The Brownlee Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 328157

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M
Geographic Focus: India, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Scotland, Throughout England And Wales

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £201,627 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified - trustees meet annually and as needed
  • Grant Range: Small grants - specific amounts not disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: UK and international

Contact Details

Address:

Colin Grimwood, Chair

The Brownlee Charitable Trust

12 Alice Driver Road

Grundisburgh

Woodbridge

Suffolk IP13 6XH

Phone: 01473 738856

Email: colin.grimwood12@hotmail.co.uk

Overview

The Brownlee Charitable Trust (registered charity 328157) is a grant-making trust that distributes grants from capital and income for charitable works. The trust has a clear evangelical Christian focus, with priorities to support Evangelical non-ecumenical Churches and charitable activities undertaken by Evangelical Christian bodies. The trust also supports charitable agencies for the support of the elderly and terminally ill, and may allocate up to one-third of its grants to non-religious charitable works. In the financial year ending December 2024, the trust had a total income of £94,139 and total expenditure of £201,627, demonstrating a commitment to distributing funds even when expenditure exceeds annual income. The trust is governed by 3 trustees who receive no remuneration for their services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates on a rolling application basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications may be submitted in writing at any time. The trust aims to provide grants totaling approximately £200,000 per year, though actual distribution varies based on available funds and capital.

Priority Areas

Primary Focus (minimum two-thirds of grants):

  • Evangelical non-ecumenical Churches and their ongoing ministry, including building projects
  • Support of ministers and students preparing for ministry
  • International relief work undertaken by Christian charities
  • Evangelical Christian charitable activities

Secondary Focus (maximum one-third of grants):

  • Charitable agencies supporting the elderly and terminally ill
  • Poverty relief
  • Education
  • Citizenship and community development
  • Arts, culture, heritage and science
  • Animal welfare
  • Ambulance services

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust's governance document indicates that support of non-religious charitable works is limited to no more than one-third of all grants made. Organizations should note the trust's strong evangelical Christian orientation and ensure alignment with these values when applying.

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by 3 trustees who serve without remuneration or benefits. Colin Grimwood serves as Chair of the trust and is the primary contact for applications. The trust operates with no employees and no trading subsidiaries, keeping administrative costs minimal to maximize grant distribution.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing to Colin Grimwood at the address provided above. There is no formal application form or online portal. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year, as the trust operates on a rolling basis rather than fixed deadlines.

Who Can Apply:

Christian charities and other charities working in the UK and/or internationally. The trust is most responsive to evangelical Christian organizations but does consider applications from non-religious charities working in their priority areas, particularly those supporting the elderly and terminally ill.

Decision Timeline

The trustees meet annually and on other occasions as necessary to review requests for grant support. Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should expect the process to take several weeks to months depending on the timing of trustee meetings.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

The trust's reapplication policy is not publicly disclosed. Applicants should inquire directly when submitting applications.

Application Success Factors

Given the trust's clear focus and priorities, the following factors are likely to strengthen applications:

  • Evangelical Christian Alignment: Organizations with an evangelical, non-ecumenical Christian foundation will be most competitive for the majority of the trust's funding (two-thirds of grants)
  • Clear Charitable Purpose: Applications should clearly articulate how the work fits within the trust's stated priorities, whether supporting churches and ministry, international relief work, or care for the elderly and terminally ill
  • Financial Transparency: Given the trust's own transparent reporting to the Charity Commission, applicants should provide clear financial information and demonstrate sound financial management
  • Direct Charitable Impact: The trust distributes grants for charitable works from both capital and income, suggesting they value direct impact and may consider both operational and capital projects
  • Written Communication: As applications are made in writing without a formal form, clear, concise, and professional written communication is essential

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The trust has a strong evangelical Christian focus - ensure your organization's mission and values align before applying
  • Applications can be submitted year-round with no fixed deadlines, offering flexibility for applicants
  • The trust distributes approximately £200,000 annually, with small grants being typical
  • Written applications should be clear and professional, as there is no formal application form to guide the process
  • Non-religious charities working with the elderly and terminally ill may be considered but should understand they are competing for a maximum of one-third of available funds
  • The trust operates with minimal administration and no paid staff, so patience with the review process is advisable
  • Direct contact with the Chair, Colin Grimwood, is the primary route for applications and inquiries

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