The Connaught Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~£49,000 (based on recent trustee meeting awarding £48,948)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed at trustee meetings held three times per year (typically April, July, November)
• Grant Range: Up to £5,000 (can be more in some circumstances)
• Geographic Focus: Hampshire and Isle of Wight (priority), plus Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire

Contact Details

• Website: www.connaught-trust.co.uk
• Email: enquiries@connaught-trust.co.uk
• Phone: 02392 484356
• Address: Morris Crocker Ltd, Lake House, 2 Port Way, Port Solent, Portsmouth PO6 4TY

Pre-application support is available - applicants are encouraged to get in touch for feedback before submitting.

Overview

The Connaught Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in August 2018 (charity number 1179469), which received funds from its predecessor charity (248718) in December 2019. The Trust's purpose is to promote military efficiency in all ranks of reserve forces and to support the charitable activities of cadet forces across Central Southern England.

For the financial year ending 31 December 2024, the Trust reported total income of £215,132 and total expenditure of £234,720. At a recent trustee meeting, they considered 22 applications and awarded a total of £48,948 in grant funding.

The Trust believes every cadet and reservist should have access to meaningful experiences—regardless of background or resources. They focus on supporting units that cannot obtain funding from military and other charitable organisations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants: Up to £5,000 (can be higher in exceptional circumstances)

• One-off grants for Reservist or Cadet units
• Rolling applications with three decision points per year
• No limit on number of applications per unit

Adventure Training: Per capita grants

• Priority given to more financially disadvantaged participants
• Orthodox adventure training prioritised before skiing/snowboarding/surfing and leisure-based activities

Transport/Minibus Funding: Contribution towards cost

• Applications considered for cadet unit transport such as minibuses
• Normally subject to total funds being raised (match funding)

Priority Areas

Eligible Organisations:

• Army Reserve
• Royal Naval Reserve
• Royal Marines Reserve
• Royal Air Force Reserves
• Army Cadet Force
• Sea Cadet Corps
• Air Training Corps
• Volunteer Cadet Corps
• Combined Cadet Force

Fundable Activities:

• Adventure Training Expeditions
• Summer Camps
• Improvements to Existing Facilities
• Sports Equipment
• Transport Facilities
• Battlefield Tours
• Training Equipment

Priority Considerations:

1. Hampshire and Isle of Wight units before other qualifying counties
2. Orthodox adventure training before leisure-based activities
3. Start-up units before established units (e.g., Cadet Expansion Programme units)
4. More financially disadvantaged participants for adventure training

What They Don't Fund

• Retrospective activities (except in exceptional circumstances)
• Units outside the qualifying counties (Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey, West Sussex, Wiltshire)
• Activities where funds can be obtained from military and other charitable organisations
• Non-cadet and non-reserve force organisations

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust has 7 Trustees with military backgrounds across all three services:

• Colonel Charles Edward Haviland Ackroyd TD RD DL - Chair (appointed 14 March 2013). Occupation: Judge. Also serves as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and holds trusteeship with The Portsmouth D-Day Museum Trust.
• Cdr Anthony Charles Robert Stickland - Trustee (appointed 20 August 2016)
• Lt Cdr Danielle Louise Griffin - Trustee (appointed 1 August 2021)
• Squadron Leader Graeme Hughes - Trustee (appointed 10 March 2023)
• Major James Douglas Lacey - Trustee (appointed 10 March 2023)
• Marianne Lesley Harris-Bridge - Trustee (appointed 2 May 2025)
• Lt Cdr Richard Brooks - Trustee (appointed 2 May 2025)

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Trust's website at www.connaught-trust.co.uk/apply.

Key features of the application process:

• Online application form allows drafting and editing before submission
• Forms can be sent to a specified email address for further input and approval before submission
• Applications can be edited as many times as needed before final submission
• Applications accepted throughout the year

Decision Timeline

• Trustee Meetings: Three times per year (typically April, July, November)
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered at the next meeting
• Late submissions: Taken to the following meeting
• Feedback: Provided for all applications, including explanations for unsuccessful applications

Reapplication Policy

• No limit on number of applications - units can apply as many times as they wish
• Previous applications (successful or unsuccessful) have no impact on future application opportunities
• Grant recipients can apply again at any time

Application Success Factors

Pre-Application Engagement:

The Trust actively encourages applicants to discuss their application before submitting. They welcome enquiries and are happy to provide feedback on draft applications.

Co-Funding Approach:

The Trust encourages applicants to make use of other funding opportunities alongside their funding. They are keen to co-fund exercises and activities with organisations such as The Ulysses Trust.

Recent Funded Example:

Ex WYVERN MOUNTAIN 24 - A Type 2 Adventure Training package for Royal Wessex Yeomanry service personnel in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. The expedition delivered a Summer Mountain Foundation course and Quality Mountain Days, developing leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, and moral and physical courage.

Key Success Factors:

1. Demonstrate funds cannot be obtained from military and other charitable organisations
2. Show clear alignment with promoting military efficiency or supporting charitable cadet activities
3. Plan activities in advance (no retrospective funding)
4. For adventure training, emphasise participant development over leisure aspects
5. If seeking transport/minibus funding, show evidence of match funding efforts
6. Units from Hampshire and Isle of Wight have priority consideration

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic priority: Hampshire and Isle of Wight units receive first consideration - units from adjoining counties should be aware funding is dependent on availability
• Pre-application support available: Contact the Trust before submitting for guidance and feedback - this is explicitly encouraged
• No limits on applications: Apply as often as needed, previous outcomes don't affect future applications
• Co-funding welcomed: Partner with other funders like The Ulysses Trust to strengthen applications
• Focus on development: For adventure training, emphasise skill development, leadership, and personal growth rather than recreational aspects
• Apply early: Submit before deadlines to ensure consideration at the next trustee meeting
• Feedback provided: Even unsuccessful applicants receive explanations, which can inform future applications

References

• The Connaught Trust Official Website -
• Charity Commission Register - THE CONNAUGHT TRUST (1179469) -
• Connaught Trust Apply Page -
• Connaught Trust Grant Giving Policy -
• Connaught Trust Trustees Page -
• Royal Wessex Yeomanry Adventure Training Case Study -