The Farmers' Club Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £82,000-£93,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by programme (2-8 weeks typical)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-based applicants only
• Founded: 1981

Contact Details

Address: 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL

Website: www.tfcct.co.uk

General Enquiries:

• Telephone: 07879 625660
• Email: ambassador@tfcct.co.uk

Awards Ambassador: Lisa Turner

For Application Support: Contact Lisa Turner at the above details

Overview

The Farmers' Club Charitable Trust (FCCT) was established in 1981 by The Farmers Club to support the agricultural community. The trust was initially funded by donations and covenants from Farmers Club members, generously matched by the late Sir John Eastwood. In the late 1990s, Stella Muddiman (now Patron) transferred assets from a family trust to significantly strengthen the organisation. The charity's mission is “Supporting learning and leadership within the food, farming and associated industries” through the promotion of science and technology of agriculture for public benefit.

For the financial year ending 30 June 2023, the charity had total income of £53,329 and total expenditure of £82,189. The trust operates with 7 trustees and 2 volunteers, with no paid staff. Over its 40+ year history, FCCT has supported more than 120 agricultural educators and awarded over £500,000 in grants, enabling recipients to study farming-related topics worldwide, from fish farming in Japan and Korea to viticulture in California and share farming in New Zealand. The trust emphasises practical, impactful learning that benefits both individual careers and the wider UK agricultural sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Agricultural Educator Awards (£5,000 per award)

• Approximately £30,000 total allocated annually
• Designed for those employed in UK agricultural education
• Supports 4-week study activities (though longer or shorter terms considered)
• Study can be UK-based or international
• Must demonstrate benefit to students and the wider sector
• Application deadline: Early February (6th February 2026)
• Interviews: Mid-March (11th March 2026)

2. Snapshot Study Grants (£1,000 - £2,000)

• Short-term research projects on innovative agricultural themes
• Open to broader range of agricultural professionals
• 80% funding paid upfront, 20% upon completion
• Includes mentoring from an FCCT Trustee
• Application deadline: End of July (31st July 2026)
• Studies must be completed by: End of December (31st December 2026)
• Application via 1-minute video pitch plus supporting documents

3. Windsor Leadership Trust Bursaries (Amount varies)

• Support for attending Windsor Leadership programmes
• Four programme levels: Future Leaders, Emerging Strategic Leaders, Developing Leaders, Experienced Leaders
• For senior leaders in agriculture
• Applications open: April 2026
• Focus on cross-sector leadership development

Priority Areas

The trust particularly welcomes applications that focus on:

• Integration of science and technology in farming - Modern agricultural techniques, precision farming, data-driven agriculture
• Agricultural sustainability and profitability - Regenerative farming, environmental stewardship, economically viable practices
• Food production security - Strengthening UK food systems, resilience, supply chain innovation
• Professional development for agricultural educators - Expanding technical expertise to benefit students
• Mental health and wellbeing in agriculture - Supporting farmer welfare and resilience
• Attracting new talent to agriculture - Strategies for engaging under-30s in the sector
• Diversification and innovation - New crops, business models, value-added production

Recent funded projects have explored: cranberry farming opportunities for UK, regenerative farming practices in USA, extensive livestock production in South America, agricultural mental health research extending to the USA, forest schools and food education, crop donations to foodbanks, and UK wine sector development.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated on their website, the trust's focus clearly excludes:

• Projects outside the food, farming and associated industries
• Applicants not based in UK agricultural education or farming sectors
• Pure academic research without practical application to the sector
• Capital projects or infrastructure
• General operating costs for organisations
• Retrospective funding for completed activities

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Governance and Leadership

Patron

Stella Muddiman - Wife of Trevor Muddiman who founded FCCT in 1981. Generously transferred assets from a family trust to FCCT in the late 1990s.

Chairman

Nick Green - Chairman since 2018 (previously Trustee). Farm Operations Director for Alvis Bros (farmers and cheesemakers) in North Somerset. Trustee of education charity FarmLink, founder chair of FCCT/Windsor Leadership Trust alumni, member of the English Panel for the Royal Agricultural Societies, and active member of North Somerset Agricultural Society. Nick replaced Stephen Fletcher who retired after 16 years as Trustee and Chairman.

Nick Green has stated: “Since launching [Snapshot] studies in 2022, more than £60,000 has been awarded, enabling recipients to expand their expertise, knowledge and skills.”

Trustees

• James Squier - Trustee
• Theresa Howe - Trustee
• Des Lambert - Trustee
• Meryl Ward MBE - Trustee (also serves as Data Protection Lead)
• Jenna Ross OBE - Trustee (past recipient of FCCT Agricultural Educator Award and Windsor Leadership Trust bursary)
• Christine Tacon - Trustee
• Karen Mercer - Chairperson of The Farmers Club (ex officio trustee)

Key Staff

Lisa Turner - Awards Ambassador and Trust Secretary. Lisa emphasises that “planning and exploring the work of the Trust in an ever-changing environment is critical to its purpose.”

No trustees receive remuneration, and the charity operates without paid employees, demonstrating strong volunteer commitment.

How to Apply to The Farmers' Club Charitable Trust

How to Apply

Agricultural Educator Awards:

• Contact Lisa Turner at 07879 625660 or ambassador@tfcct.co.uk for application details
• Applications must be supported by the employing institution
• Application deadline: 6th February 2026
• Shortlisted candidates interviewed: 11th March 2026
• Recipients must submit a report summarising award outcomes
• Report summary may be published in Farmers Club Journal

Snapshot Study Grants:

• Download required documents from website:
• Video presentation guide
• Terms and Conditions
• Budget template
• Complete online application form
• Submit 1-minute video pitch via email to ambassador@tfcct.co.uk
• Subject line should include applicant's name
• Include:
• Name, phone, email
• Study title
• Referee details
• Current job/situation
• Signed Terms & Conditions
• Budget
• Application deadline: 31st July 2026
• Studies must be completed by: 31st December 2026

Windsor Leadership Trust Bursaries:

• Application form available for download from April 2026
• Return completed form to ambassador@tfcct.co.uk
• Interviews conducted to select recipients
• Applications open: April 2026

Decision Timeline

Agricultural Educator Awards:

• Application deadline: Early February
• Interviews: Mid-March
• Decision communicated: Shortly after interviews
• Total timeline: Approximately 6-8 weeks from application to decision

Snapshot Study Grants:

• Application deadline: End of July
• Decision timeline: Not specified but typically within 4-6 weeks
• 80% of funding paid upfront
• 20% paid upon satisfactory completion of study

Windsor Leadership Trust Bursaries:

• Applications reviewed on rolling basis
• Interviews required
• Timeline varies depending on programme start dates

Success Rates

Specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed. However:

• Approximately £30,000 allocated annually for Agricultural Educator Awards (typically 5-6 awards)
• Since 2022, over £60,000 awarded through Snapshot Studies
• Over 40+ years, more than 120 agricultural educators supported
• Over £500,000 awarded in total across all programmes

The trust appears to have a supportive approach to applications, with a focus on potential impact rather than rigid exclusion criteria.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated publicly. Given the supportive nature of the trust and the variety of programmes offered, unsuccessful applicants are likely able to reapply. Contact Lisa Turner for guidance on strengthening future applications.

Application Success Factors

What FCCT Values

1. Practical Impact

The trust emphasises knowledge that benefits both the individual and the wider agricultural sector. As stated in their objectives, they seek projects that “contribute to the development of the industry.” Recipients are expected to disseminate their learning to students and colleagues.

2. Innovation and Relevance

Snapshot Studies specifically seek “innovative agri concepts” and “diverse and relevant themes within agriculture.” Recent awards have supported cutting-edge topics like regenerative farming, agricultural mental health, and strategies for attracting young talent.

3. Early Career Professionals

Applications from early-career professionals in agricultural education are “especially welcome” for Agricultural Educator Awards. The trust invests in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

4. Technology and Sustainability Focus

Nick Green and the trust's materials explicitly state that “applications focusing on technology and sustainability are especially welcome.” This reflects modern agricultural priorities.

5. Cross-Sector Learning

The Windsor Leadership approach emphasises learning from “completely different environments” outside agriculture - military, clergy, charities, business, and civil service. The trust values bringing external insights into the agricultural sector.

6. Clear Dissemination Plans

For Agricultural Educator Awards, applicants must demonstrate how knowledge gained will benefit their students and institution. Reports are required and may be published in the Farmers Club Journal.

Strong Application Elements

For Snapshot Studies:

• Clear, compelling 1-minute video pitch
• Innovative concept with practical application
• Realistic budget and timeline (completion by December)
• Strong referee support
• Demonstration of sector relevance and potential impact
• Light-touch approach - don't overcomplicate the application

For Agricultural Educator Awards:

• Institutional support from employer
• Clear benefit to students and the agricultural education sector
• Focus on technical expertise development
• Well-planned 4-week study itinerary (or justified alternative duration)
• Integration of science, technology, sustainability, or profitability themes
• Preparedness for interview stage

For Windsor Leadership Bursaries:

• Senior leadership position in agriculture
• Readiness for cross-sector learning
• Openness to personal and professional development
• “Prepared to be nervous but also to be honest” (as advised by past participants)

Common Success Examples

Past recipients have studied diverse topics including:

• Cranberry farming opportunities in Wisconsin for UK application
• Regenerative farming practices across USA
• Extensive livestock production systems in Uruguay and Argentina
• Agricultural mental health provision
• Viticulture practices and business models for UK wine sector
• Forest schools and food education
• Crop donations to foodbanks
• Strategies for attracting under-30s to farming

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Emphasise practical impact: FCCT wants to see how learning benefits the individual, their students/colleagues, and the wider UK agricultural sector. Be specific about dissemination plans.

1. Align with priority themes: Applications focusing on technology integration, sustainability, and profitability are explicitly welcomed. Frame your project accordingly.

1. Keep Snapshot applications focused: The 1-minute video format and light-touch approach suggests FCCT values clarity and conciseness. Don't overcomplicate - pitch your innovative idea clearly.

1. Institutional support matters: For Agricultural Educator Awards, employer support is mandatory. Secure this early and ensure your institution sees the benefit.

1. Consider the trust's history: With 40+ years supporting agricultural education and £500,000 awarded, FCCT has deep sector knowledge. Show you understand agricultural challenges and opportunities.

1. Build relationships: With a small team led by Awards Ambassador Lisa Turner, this is an accessible trust. Contact them for guidance - they appear supportive of applicants (07879 625660 or ambassador@tfcct.co.uk).

1. Think internationally but apply from UK: While study activities can be worldwide, applicants must be UK-based in agricultural education or farming. The international study element brings valuable external insights back to UK agriculture.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Nfu Mutual Charitable Trust
• The Farmers' Company Charitable Fund
• The Douglas Bomford Trust
• Chadacre Agricultural Trust
• Felix Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust
• Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust
• Perry Foundation
• Clan Trust Limited
• Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust
• Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust

References

1. The Farmers' Club Charitable Trust official website - www.tfcct.co.uk
2. Charity Commission for England and Wales - Register of Charities, Charity Number 282811 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=282811
3. Agricultural Educator Awards page - https://tfcct.co.uk/agricultural-educator-1
4. Snapshot Studies page - https://tfcct.co.uk/snapshot-studies
5. Windsor Leadership page - https://tfcct.co.uk/windsor-leadership
6. Meet the Trustees page - https://tfcct.co.uk/meet-the-trustees
7. FCCT Reports archive - https://tfcct.co.uk/read-our-fcct-reports
8. AgriFood Charities Partnership - Farmers Club Charitable Trust profile - https://www.afcp.org.uk/node/75
9. FarmingUK News - "£2,000 grants available for UK farmers' innovative research projects" - https://www.farminguk.com/news/-2-000-grants-available-for-uk-farmers-innovative-research-projects_66663.html
10. Harper Adams University News - “Farmers Club Charitable Trust award helps extend international agricultural mental health research” - https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/news/212333/farmers-club-charitable-trust-award-helps-extend-international-agricutural-mental-health-research
11. The Farmers Club - The Charitable Trust page - https://www.thefarmersclub.com/the-charitable-trust