The Chalk Cliff Trust

Charity Number: 1139102

Annual Expenditure: £2.1M
East Sussex

Contact Info

Website: www.chalkclifftrust.org

Phone: 01273 470620

Email: application@chalkclifftrust.org

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £2,100,000 (approximate, based on 2024 expenditure)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Quick response - funds available within days of approval
  • Grant Range: £3,000 - £5,000 (typical); larger grants considered
  • Geographic Focus: East Sussex (including Brighton & Hove)

Contact Details

Website: www.chalkclifftrust.org

Email: application@chalkclifftrust.org

Phone: 01273 470620

Important: Applications must be submitted via email only - postal applications are not accepted.

Overview

The Chalk Cliff Trust (Charity No. 1139102) is a grant-giving foundation established to support charities, action groups, and benevolent organisations primarily in East Sussex. The trust demonstrates substantial financial capacity, with total income of £7,389,507 and expenditure of £2,131,154 in the year ending March 2024. The trust is governed by a board of trustees chaired by Robert Norman Senior, with a focus on supporting local community initiatives across a broad range of charitable causes. The trust emphasizes flexibility in how funds can be used, recognizing that charities may need support for core costs, seed capital, or project-specific funding. All trustees serve without remuneration, ensuring that funds are maximized for charitable giving.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Standard Grants: £3,000 - £5,000 (most common)
  • Larger Grants: Available for established projects with significant funding needs
  • Small One-Off Payments: Available for smaller organizations or specific events
  • Application Method: Rolling basis via email application only

Priority Areas

The trust actively funds organizations involved in:

  • Youth Development: Youth centres, clubs, and arts-focused projects for young people
  • Children's Welfare: Playgroups, kids clubs, children's education, and poverty relief initiatives
  • Elderly Care: Events, activities, and transport services for elderly people
  • Disability Support: Activities and services for people with learning difficulties or disabilities
  • Overseas Aid: Education, malnutrition, and medical-related projects internationally
  • Environmental Conservation: Projects focused on care and preservation of the environment
  • Arts and Culture: Regional art, music, literature, and cultural projects related to the above groups
  • Community Initiatives: Broader charitable and benevolent activities in East Sussex

Flexible Funding Use

The trust explicitly states that grants need not be tied to specific projects. Funds can be used for:

  • Seed capital
  • Core administration costs
  • Supporting organizations through difficult times
  • Specific project delivery

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly detailed, the trust focuses on East Sussex-based organizations. Organizations outside this geographic area are unlikely to be funded.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Robert Norman Senior - Chair (also trustee of Lewes Community Screen)
  • Justine Margaret Senior - Trustee
  • Sarah Frances Hunter - Trustee (also trustee of Lewes Community Screen)
  • Hannah Alice Hunter Senior - Trustee (appointed April 2019)
  • Rachel Laura Hunter Senior - Trustee (appointed August 2016)
  • Connie Sarah Hunter-Senior - Trustee (appointed March 2023)

The trust operates with strong governance policies including financial reserves procedures, internal financial controls, risk management, investment policies, serious incident reporting, and trustee conflict of interest procedures. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Submit ONLY via email to application@chalkclifftrust.org
  2. Do not use personal email addresses or postal applications

Decision Timeline

  • Response Time: Quick response promised
  • Payment Processing: Funds typically available within “a few days of approval”
  • Payment Method: Bank transfer to organizational bank accounts only
  • No fixed deadlines: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The trust acknowledges that not all applications will be successful.

Reapplication Policy

  • Standard Policy: Donations usually made once per organization
  • Minimum Gap: At least 1 year between donations
  • Repeat Donations: May be considered in certain circumstances
  • Unsuccessful Applicants: Reapplication policy for unsuccessful applications not publicly specified

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

Based on the trust's funding history and priorities:

  1. Geographic Alignment: Organizations must be based in or serving East Sussex (including Brighton & Hove)
  1. Clear Need Demonstration: The trust funded the Children's Respite Trust with a testimonial stating: “We would not be where we are now without this donation, and it came at such an integral time to the charity.” This suggests they value applications that clearly demonstrate critical need and timing.
  1. Organizational Legitimacy: Applications must include supporting documentation (accounts, minutes, mission statement) to establish credibility
  1. Flexible Fund Usage: The trust appreciates when organizations are clear about whether funds will be used for projects, core costs, seed capital, or organizational sustainability
  1. Small to Medium Organizations: The trust specifically mentions supporting “small charities and voluntary groups,” suggesting they prioritize grassroots organizations
  1. Registered or Pending Registration: While registered charities are preferred, organizations pending registration or pressure groups are also considered

Recent Funded Projects

  • Children's Respite Trust: Funded Programme Coordinator salary for East Sussex Children's Respite Centre, enabling project management tasks including creating floor plans, budgeting, and obtaining builder quotes. The project launched in September 2018.

Application Tips

  • Ensure all documentation is complete before submitting
  • Be specific about how funds will be used and why they are needed now
  • Demonstrate how the grant will make a meaningful difference to your organization
  • Apply via email only - postal applications will not be processed
  • Expect follow-up communication after submission
  • Ensure your organization aligns with East Sussex geographic focus

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Speed is a Major Advantage: The trust offers exceptionally quick turnaround times with funds available within days of approval - ideal for organizations with urgent needs
  • Geographic Specificity is Critical: East Sussex location or service area is essential; this is a locally-focused trust
  • Flexibility is Valued: Unlike many funders, the Chalk Cliff Trust explicitly welcomes applications for core costs, seed capital, or general organizational support - not just project funding
  • Typical Grant Band is Clear: Most grants fall within £3,000-£5,000, though stating you're open to larger or smaller amounts based on circumstances shows flexibility
  • Rolling Applications Reduce Competition Pressure: No fixed deadlines means you can apply when timing is right for your organization, not when a deadline dictates
  • Family Foundation Characteristics: The trustee composition suggests this is a family trust, which may mean they value personal connection to East Sussex and genuine community impact over bureaucratic processes
  • Documentation Matters: Have your latest accounts, recent minutes, and mission statement ready - these are required to verify organizational legitimacy

Similar Funders

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References