The Dischma Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 1077501

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £181,694 (2024)
  • Annual Income: £92,654 (2024)
  • Decision Time: 6 months (bi-annual trustee meetings)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £5,000
  • Geographic Focus: England and Wales, with preference for London and Hampshire
  • Registered: 21 September 1999
  • Charity Number: 1077501

Contact Details

Address: C/O Rathbones Trust Company Limited, 30 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QN

Email: rtccharities@rathbones.com (general inquiries)

Additional contacts: linda.cousins@rathbones.com, stephanie.williams@rathbones.com

Phone: 0207 399 0444

Note: The Trust does not have a website. Rathbones Trust Company Limited provides administrative services for the Trust.

Overview

The Dischma Charitable Trust was established on 21 September 1999 as a grant-making foundation. The Trust operates with a broad charitable remit, giving trustees discretion to support a wide range of charitable purposes across England and Wales. Named after the Dischma Valley in Switzerland (from the Latin “decimus” meaning “tenth”), the Trust is administered by Rathbones Trust Company Limited.

With an annual income of £92,654 and total expenditure of £181,694 in 2024, the Trust is currently distributing more than its income, drawing on capital reserves. The Trust maintains seven trustees who serve without remuneration and meet bi-annually to review grant applications. While the Trust accepts applications from organizations throughout England and Wales, it shows a marked preference for charities working in London and Hampshire.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants: £500 - £5,000 (most commonly £500 - £3,000)

  • The Trust can occasionally make grants above £5,000 at trustees' discretion
  • Applications accepted throughout the year
  • Decisions made bi-annually at trustee meetings
  • Available to UK registered charities only

Priority Areas

The Trust supports a broad range of charitable causes including:

  • Education/Training: Educational programs and training initiatives
  • Arts, Culture, Heritage & Science: Arts projects and cultural activities receive particular attention
  • Health: The advancement of health or saving of lives
  • Welfare: Children and youth welfare, elderly welfare, disability support
  • Poverty Relief: Prevention or relief of poverty
  • Conservation: Environment, conservation, and heritage projects
  • Animal Welfare: Human and animal welfare causes
  • Overseas Aid: Overseas aid and famine relief

Geographic Preference: While applications from across England and Wales are considered, the Trust tends to favour applications from charities based in or working in London and Hampshire.

What They Don't Fund

  • Non-registered charities
  • Individuals
  • Organizations outside England and Wales (though UK charities working overseas may be considered)
  • The Trust's charitable objects state that trustees have “absolute discretion,” which means specific exclusions beyond these are not documented
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees: The Trust has 7 trustees who meet bi-annually to review applications.

Key Management: The day-to-day administration is handled by Rathbones Trust Company Limited, a professional trustee services firm based in London. Contact personnel include Linda Cousins and Stephanie Williams.

Governance Notes:

  • No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity
  • The charity has no employees with benefits over £60,000
  • No trading subsidiaries
  • The Trust has consistently submitted annual returns, accounts, and trustees' annual reports for the last five financial periods

The Trust's constitutional objects give trustees broad discretion: “The Trustees hold the capital and the income of the Trust Fund upon trust to apply income and, as far as may be necessary, the capital for or towards such charitable purposes and to make donations to such charitable bodies or institutions at such times and in such manner as the Trustees may, in their absolute discretion, think fit.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be made in writing to:

The Trustees

The Dischma Charitable Trust

C/O Rathbones Trust Company Limited

30 Gresham Street

London EC2V 7QN

Email submissions can be sent to: rtccharities@rathbones.com

Application Requirements:

  • No specified format or length restrictions
  • Must be from a UK registered charity
  • Should clearly outline the charitable purpose and funding need
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year

Decision Timeline

  • Trustee Meetings: Bi-annually (twice per year, every 6 months)
  • Decision Timeframe: Applications are reviewed at the next scheduled trustee meeting after submission, meaning the wait time can range from a few weeks to up to 6 months depending on submission timing
  • Notification: Only successful applicants are notified of the trustees' decision
  • No Response Policy: If you do not hear from the Trust, your application was unsuccessful

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The Trust does not publish information about the number of applications received versus grants awarded.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly documented. Given that unsuccessful applicants are not notified, organizations may wish to allow at least one full grant cycle (6 months) before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information about specific funded projects and trustee preferences, applicants should focus on the following evidence-based strategies:

Alignment with Stated Priorities: The Trust explicitly supports education, arts and culture, conservation, and welfare causes. Applications should clearly demonstrate how the project fits within these broad categories.

Geographic Relevance: Organizations based in or working primarily in London and Hampshire have a documented advantage. If your organization is based elsewhere in England and Wales, consider emphasizing any connections to these priority regions.

Appropriate Grant Size: Most grants fall in the £500-£3,000 range, though grants up to £5,000 are common. Requesting amounts within this range appears most aligned with the Trust's typical grant-making pattern.

Registered Charity Status: Only UK registered charities are eligible. Ensure your charity number is clearly stated in your application.

Clear Communication: With no specified application format or length restrictions, focus on clarity and conciseness. Clearly articulate the charitable purpose, the specific need, and how the grant will be used.

Financial Context: Given that the Trust's recent expenditure exceeds its income (drawing on capital), demonstrating efficient use of funds and measurable impact may be advantageous.

Professional Presentation: The Trust is administered by Rathbones Trust Company, a professional trustee services firm. A well-organized, professionally presented application is likely expected.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Bi-annual decision cycle: Plan your application timing carefully, as decisions are only made twice per year. Apply early in the year to ensure consideration at the next meeting.
  • No rejection notifications: The Trust only contacts successful applicants. If you don't hear back, assume the application was unsuccessful rather than following up repeatedly.
  • London and Hampshire advantage: Charities working in these areas are explicitly favoured. If you're based elsewhere, you may face stronger competition.
  • Broad charitable remit: The Trust's objects give trustees “absolute discretion,” meaning they can support diverse causes. Don't self-exclude if your work falls within general charitable purposes.
  • Arts and culture focus: While the Trust supports multiple areas, arts and culture projects appear particularly aligned with their interests.
  • Modest grant amounts: Target your request within the £500-£3,000 range for highest likelihood of success, though requests up to £5,000 are reasonable.
  • Written applications only: No online portal exists. Send professional, well-structured written applications via post or email.

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