The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust
Charity Number: 1064069
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £91,700 (2023)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Applications reviewed at least twice yearly
- Grant Range: £1,000 - £30,000
- Geographic Focus: UK and Channel Islands (preference for West Somerset)
Contact Details
Address:
The Trustees
The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust
PO Box 76
Minehead
TA24 9AR
Phone: 07936 384190
Website: The Trust does not maintain a website. Information available via the Charity Commission register.
Overview
The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust was established in 1997 to further the charitable interests that Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst supported during her lifetime, plus local charitable activities. Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst (1887-1968) was an American-born philanthropist, social activist, and patron of the arts who founded Dartington Hall in Devon with her husband Leonard Elmhirst. With total income of £172,667 and expenditure of £203,317 in 2024, this small Somerset-based trust operates without staff, governed by four trustees. In 2023, the Trust awarded 11 grants totalling £91,700 to UK and Channel Islands registered charities. The Trust reflects Dorothy's lifelong commitment to progressive education, arts, culture, social reform, and environmental conservation.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The Trust makes a limited number of awards annually through a rolling application process:
- General Grant Programme: £1,000 - £30,000 (applications accepted year-round by written correspondence)
Priority Areas
The Trust supports UK and Channel Islands registered charities working in:
- Arts, culture, and heritage
- Science and education
- Training and skills development
- Environment and conservation
- Overseas aid and famine relief
- Local charitable activities (particularly West Somerset)
What They Don't Fund
Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the Trust only supports UK and Channel Islands registered charities.
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Governance and Leadership
The Trust is governed by four trustees who meet at least twice a year to review applications and make funding decisions. One or more trustees receive payments or benefits for providing services to the charity. The Trust operates without employees and maintains a lean operational structure focused on grant distribution.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications may be made at any time in writing. Submit written applications to:
The Trustees
The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust
PO Box 76
Minehead
TA24 9AR
Telephone enquiries: 07936 384190
The Trust does not have a website or online application portal. All applications must be submitted by post.
Decision Timeline
The trustees meet at least twice a year to consider applications for grants and donations. Depending on when your application is received relative to trustee meetings, there may be a wait of several months for a decision.
Success Rates
In 2023, the Trust awarded 11 grants from the applications received. Specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed.
Reapplication Policy
Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Applicants should enquire directly with the Trust.
Application Success Factors
Based on the Trust's mission and grant-making patterns, successful applications likely demonstrate:
- Alignment with Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst's interests: Projects reflecting her commitment to progressive education, arts and culture, social reform, and environmental conservation may resonate strongly with trustees
- Connection to West Somerset: As a Minehead-based charity, the Trust shows preference for supporting causes in West Somerset
- Clear charitable impact: The Trust supports registered charities working in the UK or overseas through UK-based organizations
- Specific funding requests: With grants ranging from £1,000 to £30,000, applications should specify the amount needed and how it will be used
- Fit with funding priorities: Projects in arts, culture, heritage, science, education, training, environment, conservation, or overseas aid are within scope
The Trust's focus on continuing Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst's legacy suggests that applications demonstrating innovation, social progress, and community benefit will be viewed favourably.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Small trust, limited grants: With only 11 grants awarded in 2023, competition is likely significant despite modest total giving
- Local preference matters: Somerset-based organizations or those working in West Somerset may have an advantage
- Traditional application process: Written applications only—no online portal or email submissions accepted
- Timing is uncertain: With trustees meeting at least twice yearly, plan for potentially long decision timelines
- Broad charitable scope: The Trust's wide range of funding priorities reflects Dorothy's diverse philanthropic interests
- No public guidance: Limited information available about application requirements or selection criteria—direct enquiry may be helpful
- Heritage-focused mission: Understanding Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst's legacy and philanthropic vision may strengthen applications
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References
- Charity Commission Register, The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust (Charity No. 1064069), https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1064069&subid=0
- Bath and North East Somerset Council, “The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust,” https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/88119
- PAVO, “The Dorothy Whitney Elmhirst Trust,” https://www.pavo.org.uk/news/the-dorothy-whitney-elmhirst-trust/
- Wikipedia, “Dorothy Payne Whitney,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Payne_Whitney
- The New School Histories, “Dorothy Payne Whitney Straight Elmhirst,” https://histories.newschool.edu/people/dorothy-payne-whitney-straight-elmhirst
- Cornellians, “Meet the Woman Who Was the Driving Force Behind the Straight,” https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/earle-dorothy-straight/