The Eifion Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1148780
• Founded: 2012
• Annual Giving: Approximately £150,000 per annum (committed ongoing funding)
• Total Investment: Over £200,000 invested in 19 projects to date
• Geographic Focus: Developing countries, particularly Nepal and Cambodia
• Application Method: No public application process - works through partnerships
• Impact: Helped over 11,500 families and created over 2,500 jobs

Contact Details

Address: 5 Meadow View, St. Margarets-At-Cliffe, Dover, Kent CT15 6FD

Phone: 01829 260678

Email: admin@eifiontrust.org

Website: eifiontrust.org

Overview

The Eifion Trust was established in 2012 by trust deed as a UK-registered charity dedicated to alleviating the many ill effects of poverty in developing countries. Founded by Barry and Ann Evans, the Trust embodies the philosophy that “The earth is one country and humankind its citizens.” The Trust channels charitable resources through carefully monitored projects that prevent poverty, advance education and health, and save lives. Operating primarily in Nepal and Cambodia, the Trust works exclusively through partnerships with established charitable entities, particularly Rotary Clubs, to identify, fund, and closely monitor each project. Through the founders' lifetime of philanthropy, the Trust has invested over £200,000 across 19 projects, helping more than 11,500 families and creating over 2,500 jobs. The Trust operates with no trustee remuneration, ensuring all funds directly support charitable purposes. Following the passing of founders Barry and Ann, the Trust continues their legacy under new trustee leadership.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Eifion Trust does not operate formal grant programs with public application processes. Instead, the Trust provides funding through identified partnerships and trustee-selected projects that align with their mission. Historical funding commitments exceed £150,000 per annum, though specific grant amounts vary by project.

Categories supported:

• Prevention of poverty
• Advancement of education
• Advancement of health or saving of lives
• Citizenship and community development
• Protection and improvement of the environment
• Relief of those in need

Priority Areas

Geographic Focus:

• Nepal (primary operational focus)
• Cambodia
• Other developing countries as defined by the International Monetary Fund

Beneficiary Groups:

• Children and young people
• Elderly people
• People with disabilities
• People of particular ethnic or racial origin
• Other charities or voluntary bodies

Sector Focus:

• Education (including school sponsorships and educational infrastructure)
• Healthcare
• Humanitarian and disaster relief
• Animal welfare
• Community development projects

Known Funded Projects

Nepal:

• Partnership with Q Learning Nepal Trust CIO for educational projects in the Hangdewa region of Taplejung, supporting approximately 260 pupils and 14 sponsored young people
• Student sponsorships at Southwestern School in Kathmandu
• Support for Charlotte's Haven child centre and associated schools in Kathmandu

Project Characteristics:

The Trust has historically funded 19 projects with demonstrable impact on families and employment creation, suggesting a preference for projects with measurable community-wide benefits rather than individual assistance.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust's focus on developing countries and specific charitable categories suggests they do not fund:

• Projects in developed countries (unless directly related to developing country initiatives)
• Individual applications unconnected to established charitable entities
• Projects outside their stated categories of poverty prevention, education, health, and environmental protection

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Kate - Daughter of founders Barry and Ann Evans. Married with three sons, Kate has a keen interest in world affairs and background in developing countries. She strives to continue her parents' legacy and involve the younger generation in finding ways to make the world a better place for all.

David - A recently retired partner from a prominent Architectural Practice with over forty years of experience as a design consultant in the building industry. David was instrumental in establishing the Eifion Trust alongside his wife Ann as a channel for their charitable resources.

Founder Legacy

Barry Evans (Founder and past Chairman, deceased December 2021) - Practiced as a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool before becoming Senior Lecturer at Leicester Polytechnic, where he developed the degree course in Valuations and Estate Management. Returned to Liverpool as Founder Chair of the Young Persons Housing Association, then moved to Cheshire where he led the campaign against closure of Tarporley War Memorial Hospital. A Rotarian in Liverpool and Nantwich, Barry served on International Committees and was a strong supporter of the Rotary Foundation. His extensive travels in South America, Asia, Middle East, and Australasia shaped his commitment to helping those less fortunate.

Ann Evans (Patron and Founder Trustee, deceased February 2022) - Major donor of the Trust. A retired nurse who devoted herself to family and charitable activities, serving as Chair of Tarporley Ladies Circle, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Liverpool, member of the Inner Wheel Club of Nantwich, and major supporter of the Rotary Foundation. Her prime interests were the education, health, and welfare of young people, particularly in developing countries.

Governance Structure

The Trust operates under trust deed dated 23 August 2012, governed by the law of England and Wales. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, ensuring maximum funds reach beneficiaries. The Trust maintains up-to-date reporting with the Charity Commission, submitting annual returns, accounts, and trustees' annual reports regularly.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Eifion Trust does not have a public application process. The Trust does not accept unsolicited grant applications from organizations or individuals. Instead, the Trust operates through an invitation-only model, identifying projects through existing partnerships and trustee networks.

Decision-Making Approach

Funding decisions are made by trustees based on:

• Projects identified through partnership organizations (particularly Rotary Clubs)
• Trustee knowledge and direct oversight capability
• Alignment with the Trust's mission in developing countries
• Ability to closely monitor project implementation and impact

The Trust's founding principle emphasized working “with organisational structures or other charitable entities such as Rotary to find, fund and closely monitor each project,” reflecting a hands-on approach to grant-making that requires established relationships and direct oversight mechanisms.

Getting on Their Radar

Rotary Connection: The Trust has strong historical ties to Rotary International, with the founders being active Rotarians. Most of the Trust's funding has been channeled through projects monitored by local Rotary Clubs. Organizations working with or through Rotary Clubs in developing countries, particularly in Nepal and Cambodia, may have better prospects of coming to the Trust's attention.

Q Learning Nepal Trust Partnership: The Trust has an established partnership with Q Learning Nepal Trust CIO, suggesting they work with UK-registered charities that operate educational and development programs in their target countries.

Sector Networks: Given the founders' backgrounds (Inner Wheel Clubs, Young Persons Housing Association, healthcare advocacy), the Trust may be more likely to support organizations connected to these networks or working in housing, healthcare, and youth development sectors.

Geographic Focus: Organizations operating in Nepal (particularly the Taplejung and Kathmandu regions) or Cambodia with demonstrable impact on poverty, education, or health outcomes align most closely with the Trust's current operational focus.

Application Success Factors

Since the Trust does not operate a public application process, success in receiving funding depends on different factors than traditional grant-making:

Partnership-Based Approach

The Trust explicitly works through “organisational structures or other charitable entities such as Rotary.” Organizations are more likely to receive support if they:

• Have established relationships with Rotary Clubs, particularly those with international development committees
• Are UK-registered charities with on-the-ground operations in developing countries
• Can demonstrate robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms

Project Characteristics

Based on the Trust's historical funding pattern (19 projects, 11,500+ families helped, 2,500+ jobs created):

• Scale and Impact: Projects should demonstrate community-wide benefits rather than individual assistance
• Employment Creation: Economic development and job creation appear to be valued outcomes
• Measurable Results: The Trust emphasizes the ability to “closely monitor each project,” suggesting strong reporting requirements
• Multi-faceted Benefits: Projects addressing multiple objectives (e.g., education that also prevents poverty and improves health) may be preferred

Values Alignment

The Trust's motto - “The earth is one country and humankind its citizens” - reflects a humanistic, global perspective. Projects should:

• Demonstrate respect for local communities and cultures
• Promote self-sufficiency and sustainable development
• Focus on education, health, and poverty alleviation
• Show potential for lasting community impact

Trustee Engagement

With Ann Evans's legacy emphasizing “the education, health and welfare of young people particularly in developing countries,” and current trustee Kate's interest in “involving the younger generation,” projects that:

• Focus on children, youth, and families
• Have educational components
• Enable intergenerational engagement
• Create opportunities for young people

These characteristics are likely to resonate with the Trust's mission and current leadership.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Applications: The Eifion Trust does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Building awareness of your organization requires strategic relationship-building rather than direct application.

• Rotary is Key: The Trust's strongest connection is through Rotary International. Organizations should explore partnerships with Rotary Clubs, particularly those active in international development work.

• Geographic Focus: Nepal is the primary operational area, with Cambodia also supported. UK organizations working in these countries are most aligned with current priorities.

• Proven Track Record Matters: With £150,000+ annual funding and a history of substantial projects (11,500+ families, 2,500+ jobs), the Trust seeks partners with capacity for significant impact and robust monitoring systems.

• Long-term Commitment: The Trust's emphasis on “ongoing funding” and close monitoring suggests they prefer sustained partnerships rather than one-off grants.

• Legacy Continues: While founders Barry and Ann have passed away, trustee Kate is committed to continuing their legacy and involving younger generations, suggesting the Trust will remain active with potential evolution in approach.

• Values-Driven: The humanistic philosophy “The earth is one country and humankind its citizens” should inform how organizations present their work - emphasizing global citizenship, interconnectedness, and shared humanity.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE B & J CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Rest-Harrow Trust
• The Watson Family Charitable Trust
• The Monsoon Accessorize Trust
• The Jephcott Charitable Trust
• THE TULA TRUST LIMITED
• The Eureka Charitable Trust
• MJB Charitable Trust
• THE AMATEURS TRUST
• Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust

References

• UK Charity Commission Register, THE EIFION TRUST - Charity Number 1148780. Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5031037

• The Eifion Trust Official Website. Available at: https://eifiontrust.org/

• The Eifion Trust, About the Trust. Available at: https://eifiontrust.org/about-the-trust/

• Q Learning Nepal Trust CIO, News and Updates. Available at: https://www.qlearningnepal.com/news/

• Charity Choice, The Eifion Trust Profile. Available at: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-eifion-trust-215455

• UK Charity Commission, THE EIFION TRUST Annual Reports and Accounts. Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5031037/accounts-and-annual-returns