The Fitton Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £67,050 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Up to 4 months
• Grant Range: £150 - £1,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide and overseas

Contact Details

Postal Address Only:

The Secretary, The Fitton Trust

PO Box 289, Bramhall

Stockport SK7 0DZ

Note: No website, email, or phone contact available

Overview

The Fitton Trust was established in 1965 following a Court Order based on the will of Thomas Cliffe Fitton (d. 1928). With annual income of approximately £100,000, the trust distributed £67,050 to 234 charities in 2023. Operating as a fully discretionary grant-maker, the trust places no formal restrictions on the types of good causes it supports, making it accessible to a wide range of UK registered charities working domestically or internationally. The foundation's stated objective is to sustainably improve lives among the sick, elderly, disabled and disadvantaged, though they consider applications for any charitable purpose.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Micro-Grants Programme: £150 - £1,000 (typically £200-£350)
• 234 grants awarded in 2023
• No matched funding requirement
• Rolling applications accepted year-round
• Only 1-2 organizations receive maximum £1,000 annually

Priority Areas

While maintaining complete discretion, the trust states its objective to improve lives among:

• The sick
• The elderly
• The disabled
• The disadvantaged

Recent funding has supported healthcare, environmental education, heritage preservation, and general charitable purposes.

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (registered charities only)
• No other explicit exclusions stated
• Applicants advised to confirm eligibility in writing

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees (5 total):

• Emma Mary Lumsden
• Katherine Joanna Lumsden
• Lincoln Peter Leet Rivers
• Rosemary Louise Shaw
• Rosalind Gordon Cumming

No trustees receive remuneration. The trust operates under a Court Order with full discretionary powers, meeting three times annually to review applications.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Postal applications only - no email or online options

Send written application to:

The Secretary, The Fitton Trust

PO Box 289, Bramhall

Stockport SK7 0DZ

Include:

• Charity registration number
• Purpose for funding request
• Supporting information about organization and project
• No specific application form required

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet 3 times yearly (typically February, June, November)
• Applications considered at next scheduled meeting
• Wait time: Few weeks to 4 months depending on timing
• Notification by post

Success Rates

Total applications received not published, but consistent grant-making pattern:

• 2023: 234 grants (£67,050 total)
• 2022: 219 grants (£63,125 total)
• 2019: 282 grants
• Averages 200-280 grants annually

Reapplication Policy

No stated policy or waiting period. Unsuccessful applicants may inquire directly.

Application Success Factors

• Request modest amounts: Stay within £200-£350 range for best chances; only 1-2 grants exceed this annually
• Highlight beneficiary alignment: Emphasize impact on sick, elderly, disabled, or disadvantaged populations
• Display charity number prominently: Essential eligibility requirement
• Keep applications clear and simple: Traditional funder prefers straightforward written communication
• Plan for timing: With only 3 meetings yearly, submit well before needed funding date
• Recognize volume approach: Trust favors many small grants over fewer large ones

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Ideal for small, specific funding needs rather than major projects (average grant £286)
• Genuinely considers any charitable cause - valuable for organizations outside typical funding categories
• Requires patience with up to 4-month decision timeline
• Traditional postal-only communication requires old-fashioned relationship building
• Consistent funding source with 200+ grants annually over many years
• Frame requests conservatively in £200-£350 range
• No digital presence means all interaction through written correspondence

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• P F Charitable Trust
• Souter Charitable Trust
• BBC Children in Need
• Suffolk Community Foundation
• THE HDH WILLS 1965 CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE NANCY BATEMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Goodman Foundation
• Baron Davenport's Charity
• THE DAVIS FOUNDATION
• The Christopher Laing Foundation
• DORIS FIELD CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE SCOPS ARTS TRUST
• AXIS FOUNDATION
• The Archer Trust
• THE ANTON JURGENS CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Weinstock Fund
• The Victoria Wood Foundation
• David Lister Charitable Trust
• THE FOYLE FOUNDATION
• GIVE OUT

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities, “Fitton Trust - Charity 208758,” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=208758&subid=0
• PAVO Funding News, “Fitton Trust,” https://pavofundingnews.blogspot.com/2017/06/fitton-trust.html
• Bath and North East Somerset Council, “The Fitton Trust,” https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/87661
• Manchester Community Central, “Funding sources,” https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/funding-sources
• Young Camden Foundation, “Fitton Trust,” https://youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/funding/fitton-trust
• PAVO, “The Fitton Trust - Micro-grants,” https://www.pavo.org.uk/help-for-organisations/funding/funding-news/article/news/the-fitton-trust-micro-grants.html