The Cornerstone Works Ltd

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £116,301 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: UK (England & Wales) and International (Afghanistan, Kenya, Sri Lanka)

Contact Details

• Email: nickhoughton12@gmail.com
• Phone: 01564 230231
• Address: 225 Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0PU
• Website: None available

Overview

The Cornerstone Works Ltd is a private Christian grant-making trust established in 2016 (Charity Number: 1168380). With an annual income of £259,150 and expenditure of £116,301 in 2024, this charity operates as a discretionary trust focused on advancing the Christian faith through strategic grant-making. The foundation supports both UK-based and international initiatives, with particular focus on organizations aligned with Church of England teachings. As a private foundation with only two trustees, it operates without a public website or formal application process, making grants based on trustee discretion and existing relationships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates through discretionary grant-making rather than formal programs:

• Grants to organizations advancing Christian faith
• Grants to individuals in need
• Financial support including loans
• Provision of buildings/facilities and services

Priority Areas

• Advancement of Christian faith and religious education (specifically aligned with Church of England teachings and the Apostles Creed)
• Relief of poverty and need globally
• Community development initiatives
• Health advancement and saving lives
• Economic development and employment support

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a Christian foundation focused on Church of England teachings, they likely do not fund:

• Secular organizations without Christian mission alignment
• Activities contrary to Christian teachings
• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Nick Houghton (Chair) - Appointed October 2015
• Sue Houghton - Appointed October 2015

The charity operates with a minimal governance structure typical of private family foundations. No trustees receive remuneration, and the charity maintains comprehensive safeguarding and risk management policies despite its small size.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees, likely to organizations and individuals known to them or brought to their attention through personal connections.

For organizations seeking support, the only approach is to send a letter of inquiry to:

Nick Houghton

225 Station Road

Knowle, Solihull

B93 0PU

Or email: nickhoughton12@gmail.com

Decision Timeline

No information available - decisions likely made at trustee meetings throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No information available.

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this trust, success factors likely include:

• Clear alignment with Church of England teachings and the Apostles Creed
• Demonstrable Christian mission and values
• Work in their priority geographic areas (UK, Afghanistan, Kenya, Sri Lanka)
• Focus on poverty relief, community development, or faith advancement
• Personal introduction or connection to the trustees
• Clear, concise letter explaining the need and impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private discretionary trust without formal application processes - relationship building is essential
• Strong Christian faith alignment is mandatory, specifically with Church of England teachings
• The charity has international reach but focuses on specific countries (Afghanistan, Kenya, Sri Lanka)
• With only two trustees and no staff, expect limited capacity for extensive correspondence
• Annual expenditure of £116,301 suggests moderate-sized grants rather than major funding
• Direct approach via letter or email to Nick Houghton is the only route for consideration
• Growing income (from £171,907 to £259,150) suggests expanding grant-making capacity

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• UK Foundation for Christian Service
• Forest Hill Charitable Trust
• HESED TRUST
• FIRSTFRUITS GOSPEL FOUNDATION
• Grimsdale Charitable Trust
• The Grant Foundation
• The James Grace Trust
• The Dorcas Trust
• THE SOLE 2 SOUL FOUNDATION
• The Matthew 25:35 Trust

References

• Charity Commission Register: THE CORNERSTONE WORKS LTD - 1168380

URL: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5071247/full-print

• Companies House: Company Number 09846881