The Chetwode Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £120,635 (2024)
• Annual Income: £85,921 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 8 weeks for unsuccessful applications; decisions made at trustee meetings
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified - projects can vary in size
• Geographic Focus: Nottinghamshire and East Midlands
• Application Type: Rolling applications accepted year-round
• Registered Charity Number: 265950

Contact Details

Address: Farm Office, Stragglethorpe Grainstore, Stragglethorpe, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham

Phone: 07905126730 or 0115 9893722

Email: info@thechetwodefoundation.co.uk

Website: www.thechetwodefoundation.co.uk

Overview

The Chetwode Foundation is a private charitable trust founded in 1973 by a Nottinghamshire businessman whose vision was to help others by putting something back into the community which had contributed to the success of his business. The foundation operates across England and Wales with a particular focus on Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands region. With an annual expenditure of approximately £120,635 (2024), the foundation supports registered charities that provide help to the most disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in their area, giving them opportunities to fulfil their potential and benefit the wider community. The trustees complete an annual review of grant criteria to ensure focus and maximum impact in their grant-making decisions. The foundation is administered on behalf of its trustees and maintains comprehensive governance policies including risk management, safeguarding, and financial controls.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with rolling applications accepted throughout the year. Applications can be submitted at any time, and trustees review application summaries at regular meetings. Projects can vary in size, and the foundation states it will consider new initiatives and ideas for their area. The foundation may also consider awarding multiple grants over successive years to the same organization.

Priority Areas

The Chetwode Foundation actively funds projects in the following areas:

Young People and Education: Projects that help children and young people realise their potential through education, including broader learning opportunities and training initiatives.

Sport and Arts: Programs using sport and art as vehicles for youth development and community engagement.

Skills Development: Projects that 'train the trainer' to build confidence and employment skills among young people.

Criminal Justice: Work with prisoners and ex-offenders to support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Poverty Prevention: Projects addressing the prevention or relief of poverty among young people.

Housing and Homelessness: Support for projects preventing youth homelessness and providing accommodation support.

Community Development: Economic and community development initiatives with employment focus.

The foundation emphasizes projects demonstrating both initial and sustained benefit, with strong reach and measurable outcomes being key assessment criteria.

What They Don't Fund

The Chetwode Foundation explicitly does not award grants to:

• Individuals
• National organisations without a local focus
• Organisations outside the UK
• Non-registered charities

Applications which do not meet the foundation's stated objectives (focused on disadvantaged young people in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands) will not be considered.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation is governed by three trustees who receive no remuneration:

1. Lesley Samworth - Trustee (appointed 12 December 2014)
2. Fiona Mary Johnson - Trustee (appointed 12 December 2014)
3. Russell Nicholas John Samworth Price - Trustee

The trustees are connected to the Samworth family, prominent Nottinghamshire business figures with a strong tradition of charitable giving in the region. The foundation's address (Stragglethorpe Grainstore) is linked to Samworth business interests, though the Chetwode Foundation operates as a separate registered charity from the larger Samworth Foundation.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted at any time of the year through the following process:

1. Review Eligibility: Check the “Who we can help” and “Guidance Notes” sections on the foundation's website before applying
2. Download Application Form: Available in Word format from the website or by contacting the foundation
3. Complete Application: Fill in the application form with all required supporting documentation
4. Submit: Email the completed form as an attachment to info@thechetwodefoundation.co.uk, or submit by post

Contact for queries:

• Email: info@thechetwodefoundation.co.uk
• Phone: 0115 9893722 or 07905126730

Decision Timeline

• Acknowledgement: Receipt of application acknowledged within 4 weeks
• Review Process: Trustees review application summaries at their meetings
• Additional Information: Applicants may be contacted for more details if needed
• Decision Notification: Applicants will be informed within 8 weeks if their application does not receive sufficient support from trustees
• Grant Payment: If approved, grants are paid within one month of trustee approval (requires completed payment details section on application form)

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. The foundation does not publish statistics on the number of applications received versus grants awarded.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation states that “multiple grants over successive years may be considered,” indicating that organizations can receive repeat funding. Specific policies regarding reapplication after unsuccessful attempts are not publicly documented, though applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on information from the foundation's guidance and priorities:

Alignment with Core Mission: Applications must clearly demonstrate focus on disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. The foundation emphasizes that applications not meeting these core objectives will not be considered.

Demonstrated Impact: The foundation prioritizes projects showing “initial and sustained benefit.” Applications should articulate both immediate and long-term outcomes for young people.

Geographic Relevance: Strong local focus is essential. The foundation explicitly excludes national organizations without local presence, so demonstrate clear roots and impact in the Greater Nottingham/Nottinghamshire area.

Charitable Registration: Only registered charities are eligible. Ensure your charity number is clearly stated in your application.

Reach and Outcomes: The foundation assesses applications based on reach (number of beneficiaries) and measurable outcomes. Include specific data about who will benefit and how.

Innovation: The foundation welcomes “new initiatives and ideas” for their area, suggesting openness to innovative approaches alongside established programs.

Project Variety: The foundation notes that “projects can vary in size,” indicating flexibility around grant amounts. Don't self-select out based on project scale.

Complete Applications: Ensure all sections of the application form are completed, including payment details, and include comprehensive supporting documentation.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local focus is paramount: Demonstrate strong roots and impact in Nottinghamshire/East Midlands region; national organizations without local presence need not apply
• Young people must be central: Every application must clearly show how it benefits disadvantaged young people specifically
• Apply anytime: Rolling applications mean you can submit when ready rather than waiting for specific deadlines
• Expect reasonable timescales: 4-week acknowledgement and 8-week decision notification for unsuccessful applications provides predictable timeline
• Be prepared for repeat funding: The foundation considers multiple grants over successive years, so think about long-term relationship building
• Size doesn't matter: Projects of varying sizes are considered, so don't be deterred if your request is modest
• Sustained impact matters: Articulate both immediate and long-term benefits of your work

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The David Wilson Foundation
• THE DJANOGLY FOUNDATION
• Sir John Eastwood Foundation
• The Holroyd Foundation
• Hedley Foundation Limited
• The Neumark Foundation
• THE SUNRISE FOUNDATION CIO
• The Greenslade Family Foundation
• THE J REGINALD CORAH FOUNDATION FUND
• The Moulding Foundation

References

1. The Chetwode Foundation official website - https://thechetwodefoundation.co.uk/
2. Charity Commission Register - The Chetwode Foundation (265950) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/265950
3. The Chetwode Foundation - Who We Can Help - http://thechetwodefoundation.co.uk/who-we-can-help/
4. The Chetwode Foundation - How to Apply - http://thechetwodefoundation.co.uk/how-to-apply/
5. The Chetwode Foundation - Successful Applicants - http://thechetwodefoundation.co.uk/successful-applicants/index.html
6. Find that Charity - The Chetwode Foundation (GB-CHC-265950) - https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-265950
7. Charity Choice - The Chetwode Foundation - https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-chetwode-foundation-151370