The David Snowdon Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £193,326 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-6 months (depending on grant size)
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £20,000 (with exceptional grants above this range)
• Geographic Focus: Cumbria, specifically Westmorland and Furness Council area

Contact Details

Website: www.dstrust.org.uk

Email: Office@DSTrust.org.uk

Phone: 0300 102 1213

Address: Haverthwaite Lodge, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AJ

Trust Secretary: Sheena Taylforth

Overview

The David Snowdon Trust was established by Declaration of Trust on 5 October 1999 by Cumbrian businessman David Snowdon. The trust incorporates a charity previously founded by the late Neville Talbot, a Lake District hotelier who dedicated his life to the hospitality industry for around 60 years. With an annual income of £264,746 and expenditure of £193,326 (2024), the trust makes grants to support charitable causes in Cumbria, particularly focusing on Higher Education, Social Needs, and the Arts. The trust operates with seven volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration, ensuring maximum funds reach beneficiaries. Geographic focus is primarily the Westmorland and Furness Council area (formerly Barrow, Eden, and South Lakeland districts).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme: £2,000 - £20,000

• Standard grants considered by full trustee board in May and November
• Application deadlines: 1 March and 1 September annually
• Preference for capital projects (excluding buildings)
• Revenue projects may be considered
• Multi-year grants available (up to 3 years)

Small Grants Programme: Up to £4,000

• Assessed more frequently by sub-group of trustees
• Faster decision timelines
• Same application process and eligibility criteria

Note: Exceptional grants above £20,000 have been awarded (e.g., £30,000 to 4Eden, £40,000 to BEEP Doctors).

Priority Areas

Higher Education

• Facilitating exposure to centers of learning and innovation outside Cumbria
• Local apprenticeship schemes, particularly in Hospitality
• Student scholarships (e.g., Ulverston Scholarship)

Social Needs

• Alleviating poverty in rural areas
• Increasing social mobility
• Community development projects
• Healthcare initiatives (e.g., emergency medical services)

The Arts

• Encouraging appreciation of all art forms
• Sponsoring talented individuals in early careers
• Supporting cultural organizations (e.g., opera groups, museums, libraries)

What They Don't Fund

• Causes promoting a single religion
• Political causes
• Animal welfare
• Statutory bodies
• Individuals (except through established scholarship/bursary schemes)
• Sporting events
• Buildings
• Community Interest Companies (generally, though lower grants may be considered)

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by seven volunteer trustees who receive no payments from the charity. Sheena Taylforth serves as Trust Secretary and is the primary contact for applicants.

The trust's charitable objects are: “To advance the education of the public, particularly in the arts, to the relief of poverty and, to the relief of suffering, including medical research.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• 1 March for May trustee meeting
• 1 September for November trustee meeting

Application Review Process

• Due Diligence: Grant Officer conducts review of application
• Site Visits: Trustees may arrange to visit applicants when appropriate
• Decision Making:
• Full trustee board reviews grants over £4,000 (May and November)
• Sub-group assesses grants up to £4,000 more frequently

Decision Timeline

• Applications submitted by 1 March: Decisions made in May (approximately 8-10 weeks)
• Applications submitted by 1 September: Decisions made in November (approximately 8-10 weeks)
• Small grants (up to £4,000): Potentially faster turnaround via sub-group meetings

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not specified on the trust's website. Applicants are advised to contact the Trust Secretary for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Evaluation Criteria

The trust prioritizes applications that demonstrate:

1. Clarity of Outcomes: Clear measurement criteria and expected outcomes
2. Enduring Benefit: Long-term impact and sustainable results
3. Innovation: Novel approaches or creative solutions to challenges
4. Sound Governance: Well-managed organization with appropriate oversight
5. Financial Stability: Acceptable level of reserves and administration expenses
6. Efficient Operations: Reasonable administration costs relative to charitable activities

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

BEEP Doctors (BASICS Cumbria) - £40,000

Emergency response vehicle for volunteer doctors serving Penrith and Carlisle area, enabling life-saving work across northern Cumbria.

4Eden, Ullswater House, Penrith - £30,000

Kitchen developments with adjustable facilities for 50+ individuals with learning disabilities, neurodiversity, and physical disabilities. The organization reported: “Our young people now have the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment, work together as a team and support each other – whatever their age or disability.”

Other Recent Recipients:

• Growing Well (community agricultural project)
• Cumbria Opera Group (bringing world-class opera to Cumbria)
• Eden Valley Hospice (Jigsaw program)
• Armitt Library and Museum Centre in Ambleside
• Flutes & Co
• Ulverston Scholarship

Post-Grant Requirements

• Periodic update reports showing performance against outcomes and targets
• Complete evaluation form
• Acknowledge grants on recipient's letterhead

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is essential: Must serve beneficiaries in Westmorland and Furness Council area (old Barrow, Eden, and South Lakeland districts); national organizations only considered if beneficiaries are local
• Capital projects preferred: Focus on equipment, vehicles, facility improvements (not buildings) for strongest chance
• Plan ahead for deadlines: Only two annual decision points (May and November), so timing is critical
• Clear outcomes are crucial: Applications must articulate measurable outcomes and how success will be evaluated
• Financial health matters: Demonstrate sound governance, stable finances, and reasonable administration costs
• Multi-year funding available: Consider applying for multi-year support (up to 3 years) for ongoing projects
• Innovation valued: Projects showing creative approaches or enduring community benefit are prioritized
• Small grants fast-tracked: Applications under £4,000 assessed more frequently by sub-group

References

1. The David Snowdon Trust official website - www.dstrust.org.uk
2. The David Snowdon Trust - Funding page - https://www.dstrust.org.uk/funding/
3. The David Snowdon Trust - Application and Evaluation - https://www.dstrust.org.uk/application-and-evaluation/
4. The David Snowdon Trust - Funding Stories Archive - https://www.dstrust.org.uk/funding-stories/
5. Charity Commission Register - THE DAVID SNOWDON TRUST (1078527) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3966635
6. 4Eden Case Study - https://www.dstrust.org.uk/funding-stories/4eden-ullswater-house-penrith/
7. Cumbria Crack - "New vehicle for Cumbria's BEEP Doctors thanks to donations" - https://cumbriacrack.com/2025/03/11/new-vehicle-for-cumbrias-beep-doctors-thanks-to-donations/
8. In Cumbria - “Lakeside Hotel and Spa owner dies, aged 81” - https://www.in-cumbria.com/news/17924027.lakeside-hotel-spa-owner-dies-aged-81/