The Gillian Dickinson Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £190,000 - £230,000 (average)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £40,000 (typical), though larger grants awarded
• Geographic Focus: Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, and County Durham

Contact Details

Website: www.gilliandickinsontrust.org.uk

Phone: 0191 279 9000

Address: c/o Womble Bond Dickinson, The Spark, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 5DE

Overview

The Gillian Dickinson Trust was established in 2002 following the death of Gillian Mary Dickinson, a publisher and arts enthusiast who left an estate worth £2 million. Dickinson had a distinguished career in publishing, beginning as editor of British Book News at the British Council before establishing her own publishing companies, Barrowden Books and later The Spreddon Press. Educated at Somerville College, Oxford, and raised in Corbridge, Northumberland, her lifelong passion for the arts shaped the trust's mission.

Since its inception, the trust has awarded grants totaling almost £3 million to over 70 organizations throughout Northeast England. With annual expenditure of approximately £190,000-£230,000, the trust focuses on promoting creativity among young people and those deprived of arts opportunities, as well as providing rural and nature experiences. The trust operates with four trustees and maintains a straightforward, accessible approach to grant-making for smaller charities in the region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant program supporting arts and environmental projects in the Northeast:

• Main Grants Programme: £5,000 - £40,000 (typical range, though larger grants awarded)
• Rolling application process
• Described as a “very simple process”
• Open to registered charities only

Priority Areas

Core Focus:

• Arts and Culture: Theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and creative learning
• Youth Engagement: Projects promoting excellence in the arts by young people
• Environmental and Rural Experiences: Nature connection for those deprived of such opportunities
• Small Charities: Particular emphasis on supporting smaller organizations

Specific Sectors Supported:

• Performing arts venues and companies
• Museums and heritage sites
• Literature and storytelling initiatives
• Sculpture and visual arts
• Music education and performance
• Observatory and science engagement
• Dance residencies and commissions

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the trust's clear focus is on:

• Organizations based in Northumberland, County Durham, and Tyne & Wear
• Registered charities only
• Arts and environmental sectors specifically
• Projects benefiting young people and disadvantaged groups

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by four trustees, though individual names are not publicly listed. Trustees meet to review applications and make funding decisions. None of the trustees receive remuneration for their service.

The trust is administered through Womble Bond Dickinson, a legal firm based in Newcastle, reflecting the founder's family connection to the legal profession (her father, Roy Dickinson, was a prominent Newcastle-based corporate lawyer).

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The trust welcomes applications from eligible charities and describes the process as “very simple.” Applications can be submitted through their website at www.gilliandickinsontrust.org.uk.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Must be a registered charity
2. Must be based in Northumberland, County Durham, or Tyne & Wear
3. Must support creative talent for young people or provide rural/nature experiences
4. Must largely carry out work within the specified geographic region

The trust appears to operate on a rolling application basis, with trustees meeting periodically to review submissions.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. Interested applicants should contact the trust directly for information about trustee meeting schedules and expected decision timeframes.

Success Rates

The trust has awarded grants to over 70 organizations since 2002, averaging approximately 3-4 grants per year based on available financial data. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the trust directly for guidance on this matter.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's grant-making history and stated priorities, successful applications likely demonstrate:

Alignment with Founding Vision: The trust honors Gillian Dickinson's lifelong commitment to arts and publishing. Projects that reflect excellence in creativity, particularly those involving young people discovering artistic talents, align strongly with the founder's legacy.

Evidence from Grant History: Major beneficiaries provide insight into the trust's preferences:

• Live Theatre (£200,000): Significant support for professional theatre engaging communities
• Seven Stories (£60,000): National Centre for Children's Books, reflecting literary focus
• Samling Foundation (£60,000): Music education for talented young singers
• Durham University Library (£80,000): Supporting literary and academic resources
• National Glass Centre (£50,000): Visual arts and craftsmanship
• Kielder Observatory (£50,000): Science engagement in natural settings
• Cheeseburn Sculpture (£42,000): Outdoor art and nature connection
• Dance City residencies: Supporting emerging dance artists

Key Success Indicators:

• Focus on small to medium charities making significant regional impact
• Projects combining arts excellence with accessibility for disadvantaged groups
• Clear benefit to young people developing creative skills
• Strong Northeast England roots and community connections
• Innovation that extends beyond initial funding (e.g., the Gillian Dickinson North East Young Sculptor of the Year award, originally a three-year project, was extended to five years due to success)

Regional Connection: As a trust honoring a proud Northumbrian, demonstrating deep regional roots and commitment to the Northeast cultural landscape appears important.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Small charity advantage: The trust explicitly prioritizes smaller organizations, making it ideal for charities that may struggle with larger national funders
• Quality over quantity: With average annual giving of £228,000 across 3-4 grants, the trust makes fewer but more substantial awards
• Youth creativity is central: All applications should clearly demonstrate how young people will develop creative talents or access arts experiences
• Range flexibility: Don't be constrained by the £5,000-£40,000 typical range—exceptional projects have received grants up to £200,000
• Simple process: The trust emphasizes accessibility and straightforward application, suggesting they value clarity over elaborate proposals
• Long-term partnerships: Some organizations have received multiple grants or extended programs, indicating the trust values lasting relationships
• Dual focus: Projects combining arts with nature/rural experiences align particularly well with both founding priorities

References

1. The Gillian Dickinson Trust official website (www.gilliandickinsontrust.org.uk) -
2. UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1094362 (https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1094362) -
3. Giving is Great Charity Factsheet for The Gillian Dickinson Trust -
4. Dance City - Gillian Dickinson Trust Awards announcements (https://www.dancecity.co.uk) -
5. Charity Commission financial data for years ending April 2017, 2023, and 2024 -