The Brook Trust

Charity Number: 1123562

Annual Expenditure: £1.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,231,527 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation-only model)
  • Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings (at least 4 times per year)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £5,000 (Kent-based organisations via Kent Community Foundation); larger grants available through invitation
  • Geographic Focus: UK and beyond, with special provision for Kent-based organisations

Contact Details

Website: www.brooktrust.org

Email: info@brooktrust.org

Phone: 702807814

For Kent-based organisations (£500-£5,000 grants):

Kent Community Foundation

Email: admin@kentcf.org.uk

Phone: 01303 814 500

Overview

The Brook Trust is an independent, privately-funded registered charity (number 1123562) based in Cranbrook, Kent. The Trust operates as a grant-giving charity supporting charitable causes within and beyond the UK. With total expenditure of £1,231,527 in the financial year ending April 2024 and income of £74,308, the Trust demonstrates substantial grant-making activity funded primarily through its existing assets. The charity is governed by three trustees who receive no remuneration. The Trust operates primarily through an invitation-only application model, proactively identifying organisations working in its priority areas rather than accepting open applications. However, Kent-based organisations have a unique pathway to apply for smaller grants through the Kent Community Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme (Invitation Only)

Grant amounts vary based on project scope. The Trust proactively identifies and invites applications from organisations working in its priority areas.

Brook Trust Fund for Kent (Open Application)

£500 - £5,000

Kent-based organisations may apply directly for grants in this range through Kent Community Foundation. Applications processed on a rolling basis with decisions taking up to three months from submission.

Priority Areas

The Trust's current funding strategy concentrates on two main areas:

  1. Support of victims of domestic and sexual abuse - Organisations providing direct support, advocacy, and services to survivors
  2. Early intervention programmes with children and families - Initiatives aimed at breaking cycles of social and economic deprivation and dysfunction

What They Don't Fund

  • Animal welfare projects
  • Organisations or projects exclusively or mainly concerned with the promotion of religion
  • Medical research
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Governance and Leadership

The Brook Trust is governed by three trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity maintains full transparency in its governance, with all accounts filed on time with the Charity Commission. Trustee names are available through the Charity Commission register.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Most Organisations (Invitation-Only Process):

  1. Assessment: The Trust reviews enquiries and may invite organisations to submit full applications
  2. Invited Application: If invited, the Trust will specify the form and content required

Important: The Brook Trust does not accept or consider unsolicited funding applications outside the Kent fund.

For Kent-Based Organisations (£500-£5,000):

All applications must be made through Kent Community Foundation:

  1. Visit the Kent Community Foundation funding page
  2. Complete online application form
  3. Submit required documentation
  4. Contact: admin@kentcf.org.uk or 01303 814 500

Decision Timeline

  • Trustees meet to decide grant awards at least four times per year (quarterly)
  • Kent Community Foundation applications: up to three months from submission deadline
  • All applicants are informed of outcomes
  • The Trust is unable to provide pre-application guidance or post-application analysis of unsuccessful bids

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The invitation-only model means the Trust maintains control over application volumes by proactively identifying suitable organisations.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Given the invitation-only model, organisations should maintain contact and be open to future invitations if initially unsuccessful or when new projects arise.

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements for Initial Enquiries:

The Trust explicitly states that initial enquiries must be “BRIEF, DIRECT, and CONCISE” - this is emphasised in capital letters in their guidance, indicating they value respect for trustees' time.

Strategic Alignment:

Before approaching the Trust, organisations should carefully consider whether their activities genuinely contribute to the Trust's priority areas. The two-pronged focus (domestic/sexual abuse support AND early intervention with families) is specific and clearly defined.

Evidence of Impact:

While specific guidance is limited, the Trust's focus on “breaking cycles” suggests they value evidence of long-term impact and sustainable change rather than short-term relief.

Geographic Considerations:

Kent-based organisations have a distinct advantage through the Brook Trust Fund for Kent, which accepts unsolicited applications for smaller grants. This may serve as an entry point for building relationships with the Trust.

What to Avoid:

  • Lengthy, detailed unsolicited proposals
  • Projects outside the two priority areas
  • Animal welfare, religious promotion, or medical research projects
  • Expectations of pre-application consultations or feedback on unsuccessful bids

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only model dominates: Unless you're Kent-based seeking under £5,000, you cannot submit a full application without an invitation. Focus your energy on a compelling initial enquiry.
  • Brevity is explicitly valued: The Trust uses capital letters to emphasise that enquiries must be “BRIEF, DIRECT, and CONCISE” - verbose applications will likely be rejected immediately.
  • Two priority areas only: Domestic/sexual abuse support and early intervention with children/families. The Trust is highly focused and unlikely to consider projects outside these areas regardless of merit.
  • Kent organisations have privileged access: If your organisation is based in Kent, use the Kent Community Foundation route for grants up to £5,000, which accepts unsolicited applications.
  • Substantial grantmaker: With over £1.2 million in annual expenditure, this is a significant funder despite the invitation-only model - worth pursuing if aligned.
  • Quarterly decision cycles: Plan enquiries with the knowledge that trustees meet at least four times per year, suggesting a potential wait of up to three months between meetings.
  • No feedback provided: The Trust will not provide pre-application guidance or analyse unsuccessful bids, so ensure your initial enquiry is perfectly aligned before submitting.

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