The Foundation of Saint Matthias

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £367,363 (latest reported expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Applications close annually on May 31 (Personal/Organisation Grants) and February 5 (Scholarships); decision timelines not specified
• Grant Range: £500 - £12,600
• Geographic Focus: National (UK), with preference for Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset

Contact Details

• Website: www.stmatthiastrust.org.uk
• Email: stmatthiastrust@bristoldiocese.org
• Phone: 0117 906 0100
• Address: The Foundation of St Matthias, Hillside House, First Floor, 1500 Parkway North, Newbrick Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8YU

Overview

The Foundation of Saint Matthias is a charitable trust registered with the Charity Commission (number 311696) in 1965. The trust fund was created following the closure of the College of St Matthias in 1978 and the subsequent sale of the college's assets in 1979. The Foundation focuses on advancing education within the Dioceses of Bath & Wells, Bristol, and Gloucester, with a particular emphasis on higher and further education that contributes to the advancement of the Church of England. With total income of £241,225 and expenditure of £367,363 in its latest financial year, the Foundation supports individuals and organisations seeking to promote the mission of the church and make a positive difference to society. The Foundation is governed by 15 trustees, comprising 12 nominated trustees from Church of England Dioceses and 3 co-opted trustees whose skills complement the Foundation's objectives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Personal Grants

• Amount: £500 - £2,500 (subject to trustee discretion)
• Purpose: One-off grants for individuals who have finished secondary school and are seeking financial assistance for higher or further education, including those studying music or other arts, or looking to enter a profession, trade, or calling
• Deadline: Annual deadline of May 31
• Eligibility: Individuals over 18; UK-based study only (though overseas visits integral to courses or research are supported)

Scholarships

• Amount: Up to £12,600 per year
• Duration: Full-time studies over 3 years, or part-time studies over 5-7 years (pro-rata amounts for part-time)
• Deadline: Annual deadline of February 5
• Eligibility: Exemplary students in full or part-time study at UK institutions

Organisation Grants

• Amount: At complete discretion of trustees
• Purpose: For institutions promoting projects that align with the Foundation's objectives - advancing education in accordance with Church of England principles, contributing to a healthy society, enhancing religious education, and spreading God's love
• Deadline: Annual deadline of May 31
• Application Method: Annual award cycle

Priority Areas

The Foundation prioritises applicants committed to:

• Social welfare work
• Training for church ministry
• Student chaplaincy
• Community and youth work
• Teaching
• Arts study
• Projects that advance education in accordance with Church of England doctrines

Geographic Preference: While applications are welcomed from across the UK, trustees have a strong preference for applicants who live or study in Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset.

What They Don't Fund

• Applicants who study outside of the UK (though overseas visits integral to courses or necessary for research may be supported)
• Retrospective funding (applications must be submitted before study begins)

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The board comprises 12 nominated trustees from the Church of England Dioceses covering Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset, plus 3 co-opted trustees whose skills complement the Foundation's objectives. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

Staff Team

• Chief Operations Officer: Ms Caroline McConnell
• Clerk and Administrator: Mrs Sarah Haughan
• Finance Manager: Mrs Elizabeth Britton

How to Apply to The Foundation Of Saint Matthias

How to Apply

Applications are made through downloadable forms available on the Foundation's website. The process varies by grant type:

For Personal Grants:

1. Download and read pre-application information
2. Download and complete optional data monitoring form
3. Read the data privacy notice
4. Download and complete the personal grant application form
5. Provide proof of enrolment/acceptance letter
6. Arrange for two confidential references (one must be an academic reference from a current or past tutor)

For Scholarships:

1. Download pre-application information and referee information
2. Complete optional data monitoring form
3. Complete the scholarship application form

For Organisation Grants:

1. Download and read pre-application information
2. Download and complete optional data monitoring form
3. Read the data privacy notice
4. Download and complete the organisation grant application form

Decision Timeline

• Personal Grants: Annual deadline May 31; decision timeline not publicly specified
• Organisation Grants: Annual deadline May 31; decision timeline not publicly specified
• Scholarships: Annual deadline February 5; decision timeline not publicly specified

The Foundation does not publicly disclose how long after the deadline applicants can expect to hear about decisions.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed by the Foundation.

Reapplication Policy

Successful recipients of personal grants are able to apply for further funding in consecutive years of their study or projects, though further funding is not guaranteed. The Foundation encourages all applicants to explore alternative funding options. Reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not explicitly stated.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and recent funding examples:

Strong Applications Demonstrate:

• Clear connection to Church of England mission and values
• Commitment to social welfare, community building, or ministry
• Study or projects at UK-based institutions
• Geographic connection to Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, or Somerset (preferred but not required)
• Clear educational objectives that advance the applicant's ability to serve communities

Recent Funded Examples:

• Rachel received funding for a term study abroad at Yale Divinity School as part of her Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission at Westcott House
• Madi received support to complete a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology
• Jacob received funding for university fees for a Masters in Social Work at the University of Gloucester
• Ted received support as a Douglas and Hilda Simmons Scholar for a Masters degree in Vocal Performance at the Royal College of Music
• FE chaplaincies and FE colleges in Bath and Wells received support to continue chaplaincy work
• Bristol Cathedral received support for the first schools Christingle celebration

Key Requirements:

• Study must be at UK-based institutions (including distance learning)
• Two references required (including one academic reference for personal grants)
• Proof of enrolment or acceptance letter required

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic advantage matters: While UK-wide applications are accepted, applicants from Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset receive preference
• Church connection is central: All funding must advance education in accordance with Church of England principles - demonstrate how your work connects to the church's mission
• Plan ahead: With annual deadlines (May 31 for most grants, February 5 for scholarships), ensure you apply well before study begins
• UK study requirement: Study must be at UK institutions, though overseas components integral to courses may be supported
• Consecutive funding possible: Personal grant recipients can reapply in subsequent years, though this isn't guaranteed
• References matter: Arrange strong academic and character references early, as one academic reference is required
• Diverse educational paths supported: From theology and ministry to social work, teaching, and performing arts - as long as there's a clear connection to serving communities and the church's mission

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• John James Charitable Trust
• Jill And Norman Franklin Trust
• The Green Hall Foundation
• Hedley Foundation Limited
• The National Benevolent Charity
• Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation
• Gilchrist Educational Trust
• Educational Opportunity Foundation
• The Percy Bilton Charity
• Woodroffe Benton Foundation

References

• The Foundation of Saint Matthias official website: www.stmatthiastrust.org.uk
• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 311696: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/311696
• Bath and North East Somerset Council - The Foundation of St Matthias Trust Grant: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/86802
• University of Bristol Research Information on St Matthias Trust Grant: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/prizes/st-matthias-trust-grant
• University of the West of England - Remembering St Matthias Campus history: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/about/our-history/remembering-st-matthias-campus