The E H Smith Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £865,300
• Annual Income: £691,153
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks (Food Voucher Scheme); not specified for general grants
• Grant Range: Under £1,000 - £25,000
• Geographic Focus: West Midlands (preferred), UK-wide and overseas

Contact Details

Address: Westhaven House, Arleston Way, Solihull B90 4LH

Phone: 0121 713 7100

Email: directors@ehsmith.co.uk (general grants) / charity@ehsmith.co.uk (charitable trust programs)

Website: https://ehsmithtrust.org

Charity Number: 328313

Overview

Established in 1944, The E H Smith Charitable Trust receives 10% of the annual profits from EH Smith, a family-run builders' merchant with over 100 years' experience in the construction industry. With an annual income of approximately £691,000 and charitable expenditure of £865,300, the trust demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting local communities, particularly in areas near EH Smith's 11 branches throughout the Midlands and South East. The trust has supported over 650 projects since 2017 and maintains its founding ethos of community support. The trust operates with 5 trustees and 1 volunteer, with trustees receiving no remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Charitable Grants: Under £1,000 - £25,000

• Rolling applications accepted in writing
• Supports UK registered charities working in the UK and overseas
• Preference given to West Midlands organizations (charities outside this region typically receive smaller grants)

Building Materials Donation Program

• In-kind donations of building materials from EH Smith's product range
• Application via online form at ehsmithtrust.org

Food Voucher Scheme

• Supermarket vouchers for individuals experiencing financial hardship
• Must be referred by professionals (Citizens Advice, social workers, NHS)
• 4-6 weeks decision timeline
• One voucher per household per 12-month period
• Available for Morrisons, Aldi, Asda, Tesco, or Sainsbury's

Priority Areas

The trust responds to appeals from and actively supports:

• Hospices
• Youth clubs and junior football groups
• The Prince's Trust programs
• Local school activities
• Religious groups
• Education and training initiatives
• Health and disability services
• Poverty prevention
• Overseas aid
• Accommodation and housing
• Amateur sport
• Animal welfare
• Environment, conservation, and heritage
• Economic and community development
• Teenage Cancer Trust
• Cancer Research UK
• Local community organizations

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed. The trust states that both registered charities and individuals can apply for support, suggesting relatively broad eligibility. For the Food Voucher Scheme, vouchers explicitly cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or lottery purchases.

Ready to write a winning application for The E H Smith Charitable Trust?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The trust operates with 5 trustees and 1 volunteer. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. Specific trustee names are not publicly disclosed in readily available sources.

The trust is connected to EH Smith (Builders Merchants) Limited, a family-run business established in 1922, which operates 11 branches across the Midlands and South East, specializing in bricks, timber, and general building materials with over 30,000 product lines.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For General Grants:

Applications may be made at any time in writing to:

• The E H Smith Charitable Trust
• Westhaven House, Arleston Way, Solihull B90 4LH
• Email: directors@ehsmith.co.uk
• Phone: 0121 713 7100

For Building Materials Donations:

Complete the application form at https://ehsmithtrust.org

For Food Vouchers:

• Must be referred by a professional (Citizens Advice, social workers, NHS professionals)
• Requires proof of address within last 3 months
• Postcode eligibility check required (must be within set radius of EH Smith locations)
• Complete application form at https://ehsmithtrust.org

Decision Timeline

• Food Voucher Scheme: 4-6 weeks for review and response
• General Grants: Timeline not specified; applications accepted on rolling basis

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

For the Food Voucher Scheme, households cannot reapply within 12 months of receiving a voucher. Reapplication policies for general charitable grants are not specified.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Advantage

Organizations based in the West Midlands are explicitly favored. While the trust does support charities across the UK and overseas, those outside the West Midlands are more likely to receive smaller grants. Consider emphasizing any connections to EH Smith branch locations (Midlands and South East).

Community Connection

The trust's mission is “to give back to our local communities around our branches and associated businesses.” Applications that demonstrate local community impact, particularly in areas where EH Smith operates, are likely to be viewed favorably.

Alignment with Supported Causes

The trust has a proven track record of supporting youth organizations, health and hospice care, education, sports clubs, and religious groups. Applications from these sectors align well with established funding patterns.

Wide-Ranging Support

The trust supports “a diverse range of charitable causes” and has funded over 650 projects since 2017, suggesting an open-minded approach to applications. Both large and small grants are awarded, with amounts under £1,000 up to £25,000.

Building Materials Needs

Organizations with building or construction projects should consider applying for in-kind donations of building materials, which may be in addition to or instead of monetary grants.

Clear Charitable Purpose

As a registered charity that responds to appeals from various types of organizations, applicants should clearly articulate their charitable purpose and the specific impact funding will achieve.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic targeting is crucial: West Midlands organizations have a clear advantage; if based elsewhere in the UK, adjust expectations toward smaller grant amounts
• Flexible grant sizes: The trust awards grants from under £1,000 to £25,000, making it accessible for both small and larger projects
• Rolling applications: No fixed deadlines mean organizations can apply when ready, without rushing to meet cutoff dates
• Consider in-kind support: Organizations with construction or building needs should explore the Building Materials Donation program
• Keep it simple: Applications are submitted in writing rather than through complex online portals; focus on clear, compelling cases for support
• Community focus: Emphasize local community impact and connection to areas where EH Smith operates
• Established track record: With over 650 projects supported since 2017, the trust is active and accessible; the high annual expenditure (£865,300) demonstrates commitment to making grants

References

• The Charity Commission, “THE E H SMITH CHARITABLE TRUST - Charity overview (328313),” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=328313&subid=0
• EH Smith Charitable Trust official website, https://ehsmithtrust.org/
• EH Smith Charitable Trust, “About Us,” https://ehsmithtrust.org/about-us/
• EH Smith Charitable Trust, “Food Voucher Scheme,” https://ehsmithtrust.org/food-voucher-scheme/
• EH Smith Charitable Trust, “Contact Us,” https://ehsmithtrust.org/contact-us/
• EH Smith Builders Merchants, “EH Smith Charitable Trust,” https://www.ehsmith.co.uk/eh-smith-charitable-trust
• Bath and North East Somerset Council, “The E H Smith Charitable Trust,” https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/funding-finder/my-account-17