The Corton Hill Trust

Charity Number: 1186843

Annual Expenditure: £4.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £4,214,616 (charitable activities expenditure)
  • Total Income: £4,421,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies by trustee discretion
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon

Contact Details

Website: https://funding.ludlowtrust.com

Email: charitabletrusts@ludlowtrust.com

Phone: 0117 313 8200

Application Portal: https://funding.ludlowtrust.com

For non-registered charities, applications can be emailed to charitabletrusts@ludlowtrust.com

Overview

THE CORTON HILL TRUST (Charity No. 1186843) is a substantial grant-making trust managed by Ludlow Trust Company. The trust holds capital and income upon trust to apply both income and capital for general charitable purposes, with a particular geographic focus on charities supporting organisations across Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon. With annual charitable expenditure exceeding £4.2 million, the trust represents a significant funding opportunity for eligible organisations in the South West. The trust was established to support charitable work across a broad range of causes within its geographic remit, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis through Ludlow Trust Company's Funding Enquiry Gateway, an online platform designed to match charitable organisations with appropriate funders from among the 250+ trusts managed by Ludlow.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates through the Ludlow Funding Enquiry Gateway, accepting applications on a rolling basis. Specific grant amounts are determined by trustees based on individual applications and are not publicly disclosed.

Application Method: Online portal (rolling basis) at https://funding.ludlowtrust.com

Priority Areas

  • General charitable purposes within Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon
  • Charities supporting organisations across the three-county geographic focus area
  • Broad charitable objectives considered within the geographic remit

Note: A related entity, The Corton Hill Fund managed by Dorset Community Foundation, focuses specifically on North Dorset and prioritizes:

  • Children and young people (especially disadvantaged groups)
  • Older people (addressing loneliness and isolation)
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Sports groups contributing to community cohesion
  • Environment and conservation projects

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly disclosed, though the geographic limitation to Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon is a key constraint.

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by three trustees who hold the capital and income of the trust fund. The trustees have discretionary powers to apply both income and capital for charitable purposes aligned with the trust's objectives.

Key Feature: One or more trustees receive payments or benefits from the charity for providing services, which is disclosed in accordance with Charity Commission requirements.

The trust is professionally managed by Ludlow Trust Company, which provides trust administration services and manages the Funding Enquiry Gateway platform on behalf of over 250 charitable trusts.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Registered Charities:

  • A specific application to The Corton Hill Trust, or
  • A general application that can be matched to relevant trusts

Non-Registered Charities: Email applications to charitabletrusts@ludlowtrust.com

Application Process:

Once submitted, your application will be:

  • Matched with potential funders through the Gateway system
  • Checked by Trust Managers at Ludlow Trust Company
  • Reviewed by the relevant trust trustees for consideration

Decision Timeline

The timeframe for decision-making is at the discretion of the trustees, meaning there is no standardized timeline. Each trust's trustees make decisions according to their own schedule and meeting calendar. Applicants should expect variable timelines depending on trustee meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Specific success rates for The Corton Hill Trust are not publicly disclosed. However, across the Ludlow Funding Enquiry Gateway platform as a whole, nearly 8,000 applications have been received since the platform launched in September 2023, with over £2.5 million in grants and donations facilitated by September 2023.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly disclosed. Charities should contact Ludlow Trust Company directly for guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful bid.

Application Success Factors

Platform Matching System

The Ludlow Funding Enquiry Gateway uses an algorithmic matching system to connect applications with appropriate trusts. Ensure your application clearly articulates:

  • Your charitable purposes and objectives
  • The specific geographic area you serve (particularly important for this trust's Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon focus)
  • Your target beneficiary groups
  • The nature of your project or funding need

Geographic Alignment

Given the trust's explicit focus on Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon, applications from organisations working in these areas will be prioritized. Clearly demonstrate your organisation's connection to and impact within this geographic area.

Clear Project Description

While specific guidance from trustees is not publicly available, the Gateway system requires detailed information about your work. Be specific about:

  • What you plan to do with the funding
  • Who will benefit
  • How it aligns with charitable purposes
  • The impact you expect to achieve

Professional Presentation

Applications are reviewed by both Trust Managers and trustees. Ensure your application is professionally written, clearly structured, and provides all requested information.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic fit is crucial: This trust has a clear mandate for Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon – ensure your work clearly serves these areas
  • Substantial resources available: With over £4.2 million in annual charitable expenditure, this is a significant funder worth approaching
  • Use the Gateway effectively: The platform's matching system means your application may be considered by multiple trusts – complete all sections thoroughly
  • Rolling applications: There are no fixed deadlines, allowing you to apply when ready, but also meaning competition is ongoing
  • Variable timelines: Be prepared for trustees to take time with decisions – follow up respectfully if needed
  • Professional management: Ludlow Trust Company provides professional administration, so expect a structured process
  • Consider related funds: If working in North Dorset specifically, also explore The Corton Hill Fund at Dorset Community Foundation for potentially aligned funding

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