Register - The Aurelius Charitable Trust (271333)
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=271333&subid=0
Accessed: January 2026
- The Charity Commission - Trustees Information
Accessed: January 2026
- Making Music - Aurelius Charitable Trust Funding Opportunity
https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/funding-opportunity/aurelius-charitable-trust
Accessed: January 2026
- Bath and North East Somerset Council - The Aurelius Charitable Trust
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/88564
Accessed: January 2026
- Charity Choice - The Aurelius Charitable Trust Directory
https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-aurelius-charitable-trust-157637
Accessed: January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Aurelius Charitable Trust fund?
Grant Programs General Grants: £1,000 - £10,000 (typically under £5,000) - Rolling application basis - applications accepted at any time - Trustees meet twice per year to consider applications - No ma
How much funding does The Aurelius Charitable Trust provide?
The Aurelius Charitable Trust provides grants ranging from £1,000 - £10,000 (typically under £5,000), with total annual giving of approximately £103,682 (2024).
How do I contact The Aurelius Charitable Trust?
Email: philip. haynes@tiscali.
Is The Aurelius Charitable Trust a registered charity?
Yes, The Aurelius Charitable Trust is a registered charity with the Charity Commission (charity number 271333). They primarily serve organisations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Throughout England And Wales.
How do I apply to The Aurelius Charitable Trust?
How to Apply Applications must be submitted in writing by post to: Mr P E Haynes The Aurelius Charitable Trust Briarsmead, Old Road Buckland, Betchworth Surrey RH3 7DU Important: Include a stamped addressed envelope if you require a reply. Requirements: Must be a UK registered charity Must operate in England or Wales Rolling application basis (accepted throughout the year) No online application system or downloadable forms Decision Timeline Trustees meet twice per year (reportedly January and July) Several months between application submission and trustee meeting Notification by post if stamped addressed envelope included Success Rates Not publicly available. With annual expenditure of approximately £103,682 and typical grants of £1,000-£5,000, the Trust likely makes between 15-25 grants per year.
Where is The Aurelius Charitable Trust based?
They fund organisations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Throughout England And Wales.