The Dorothy Kerin Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~£234,000 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed at March and September board meetings
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified (supports 'seedling' initiatives with multi-year funding)
• Geographic Focus: Kent and East Sussex only

Contact Details

• Website: https://dorothykerintrust.org.uk/ (also https://www.burrswood.org/)
• Email: office@burrswood.org
• Phone: 020 7839 0278
• Address: Hempsons LLP, Third Floor, 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN
• Application Portal: https://dorothykerintrust.org.uk/apply/

Overview

The Dorothy Kerin Trust (DKT) is a Christian grant-making charity that emerged from the legacy of Dorothy Kerin (1889-1963), an Anglican pioneer in Christian healing ministry. Following her miraculous recovery from near-death in 1912, Kerin dedicated her life to healing ministry and founded Burrswood, a Christian hospital in Kent, in 1948. The original Burrswood facility operated as a 40-bed hospital until 2016 before entering administration in April 2019 due to financial challenges.

The charity emerged from administration in April 2021 with £3 million in reserves, having met all financial obligations. It subsequently restructured as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No. 1199508) and pivoted from direct service delivery to grant-making. DKT now operates as a “grant-funding enabler” of Christian charities and community groups in Kent and East Sussex, supporting initiatives that promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. The Trust uses a “pipeline model” with clear entry, development, and exit strategies, typically limiting funding to three-year periods.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

DKT operates a single consolidated grant programme supporting Christian-led community initiatives:

• 'Seedling' Initiative Grants: Multi-year support (typically up to 3 years) for early-stage community programmes
• Both financial and non-financial support provided (network building, expertise sharing)
• Application deadlines: Last working day of February and August each year

Priority Areas

• Christian healing services and whole-person care addressing body, mind, and spirit
• Poverty and social isolation interventions: food poverty, homelessness, mental health support
• Community health and wellbeing improvements
• Safe spaces for vulnerable populations
• Facility improvements: indoor and outdoor spaces for healthy recreation
• Counselling and medical therapy services
• Chaplaincy services
• Support for healthier lifestyle choices

What They Don't Fund

• Organisations with annual income over £1 million
• Projects operating outside Kent, Medway, or East Sussex Council areas
• Non-Christian organisations or those not associated with a registered charity
• Long-term dependency models (sustainability emphasis required)

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Governance and Leadership

Chair: Mr Simon Guy Joyce (appointed June 2020)

Board of Trustees (7 members):

• Simon Guy Joyce – Chair
• Rev. Nicholas George Read (appointed February 2021)
• Jane Elizabeth Cook (appointed August 2017)
• Sarah Ann Davies (appointed January 2016)
• Rev. Sarah Mercy Partridge (appointed September 2024)
• Sarah Janet Raine (appointed September 2024)
• Dr Anthony Mason Jones

The Trust is managed by experienced trustees following significant governance restructuring post-administration. No trustees receive remuneration or benefits.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire on the DKT website at https://dorothykerintrust.org.uk/apply/
2. The team responds within seven working days to eligibility submissions
3. If eligible, you will be invited to complete the full application form
4. Submit application by deadline for board consideration

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a charity with total annual income up to £1 million, a start-up, or qualifying organisation
• Must be a Christian church, Christian community group, or community organisation associated with a registered charity
• Must operate within Kent County Council, Medway Council, or East Sussex County Council areas

Application Limits

• Organisations may apply for either ONE three-year project OR a maximum of THREE separate applications in total

Decision Timeline

• Board Meetings: Applications reviewed twice yearly at March and September meetings
• Application Deadlines: Last working day of February and August
• Eligibility Response: Within seven working days of quiz submission

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The Trust historically used network-based, relationship-focused selection before opening applications more widely.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Contact the Trust directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Dorothy Kerin's Vision: DKT specifically looks for projects that embody the founder's approach to “whole-person care” integrating physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Applications should clearly demonstrate how the project addresses all three dimensions.

Sustainability Focus: The Trust emphasises supporting projects that will develop independent sustainability rather than long-term dependency on DKT funding. Demonstrate how your project will become self-sustaining or attract ongoing funding from other sources.

Community-Led Approach: DKT targets “seedling” initiatives led by community leaders. Show strong local leadership and community ownership of the project.

Christian Foundation: Projects must be Christian-based or Christian-led. Clearly articulate your organisation's Christian ethos and how it informs your approach.

Examples of Previously Funded Projects:

• Creation of an outdoor garden area at a community centre serving two deprived areas in Kent
• Provision of a potting shed and storage for tools to a church outreaching to the homeless
• Bursary fund for a Christian counselling service
• Project worker at Rochester Cathedral to develop outdoor grounds for community benefit
• Diocese of Rochester's Cascade wellbeing programme for church and school leaders

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only projects operating in Kent, Medway, or East Sussex are eligible – no exceptions
• Christian identity required: Applications must come from Christian churches, Christian community groups, or organisations formally associated with registered charities
• Income cap of £1 million: Larger organisations are not eligible for funding
• Plan for sustainability: DKT typically limits funding to three years and expects projects to develop independent sustainability
• Apply early: With only two decision points per year (March and September), missing a deadline means waiting 6 months
• Start with the eligibility quiz: Don't invest time in a full application before confirming eligibility through the online questionnaire
• Holistic wellbeing focus: Frame your project in terms of physical, mental, AND spiritual benefits to align with Dorothy Kerin's vision
• Both financial and non-financial support available: DKT offers network-building and expertise alongside funding – highlight how you would benefit from both

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust
• The Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation
• Kent Community Foundation
• The Rotary Club of Whitstable
• The Shanly Foundation
• The Chalk Cliff Trust
• House Project Centre
• Headley Pitt Trust
• The Gibbons Family Trust
• E F AND M G HALL CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• Dorothy Kerin Trust Official Website -
• Dorothy Kerin Trust About Us Page -
• Dorothy Kerin Trust Application Page -
• Charity Commission Register - Charity 1199508 -
• Charici - The Dorothy Kerin Trust -
• Find That Charity - GB-CHC-1199508 -
• Companies House - Officers of The Dorothy Kerin Trust Burrswood -
• Freedto Case Study - Dorothy Kerin Trust -
• Diocese of Rochester - Cascade Programme -
• Wikipedia - Dorothy Kerin -