The Dodgson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £142,342 (year ending 31 March 2024)
• Geographic Focus: Brighton & Hove and wider Sussex (Adur to the Ouse, South of the Downs)
• Target Beneficiaries: People aged 55+
• Application Timeline: Review begins in January for grants starting April
• Founded: 1989 (re-registered as CIO in 2020)

Contact Details

• Website: www.dodgson.org.uk
• Email: gerald.wicks@btinternet.com
• Phone: 07941947161
• Charity Number: 1187598
• Contact: Gerry Wicks (CEO)

Overview

The Dodgson Foundation was established in 1989 following a generous initial donation from local business people Derek and Eileen Dodgson. Re-registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in January 2020, the foundation focuses exclusively on improving the wellbeing of older residents in Brighton & Hove and the wider Sussex area. With annual expenditure of £142,342 (year ending 31 March 2024), the foundation makes grants to local charitable institutions and individuals through third-party agency referrals. The trustees manage the foundation's capital to generate sufficient income for annual grant-making activities, supporting organisations that address the financial, health, and social disadvantages faced by older people. The foundation is particularly conscious of deteriorating mental health due to isolation among its beneficiary group. The trustees describe themselves as “quite flexible where we perceive there is a need,” reviewing their supported charities annually to ensure alignment with changing social and economic needs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation operates two main grant streams:

• Annual Grants to Charitable Institutions: The foundation supports a portfolio of local charities working with older people, reviewed annually. Amounts vary based on organisational needs and the foundation's assessment of impact.

• Individual Grants via Third-Party Agencies: Applications from third-party agencies (such as social services) on behalf of individuals whose needs align with the foundation's charitable objectives, specifically for people aged 55+ experiencing hardship. Applications must be made by third-party agencies - not by the individual, their family or friends.

Priority Areas

• Projects aimed at people over 55 living in deprivation anywhere in Sussex
• Organisations addressing financial disadvantages affecting older people
• Health-related support for the 55+ age group
• Social isolation and mental health support for older residents
• Services supporting those who lack capacity to act for themselves

All applications must clearly demonstrate a case for “need”. The foundation particularly encourages cross-collaboration with other charities and agencies and expects that other sources of finance have been sought on behalf of applicants.

Geographic Focus

• Primary: Brighton & Hove
• Extended: Sussex (geographical area from Adur to the Ouse, South of the Downs)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly listed, but the foundation's focus is clearly limited to:

• Geographic area (Sussex region, specifically Adur to the Ouse, South of the Downs)
• Age group (primarily 55+)
• Local community benefit
• Grants can only be made to charitable institutions or individuals (through third-party agencies), not directly to organisations

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation operates with a board of trustees who meet regularly to oversee operations and governance. Day-to-day operations are managed by the CEO. The foundation has 6 trustees.

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. All trustees serve on a voluntary basis. The foundation operates with no paid employees receiving benefits over £60,000. The foundation maintains policies on financial controls, risk management, and conflicts of interest, and owns or leases land or property.

Gerry Wicks serves as CEO of the foundation and can be reached for enquiries about grant applications.

How to Apply to The Dodgson Foundation

How to Apply

The Dodgson Foundation operates a proactive approach to grant-making. The trustees write to charities they currently support around January each year, inviting them to complete an application form for the funding cycle that begins in April.

For organisations not currently in the foundation's portfolio:

• Direct contact with Gerry Wicks (CEO) at gerald.wicks@btinternet.com or 07941947161 is recommended
• Completed application forms and papers should be sent by email to the CEO
• The foundation reviews its supported charities annually and may be open to new applicants that align with their objectives
• If an annual grant has been made in the past year, the current application should be accompanied by a brief report on how this was used

For individual applications:

• Applications on behalf of individuals should be made by third-party agencies using the “INDIVIDUAL” Dodgson form, which can be obtained from the CEO
• Applications cannot be made by the individual, their family or friends

The foundation's charitable object gives trustees “absolute discretion” in making donations to charitable institutions or individuals, suggesting flexibility in considering new applications.

Decision Timeline

• Review period: January
• Funding cycle begins: April (aligned with financial year)
• Decision notification: Organisations will be informed of results hopefully before, or shortly after, the start of the new financial year
• Annual review: The trustees meet annually to consider their grants programme

Application Success Factors

The foundation's approach to grant-making emphasises:

1. Local presence and impact: The foundation prioritises organisations working directly in Brighton & Hove and the wider Sussex area (Adur to the Ouse, South of the Downs)

1. Focus on older people: Projects must clearly benefit people aged over 55, particularly those experiencing deprivation

1. Addressing multiple disadvantages: The trustees are conscious of the intersection of financial, health, and social challenges affecting older people

1. Mental health and isolation: The foundation is “particularly aware of the adverse effect of deteriorating mental health due to isolation” - applications addressing this are likely to resonate

1. Demonstrated need: All applications must clearly demonstrate a case for “need”

1. Collaboration and resource exhaustion: The foundation particularly encourages cross-collaboration with other charities and agencies and expects that other sources of finance have been sought

1. Flexibility based on need: The trustees state they are “quite flexible where we perceive there is a need,” suggesting responsiveness to compelling cases of need rather than rigid criteria

1. Responsiveness to changing needs: Supported charities are reviewed annually “in the light of changing social and economic needs,” indicating the foundation adapts its priorities based on current community circumstances

1. Long-term relationships: The foundation has been “supporting a number of local charities for a number of years,” suggesting they value ongoing relationships with effective organisations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Age specificity is critical: The foundation's focus on 55+ is central to its mission - ensure your project clearly benefits this age group
• Emphasise local impact: Being based in or serving Brighton & Hove and Sussex (Adur to the Ouse, South of the Downs) is essential for consideration
• Address isolation and mental health: Given the trustees' particular concern about deteriorating mental health due to isolation, projects addressing this issue are likely to be well-received
• Demonstrate clear need: Applications must clearly demonstrate a case for “need” - ensure this is evident in your proposal
• Show collaboration: Highlight cross-collaboration with other charities and agencies and demonstrate that other funding sources have been explored
• Build relationships before applying: The foundation's proactive approach (writing to charities they know) suggests relationship-building is important - contact Gerry Wicks (CEO) to introduce your organisation
• Annual review cycle: If unsuccessful or not yet on their radar, remember that the portfolio is reviewed annually, providing fresh opportunities
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness: The foundation values flexibility and responds to perceived need - show how your organisation adapts to changing circumstances
• Multi-year potential: The foundation supports organisations for multiple years, so successful applicants may receive sustained funding
• Include progress reports: If you received a grant previously, include a brief report on how it was used with your new application

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Chalk Cliff Trust
• The Isabel Blackman Foundation
• The Sussex Community Foundation
• House Project Centre
• The Eight Foundation
• John Jackson Charitable Trust
• Friarsgate Trust
• The Bassil Shippam And Alsford Trust
• The Rotherwick Foundation
• Brighton District Nursing Association Trust

References

• The Dodgson Foundation website: https://dodgson.org.uk/
• The Dodgson Foundation - About Us: https://dodgson.org.uk/about-us/
• The Dodgson Foundation - Grant Criteria Notes: https://dodgson.org.uk/grant-criteria-notes/
• The Dodgson Foundation - Contact Us: https://dodgson.org.uk/contact-us/
• UK Charity Commission Register - The Dodgson Foundation (Charity No. 1187598): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5154620
• Community Works - Funding and Income resources referencing The Dodgson Foundation