The Gerrick Rose Animal Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £171,239 (FY ending March 2025)
• Annual Income: £243,101
• Decision Time: 2 weeks typical response; quarterly trustee meetings
• Grant Range: £50 - £200,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Devon and Cornwall, but also national UK animal charities
• Application Method: Rolling basis via online form

Contact Details

Website: www.gerrickrose.org

Email: cheryl@gerrickrose.org

Phone: 07930 875 932

Address: Unit 1A, Tamerton Road Industrial Estate, Haxter Wood Chase, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7FR

Overview

The Gerrick Rose Animal Trust was established in 2012 from the estate of Doris May Rose Gerrick, an animal lover who passed away at age 96 and left funds specifically to create this animal welfare trust. The charity's mission is to relieve the suffering of animals in need of care and attention, particularly but not exclusively in Devon and Cornwall. Unlike many charities, the Trust does not fundraise from the public but instead generates income from a substantial property portfolio, which is then distributed to worthy animal welfare organizations. With total income of £243,101 and annual giving of £171,239 (FY 2025), the Trust supports both large national charities and smaller local organizations whose resources don't match those of bigger institutions. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising property professionals, solicitors, and accountants who meet quarterly to review applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Capital Projects Grant: £50 - £200,000+ (rolling basis via online application)
• Construction of new buildings
• Fencing projects
• Facility improvements and decoration
• Animal welfare infrastructure

Priority Areas

• Animal rescue centres and homes
• Wildlife rehabilitation facilities
• Animal sanctuaries
• Organizations providing relief from pain and suffering to animals
• Both large national charities and small local organizations
• Charities with limited funding resources

What They Don't Fund

• Ongoing operational costs
• Animal feeding expenses
• Veterinary bills and healthcare costs
• Day-to-day running expenses

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by 4 Trustees who bring expertise in property management, law, and accounting. Trustees meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions. Trustees may visit applying charities to verify project details before making a decision. One or more trustees receive payments for providing services to the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Trust operates a rolling application process via an online form on their website (gerrickrose.org/apply-for-funding/). Applications require:

• Applicant name
• Organization name
• Email address
• Website (optional)
• Detailed message about the project

The application process is confidential.

Decision Timeline

• Response Time: Typically within 2 weeks of application
• Trustee Meetings: Quarterly reviews of applications
• Site Visits: Trustees may visit the charity before making a decision
• Applications are evaluated using “very stringent criteria” to ensure alignment with funding goals

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Trust notes that “quite often donations are made that are far in excess of the amount that is actually sought,” suggesting favorable outcomes for aligned projects.

Reapplication Policy

Information on reapplication policies is not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

The Trust specifically looks for:

1. Capital Projects Over Operational Costs: The Trust's funding philosophy strongly favors one-time capital projects rather than recurring expenses. Focus applications on construction, fencing, facility improvements, or infrastructure projects.

1. Direct Animal Welfare Impact: Organizations must have the “sole aim” of providing relief from pain and suffering for animals. Ensure this is clearly articulated in applications.

1. Recognition Requirement: All funded organizations must place a small acknowledgment plaque recognizing the Trust's donation. This should be factored into project planning.

1. Specific Project Detail: Applications require a “detailed message” about the project. Be thorough and specific about what will be built/improved and how it will relieve animal suffering.

1. Openness to Site Visits: Trustees may visit charities to verify project details. Be prepared to host trustees and demonstrate your facilities and plans.

1. Range of Charity Sizes: The Trust explicitly aims to support charities “whose resources and ability to obtain funds do not match those of the bigger ones,” meaning smaller organizations should not be deterred from applying despite the Trust also supporting major national charities like Battersea and RSPCA.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Capital projects only: Focus exclusively on one-time infrastructure/building projects, not running costs
• Quick response times: Expect a decision within two weeks, making this a faster funder than many trusts
• No maximum ceiling: Grants have exceeded £200,000 and “are often far in excess of the amount actually sought” - don't undersell your project needs
• Geographic preference with flexibility: Devon and Cornwall are priorities, but national charities are also supported
• Small charities welcomed: Despite funding major organizations, the Trust explicitly aims to help smaller charities with limited resources
• Prepare for site visits: Trustees may visit before deciding, so ensure you can demonstrate your work effectively
• Acknowledge funding: Budget for a small plaque recognizing the Trust's contribution

References

• The Gerrick Rose Animal Trust official website: https://gerrickrose.org/
• Apply for Funding page: https://gerrickrose.org/apply-for-funding/
• Our Work page: https://gerrickrose.org/our-work/
• Our Charities page: https://gerrickrose.org/our-charities/
• Charity Commission Register entry: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1146252&subid=0
• UK Companies House: Company number 07950932