The Cumber Family Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £105,529 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Approximately 3-6 months (based on bi-annual meetings)
• Grant Range: £250 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: Oxfordshire/Berkshire locally, UK nationally, and developing countries globally

Contact Details

• Website: www.cumberfamilycharitabletrust.org.uk
• Email: cumber.charity@gmail.com
• Phone: 01865 391164
• Address for Applications: Secretary, Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Manor Farm, Marcham, OXON OX13 6NZ

Overview

Founded in 1985 by a Berkshire farming family, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust continues to be governed by family members who serve as trustees. With annual giving of approximately £105,000, the trust focuses on supporting charitable causes both locally in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, nationally across the UK, and internationally in developing countries. The trust has a particular interest in projects involving agriculture, women's empowerment, environmental conservation, and support for disadvantaged communities. They pride themselves on supporting “projects that may not necessarily appeal to the general public” and preferentially fund smaller organizations with limited reach.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: £250 - £5,000 (majority awarded between £1,000 - £2,000 in 2024)
• Applications considered under five categories at each trustees' meeting
• Paper applications only - no electronic submissions accepted
• Two funding rounds annually (Spring and Autumn meetings)

Priority Areas

Overseas Development

• Charitable works in countries in need
• Agricultural development projects
• Women's empowerment initiatives
• Environmental conservation

Local Community (Oxfordshire & Berkshire)

• Education for disadvantaged children and young people
• Welfare and housing support
• Disability support services
• Environmental conservation projects

UK National

• Health and medical research
• Disability support
• Youth and children's welfare
• Educational initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Individual applications (except in rare cases where personally known to trustees)
• Non-charitable groups or organizations
• Organizations without UK bank accounts
• Repeat funding within three years (unless commitment made at outset)

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees (all family members):

• Mary Elizabeth Tearney (Chair) - Appointed 2023
• Ellen May Cumber - Appointed 2022
• Julia Elizabeth Mearns
• Kellie Ann Davey - Appointed 2015
• Margaret Jill Freeman - Appointed 1995

The trust maintains strong governance policies including financial reserves management, internal controls, risk management, and conflict of interest procedures. No trustees receive remuneration or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Paper applications only - Electronic submissions not accepted

• Full contact details (including email address)
• Comprehensive project outline
• Copy of latest Annual Report and Accounts (first-time applicants)
• Bank details (UK bank account required)
• Stamped addressed envelope (SAE) if response desired regardless of outcome

No formal application form exists - letter format is acceptable.

Decision Timeline

• Two meetings annually: Spring (typically March) and Autumn (typically October/November)
• Decision timeframe: Approximately 3-6 months depending on meeting schedule
• Notification: Only if SAE provided with unsuccessful applications

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly available. In 2024, total grants of approximately £105,000 were distributed across multiple focus areas.

Reapplication Policy

Emphasis on one-off grants with no additional funding available within three years unless a commitment was made at the outset of the initial grant.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's stated preferences and funding patterns, successful applications typically:

• Align with specific focus areas: Projects in agriculture, women's empowerment, or environmental conservation have particular appeal
• Serve Oxfordshire/Berkshire locally: The trust has strong ties to these regions
• Come from smaller organizations: Preference for organizations with limited reach rather than large national charities
• Support unconventional causes: The trust specifically values “projects that may not necessarily appeal to the general public”
• Demonstrate long-term impact: Preference for projects with measurable outcomes
• Include comprehensive project details: Clear outline of objectives, beneficiaries, and expected outcomes
• Request appropriate amounts: Most successful grants fall between £1,000-£2,000

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Submit paper applications only - plan for postal delays and ensure applications arrive well before trustee meetings
• Focus on smaller, locally-based projects in Oxfordshire/Berkshire for best chances of success
• Highlight agricultural, environmental, or women's empowerment aspects if relevant
• Don't shy away from unconventional projects that might not have broad public appeal
• Include an SAE to ensure you receive a response, whether successful or not
• Remember the three-year rule - this is typically a one-time funding opportunity
• Ensure you have a UK bank account before applying

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• The Henry Smith Foundation
• The Grace Trust
• The Waterloo Foundation
• THE EVESON TRUST
• The Apax Foundation
• The Band Aid Charitable Trust
• THE SIR JAMES RECKITT CHARITY
• P F Charitable Trust
• The Chalk Cliff Trust
• The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
• The Shanly Foundation
• THE EVELYN TRUST
• The Clare Milne Trust
• The Marsh Charitable Trust
• FRAZER TRUST
• THE NORMAN FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Englefield Charitable Trust
• Schroder Charity Trust
• The Cecil Rosen Foundation
• Wellcome Trust

References

• The Cumber Family Charitable Trust Official Website: www.cumberfamilycharitabletrust.org.uk
• Charity Commission Register: Register of Charities Entry 291009
• fundsforNGOs: The Cumber Family Charitable Trust Call for Applications
• Scotland's International Development Alliance: Cumber Family Foundation funding update
• Charity Choice Directory: The Cumber Family Charitable Trust Entry