The Gibbs Charitable Trusts

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £201,500 (2023-24)
• Total Income: £103,987 (2023-24)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £16,000
• Meeting Frequency: Three times per year
• Geographic Focus: Primarily South Wales, with significant international component
• Application Method: Online only

Contact Details

Website: www.gibbstrust.org.uk

Email: jamesgibbs@btinternet.com

Phone: 0117 9736615

Charity Number: 207997

Overview

Founded in 1946 by Gladys Gibbs (daughter of Sir Thomas and Lady Morel), The Gibbs Charitable Trusts was further developed by John and Sheila Gibbs using proceeds from the South Wales shipping company Morel Limited. The trust is now governed by 13 family trustees comprising four sons, four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren of John and Sheila Gibbs. With annual grant-making of approximately £201,500, the trust maintains its historical connection to the Methodist Church while emphasizing support for projects overseas and initiatives in Wales. Trustee interests in forestry and theatre also influence grant selections. The trust meets three times annually and is highly selective, with very few new applicants supported.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant program with online applications reviewed at three annual meetings (after Christmas, around Easter, and late Summer). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with submissions after a meeting deadline carried forward to the next meeting. Grant amounts typically range from £1,000 to £16,000.

Priority Areas

Methodist Church Projects (£25,500 in 2023-24)

• Church refurbishment and redevelopment schemes
• Methodist Church initiatives and programs
• Recent example: £10,000 to Yorkshire West Methodist District for an exhibition of art on New Testament themes

International Development (£122,500 in 2023-24)

• Projects in Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
• Overseas aid and famine relief
• Environmental and development work
• Recent examples: Tree Aid (£16,000), Memorial Hospital (£6,000)

Arts, Drama and Music (£29,500 in 2023-24)

• Performing arts organizations, particularly in Wales
• Festivals and cultural events
• Recent examples: Brecon Baroque (£5,000), Brecon Festival Ballet (£5,000), Welsh National Opera (£6,000)

Social Concern, Educational and Environmental (£19,000 in 2023-24)

• Eleven grants awarded ranging between £1,000 and £3,000
• Most grants in this category support Welsh organizations

Other Christian Causes (£5,000 in 2023-24)

What They Don't Fund

• Animal charities
• Individuals
• UK medical charities
• Non-UK registered charities (though they support UK charities working internationally)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The trust is governed by 13 family trustees:

Officers:

• John N Gibbs - Chair
• Andrew Gibbs - Treasurer
• James Gibbs - Secretary

Additional Trustees:

• Celia Gibbs
• Elizabeth Gibbs
• James D. Gibbs
• Jessica Gibbs
• John E Gibbs
• Juliet Gibbs
• Patience Gibbs
• Rebecca Gibbs
• Tim Gibbs
• William Gibbs

The board comprises four sons, four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren of founders John and Sheila Gibbs. None of the trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application Required: All prospective applicants must apply online through the trust's website at www.gibbstrust.org.uk. The website provides access to a login portal for submitting and managing applications.

Pre-Application Research: The trust strongly encourages applicants to review lists of recent grants made before applying. This helps potential applicants understand funding patterns and assess their likelihood of success.

Eligibility: Only UK registered charities are supported. Organizations must be registered with the Charity Commission.

Geographic Focus: South Wales is the normal area of UK operation, though the trust has a significant international funding stream supporting UK charities working overseas.

Decision Timeline

The trust meets three times per year:

• Just after Christmas
• Around Easter
• Late in the Summer

Applications submitted after a meeting deadline are automatically carried forward to the subsequent meeting. All applications are reviewed at trustee meetings, though the vast majority are not supported due to high competition.

Based on the three annual meetings, applicants should expect a decision within 2-4 months depending on submission timing relative to meeting dates.

Success Rates

The trust is highly competitive. According to their website: “The Trust is inundated with applications only a few of which are supported. All applications are drawn to the attention of the meeting but the overwhelming majority (very many of them excellent) are not supported.”

This suggests a very low success rate, likely well under 10%, though specific figures are not published.

Reapplication Policy

Applications submitted after a meeting deadline are carried forward rather than rejected, suggesting the trust does not penalize reapplications. However, given the statement that “very few new applicants are supported” and “successful applicants often known to Trustees,” building a relationship with the trust over time may be more effective than repeated cold applications.

Application Success Factors

Pre-Existing Relationships Matter Most: The trust explicitly states that “very few new applicants are supported” and “successful applicants often known to Trustees.” This indicates that organizations with existing connections to the trust or its trustees have significantly higher success rates.

Geographic Alignment: The trust has stated that “Trustees are placing an emphasis on supporting initiatives in Wales.” Welsh organizations, particularly those in South Wales, appear to have better prospects than those from other regions.

Alignment with Trustee Interests: The trust notes that “Trustees with a special interest in forestry and theatre find it a particular pleasure to support initiatives in these spheres.” Applications in these areas may receive favorable consideration.

Strategic Fit Over Quality: The trust acknowledges that “the overwhelming majority (very many of them excellent) are not supported.” This suggests that even high-quality applications may be declined if they don't align with current trustee priorities and interests.

International Development Track Record: The trust's largest funding category is international development (£122,500 of £201,500 total). UK registered charities with proven track records in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region and countries where the trust currently funds (Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe), may have stronger prospects.

Methodist Connections: While no longer the dominant focus, Methodist Church connections remain relevant, particularly for projects involving church refurbishment, art exhibitions, or programs connected to Methodist districts.

Arts Organizations in Wales: The trust has demonstrated consistent support for Welsh arts organizations, particularly in Brecon and surrounding areas. Music festivals, ballet companies, and opera initiatives in Wales appear to be favored.

Realistic Expectations: Given the trust's candid warning about low success rates, applicants should carefully consider whether to invest time in an application. The trust suggests this self-selection is intentional, stating applicants should evaluate “whether or not to make an unsolicited application.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Relationships are crucial: Very few new applicants succeed; focus on building connections with trustees before applying rather than submitting cold applications
• Welsh focus is strengthening: Trustees are actively emphasizing Welsh initiatives, particularly in South Wales
• Think small to medium: Most grants range from £1,000-£6,000, with occasional larger grants up to £16,000
• International work is a major priority: Over 60% of funding supports international development, particularly in Africa
• Trustee interests drive decisions: Forestry and theatre are specifically mentioned as areas of trustee interest
• Review past grants carefully: The trust explicitly asks applicants to study previous awards before applying to assess fit
• Expect high competition and low success rates: The trust is transparent that the “overwhelming majority” of applications are declined, even excellent ones

References

• The Gibbs Charitable Trusts - Charity Commission
• The Gibbs Charitable Trusts - Full Print
• Welcome to the Gibbs Trust website
• How we operate :: Gibbs Trust
• Brief History :: Gibbs Trust
• Trustees :: Gibbs Trust
• THE GIBBS CHARITABLE TRUST FINANCIAL STATEMENTS