The C B Dennis British Beekeepers' Research Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £50,000 (typical annual availability)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Biannual meetings (Spring/Autumn)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £30,000 (typical individual grants)
• Geographic Focus: UK-based research with international collaboration

Contact Details

• Website: www.cbdennistrust.org.uk
• Email: cbdennisbeetrust@gmail.com
• Phone: 01297 32523
• Secretary: Dr Peter Weller
• Address: West View Churchill, Axminster, Devon EX13 7LZ

Overview

The C B Dennis British Beekeepers' Research Trust (Charity No. 328685) is a well-established grant-making organization founded in 1990 through the bequest of Charles Brian Dennis, a keen and knowledgeable beekeeper. With invested assets exceeding £1 million, the Trust typically makes £50,000 available annually to support bee-related research benefiting beekeeping and broader bee science. The Trust focuses on British bee research but is not limited to honey bees, supporting work on various bee species including research into bee pathogens, pollination, and ecological concepts. While prioritizing research on bee diseases, the Trust maintains a broader mission to advance bee science through research grants, travel bursaries, and research studentships, with a particular commitment to supporting young bee scientists.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Research Grants: Up to £30,000 per year typically (larger applications considered) for bee-related research projects
• Research Studentships: Multi-year PhD funding (e.g., £90,000 over three years) for doctoral research
• Travel Grants: Up to £1,000 to enable UK-based researchers to present work at national and international meetings

Priority Areas

• Bee diseases research (priority but not exclusive focus)
• British bee-related research projects
• Research benefiting beekeeping and broader bee science
• All bee species (not limited to honey bees)
• Bee pathogens, pollination, and ecological concepts
• Supporting young bee scientists

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust focuses exclusively on bee-related research and would not fund projects outside this remit.

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by trustees who meet biannually to consider grant applications. All trustees have relevant scientific, environmental, or ecological expertise and serve without remuneration. Dr Peter Weller currently serves as Trustee and Honorary Secretary, having recently taken over from Brenda Ball who served from the Trust's formation in 1990. The Trust maintains high standards of governance with trustees requiring periodic progress reports from funded projects and supporting wide, timely dissemination of research results.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Download application forms from the Trust website (available as Word files)
• Complete the appropriate form (separate forms for research grants and travel grants)
• Submit to the Honorary Secretary, preferably by email to cbdennisbeetrust@gmail.com
• Applications involving field work must allow 6 months from submission deadline to start of proposed fieldwork

Decision Timeline

• Spring Meeting: March 1st submission deadline
• Autumn Meeting: September 1st submission deadline
• Trustees meet twice annually to consider applications
• Specific notification timeframes not publicly documented

Success Rates

Application statistics and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No documented policy regarding reapplications or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's documented priorities and funding patterns:

• Demonstrate clear relevance to British beekeeping and bee science
• Include plans for wide, timely dissemination of results - the Trust actively supports open access publishing
• For field work, ensure adequate planning with 6-month lead time from submission
• Consider including publication costs as part of your grant application
• Show alignment with priority areas, particularly bee disease research
• For young researchers, highlight career development aspects
• Consider collaborative approaches - the Trust has partnered with organizations like Bee Diseases Insurance Limited and British Beekeepers Association on major projects

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Submit applications well in advance of biannual deadlines (March 1st and September 1st)
• The Trust funds across the full spectrum from small travel grants (£1,000) to substantial multi-year studentships (£90,000+)
• Open access publishing costs can be included in applications - highlight dissemination plans
• Field work requires 6-month lead time from submission deadline - plan accordingly
• Not limited to honey bees - research on other bee species is welcomed
• International collaboration acceptable if research benefits British beekeeping
• Small trust with personal approach - contact Secretary directly with queries

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Eva Crane Trust
• Thriplow Charitable Trust
• THE HOUGHTON TRUST LIMITED
• The Leverhulme Trust
• The Frances and Augustus Newman Foundation
• Perry Foundation
• Adelphi Genetics Forum
• Sir Samuel Scott of Yews Trust
• ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH
• BREAST CANCER NOW

References

• C B Dennis British Beekeepers' Research Trust Official Website. About Us. https://www.cbdennistrust.org.uk/about-us
• C B Dennis British Beekeepers' Research Trust Official Website. How to Apply. https://www.cbdennistrust.org.uk/join-us
• Charity Commission for England and Wales. C B DENNIS BRITISH BEEKEEPERS' RESEARCH TRUST. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/328685/charity-overview
• Bee Diseases Insurance Limited. EFB - BDI/CB Dennis Trust Grant. https://www.beediseasesinsurance.co.uk/research/efb-bdi-cb-dennis-trust-grant
• British Beekeepers Association. Press Release: Beekeepers put £90,000 into bee health research. https://www.bbka.org.uk/news/press-release-beekeepers-put-90000-into-bee-health-research
• Find That Charity. C B DENNIS BRITISH BEEKEEPERS' RESEARCH TRUST. https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-328685