The Ellerdale Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £208,606 (2024)
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £20,000
• Decision Time: 5-6 weeks (approximate)
• Geographic Focus: London (via London Community Foundation partnership)
• Application Method: Fixed deadline (rolling programme)

Contact Details

Address: The Parlour, High Street, Ketteringham, Wymondham, Norwich, NR18 9RU

Phone: 01603 813340

Email: maryadlard7@gmail.com

Application Contact (via London Community Foundation):

• Phone: 020 7582 5117
• Email: applications@londoncf.org.uk
• Address: Arc House, 82 Tanner Street, London SE1 3GN

Overview

The Ellerdale Trust (Charity No. 1073376) is a UK grant-making trust focused on the relief of poverty, distress and suffering in children. With an annual income of approximately £208,606, the trust provides grants exclusively to charitable organisations working with sick, disabled, or vulnerable young children to improve their health and save lives. The trust primarily supports children in their early years up to age 10, with an upper age limit of 18. Operating through a partnership with The London Community Foundation, the trust manages applications through their established infrastructure while maintaining its distinctive focus on children's welfare and health outcomes.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ellerdale Trust Grant Programme (administered by London Community Foundation)

• Grant Range: £5,000 - £20,000
• Duration: One year grants
• Application Method: Fixed deadlines (periodic application rounds)
• Theme: Children and young people
• Geographic Focus: London and potentially broader UK (based in Norwich but partners with London Community Foundation)

Priority Areas

The trust funds charitable organisations that:

• Work with sick, disabled, or vulnerable young children
• Focus on improving children's health and saving lives
• Provide relief of poverty, distress and suffering to disadvantaged children
• Support children in their early years (mainly up to age 10, with limit of 18)

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals: The Ellerdale Trust does not fund individuals under any circumstances
• Overseas Aid: No longer considered for funding
• Non-charitable organisations: Only registered charities and eligible not-for-profit organisations

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees: 5 trustees

Key Personnel:

• Mary Adlard, Director of Grantmaking (since July 2010) - Based in Norwich, provides strategic direction for the trust's grant-making activities

Financial Governance:

• No employees receive total benefits exceeding £60,000
• No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity
• No trading subsidiaries
• Charity reporting is up to date and compliant

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are processed through The London Community Foundation as part of a funding partnership:

1. Check Eligibility: Review both London Community Foundation's general eligibility criteria and The Ellerdale Trust programme-specific requirements
2. Review Resources: Visit the London Community Foundation resources page for application hints and tips
3. Submit Application: Apply through the London Community Foundation's online portal when the funding round is open
4. Monitor Communications: Sign up to the LCF monthly e-bulletin for updates on upcoming funding rounds

Key Eligibility Requirements (via London Community Foundation):

• At least three unrelated members legally responsible for governance (Trustees/Directors/Management Committee)
• Bank account in the organisation's name with minimum of two unrelated signatories
• Submission of accounts from last completed financial year
• If income exceeds £5,000, must be registered with The Charity Commission or relevant regulator
• Cannot have two years of late submissions to Charity Commission/Companies House within last two completed financial years
• Must have a safeguarding policy reviewed in last 12 months that meets LCF's requirements
• All conditions from previous LCF grants must be completed with no outstanding monitoring

Decision Timeline

• Application to Decision: Approximately 5-6 weeks from application deadline
• Notification Method: Email notification from London Community Foundation
• Urgent Cases: Not applicable for this programme (standard timeline applies)

Success Rates

While specific success rates for The Ellerdale Trust programme are not publicly available, the London Community Foundation reports an overall success rate of nearly 70% for applications through their London Community Response portal.

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions on reapplication are documented. However, applicants must ensure all conditions from any previous London Community Foundation grants are completed with no current outstanding monitoring at the time of new application.

Application Success Factors

What Makes a Strong Application (LCF Guidance)

Demonstrate Clear Need: Focus on articulating the genuine need your organisation addresses and how the grant will make a difference to disadvantaged children's health and wellbeing.

Safeguarding Requirements: All applicants must have a robust safeguarding policy that reflects the mandatory requirements outlined in LCF's safeguarding policy checklist. This is reviewed in the last 12 months.

Avoid Over-Professionalisation: The London Community Foundation explicitly states they are “not looking for professional bid writers” - their focus is on applications from eligible organisations that demonstrate genuine need rather than polished marketing.

Thoughtful Use of AI: While LCF permits AI use by applicants, they recommend caution and advise being thoughtful when using AI to generate answers. Authenticity is valued.

Financial Transparency: Ensure accounts are current and properly submitted. Late submissions to regulatory bodies can affect eligibility.

Social Media Presence: Shortlisted organisations undergo social media and Google checks aligned with the foundation's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement - ensure your online presence reflects your values and mission.

Alignment Factors

Given The Ellerdale Trust's specific focus:

• Emphasise work with children in early years (particularly under 10)
• Highlight health outcomes and life-saving interventions
• Demonstrate focus on vulnerable, sick, or disabled children
• Show evidence of relieving poverty, distress, and suffering
• Connect your work to measurable improvements in children's wellbeing

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Partnership Model: The trust operates through The London Community Foundation, so applicants must meet both organisations' requirements and work within LCF's systems and timelines
• Children's Health Focus: Strong emphasis on health outcomes, medical needs, and supporting sick or disabled children - align your application with these priorities
• Age Range Matters: While the limit is 18, the trust primarily focuses on early years up to age 10 - strongest applications will target this demographic
• No Individual Funding: Only charitable organisations are eligible - ensure your legal structure meets requirements
• Safeguarding is Critical: Having a current, comprehensive safeguarding policy is mandatory and will be carefully reviewed
• Geographic Consideration: While based in Norwich, the trust currently operates a London-focused programme through LCF - confirm geographic eligibility for your organisation
• Authenticity Over Polish: Demonstrate genuine need and authentic mission rather than trying to craft an overly professional application

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Norfolk Community Foundation
• The Thompson Family Charitable Trust
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Cambridgeshire Community Foundation
• The Apax Foundation
• CHK Foundation
• CECIL AND HILDA LEWIS CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Constance Travis Charitable Trust
• Children on the Edge
• The Percy Bilton Charity
• THE PAUL BASSHAM CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE JOHN HORSEMAN TRUST
• Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust
• THE LINDER FOUNDATION
• The Nineveh Charitable Trust
• The 3 TS Charitable Trust
• KATHLEEN BERYL SLEIGH CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust
• The Pixel Fund
• THE HOSKING CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• The Ellerdale Trust - Charity Commission Register -
• Find that Charity - The Ellerdale Trust -
• London Community Foundation - Available Grants -
• London Community Foundation - Eligibility Criteria -
• London Community Foundation - Resources -
• Mary Adlard LinkedIn Profile -