The Glastonbury Trust Cio

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £47,098 (2021)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 6 weeks (approximate)
• Grant Range: Small grants (specific amounts not disclosed)
• Geographic Focus: Glastonbury and immediate surrounding area (approximately 5 mile radius)

Contact Details

• Website: www.glastonburytrust.co.uk
• Email: theglastonburytrust@gmail.com
• Phone: 01458 831399
• Address: The Courtyard, 2-4 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9DU

Overview

The Glastonbury Trust CIO (charity number 1078170) has been providing small grants to the community for over a decade. Converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in June 2019, the Trust had an annual income of £47,098 and expenditure of £61,076 in 2021. The organization's mission is to support community projects with social and educational outcomes, with a particular focus on building local, environmentally sustainable infrastructure. The Trust works with individuals and community groups to promote emotional well-being, citizenship, environmental improvement, and spiritual growth. The organization operates with 4 trustees and no employees, with grant-making as its primary activity. The Trust has supported over 40 community projects ranging from Forest Schools and mental wellbeing groups to housing projects, school gardens, and community facilities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust describes their funding as “small grants” but does not publicly disclose specific grant amounts. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis through a two-stage application process requiring initial contact before submission of a full application form.

Priority Areas

The Trust supports projects that benefit the community in one or more of the following ways:

• Community networking and cohesion
• Environmental sustainability - conservation, heritage, ecological improvement
• Education and training - including Forest Schools and alternative education
• Social wellbeing - mental health support, family services, counselling
• Housing - including community-owned housing models
• Food sustainability - organic farming, community gardens, food cooperatives
• Energy resilience - renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure
• Transport - community transport solutions
• Cultural activities - arts, heritage, community events
• Religious activities - spiritual growth and development
• Economic development - community enterprises, credit unions, employment initiatives

The Trust has particular interest in supporting:

• Parents, children, and young people
• Those starting up community organizations
• The unemployed
• Elderly community members

What They Don't Fund

The Trust explicitly will not fund:

• Individual projects designed for career development, living expenses, training, or personal monetary gain
• Commercial ventures such as retail or catering start-up businesses, or current profit-making organizations
• Statutory organizations such as Local Authorities or NHS organizations
• Projects harmful to the community or that go against community cohesion
• Organizations with existing debts
• Projects outside the geographic area (must be in Glastonbury or approximately 5 mile radius)
• Individual training or living costs

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Governance and Leadership

The Glastonbury Trust is governed by a board of five trustees, each bringing unique expertise and deep community connections:

Kim von Coels – Chairperson

A lifelong Glastonbury resident with a passion for encouraging creativity and community connectivity. She spearheaded a free town map for visitors and coordinates the Glastonbury Mural Trail with the Chamber of Commerce. As Kim states: "things don't happen unless somebody makes them happen."

Mike Jones – Trustee

Moved to Glastonbury in 1989, served as Executive Director from 1999 to 2007, and has been a trustee since 2007. A property manager and publisher of The Oracle monthly guide, Mike established multiple community organizations including the Red Brick Building and West Mendip Credit Union. He advocates for economically self-sufficient community infrastructure and housing ownership models.

Robert Macbeth – Trustee

Arrived in Glastonbury in 2010 and operates the organic market garden at Paddington Farm and an organic produce stall at the weekly market. Robert believes reconnecting with land and natural cycles can reshape approaches to food systems, community housing, education, and wellness.

Gareth Mills – Trustee

Director of The Speaking Tree bookshop, Gareth is inspired by Buckminster Fuller's concept that transformation occurs through creating alternatives rather than fighting existing systems.

Iona Jones – Trustee

A mother, healer, therapist, and priestess affiliated with the Glastonbury Goddess Temple. She conducts ceremonial work and rites of passage, and founded Roots and Wings, an earth-based educational initiative for homeschoolers.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Glastonbury Trust uses a two-stage application process:

Stage 1: Initial Contact

Applicants must first contact the Trust directly through their contact form or email (theglastonburytrust@gmail.com) with a brief explanation of their project. The Trust will assess whether the project meets the eligibility criteria at this stage.

Stage 2: Full Application

If the project fulfills the eligibility criteria, the Trust will send a full application form. This requires a more in-depth description of the project, its aims, structure, and sustainability plan.

Key Application Requirements:

• Projects must be in Glastonbury or the immediate surrounding area (approximately 5 mile radius)
• Projects must demonstrate a plan to become financially independent over time
• Applications must be well thought through, planned efficiently, and clearly presented
• Projects must demonstrate how they fill gaps in existing services and complement what's already available
• Applicants must have the necessary skills and experience, or plans to access these skills

Decision Timeline

The Trust endeavors to give a reply within 6 weeks, subject to the number of applications received. Trustees meet and carefully consider each full application, with decisions communicated as soon as possible.

Success Rates

The Trust does not publicly disclose application numbers or success rates. However, they have supported over 40 diverse community projects over the past decade, indicating active grant-making across multiple sectors.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants receive information on alternative sources of revenue and support to help with their project. The Trust does not publicly specify waiting periods or restrictions on reapplication, though applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's published guidance and values, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Economic Self-Sufficiency Planning

The Trust emphasizes that “community organisations should have the intention of becoming economically self-sustaining, so that they are not reliant on grant funding.” Applications must include a clear sustainability plan for continuation beyond the funding period.

2. Community Cohesion and Inclusion

The Trust states they support "projects that have community cohesion & inclusion at their heart." Applications should demonstrate how the project brings together diverse groups and beliefs in harmonious collaboration, reflecting Chairperson Kim von Coels' philosophy of creating community spaces.

3. Filling Gaps in Existing Services

Applications must “demonstrate how the proposed work meets a gap in provision and complements existing services” rather than duplicating what already exists in Glastonbury.

4. Clear Planning and Presentation

Projects must be “well thought through, planned efficiently and clearly presented in the application.” The Trust values professionalism and thorough preparation.

5. Alignment with Holistic Community Infrastructure

The Trust's vision is for “Glastonbury as a centre for innovative and self-sustaining holistic community infrastructure.” Applications should demonstrate how they contribute to this broader vision.

6. Transformation Through Alternatives

Reflecting trustee Gareth Mills' philosophy inspired by Buckminster Fuller, the Trust appears to favor projects that create new solutions rather than simply opposing existing systems.

7. Connection to Land and Natural Cycles

Projects focusing on environmental sustainability, organic food production, or reconnecting people with nature align with trustee Robert Macbeth's emphasis on reshaping community approaches through ecological awareness.

Recent Projects Funded:

• The Red Brick Building and its garden project
• Glastonbury Community Fridge and Repair Cafe
• St Dunstans School Garden and Glastonbury Forest School
• Avalon Boxing Club and Glastonbury Mental Health network
• Paddington Farm Trust and Plotgate CSA
• Glastonbury FM Radio and The Glastonbury Dragons
• West Mendip Credit Union and Family Counselling Trust

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is critical - Projects must be clearly based in Glastonbury or within approximately 5 mile radius; this is a strict eligibility requirement
• Sustainability plans are essential - The Trust will not fund projects that remain dependent on ongoing grants; demonstrate your path to self-sufficiency from day one
• Initial contact comes first - You cannot simply download and submit an application form; the Trust uses initial conversations to assess fit before inviting full applications
• Community cohesion is central - Show how your project brings people together and complements (not duplicates) existing services in Glastonbury
• Think holistic infrastructure - Frame your project within the Trust's vision of building innovative, self-sustaining community infrastructure
• Small grants mean careful budgeting - While specific amounts aren't disclosed, these are described as “small grants,” so ensure your project scope matches this scale
• Six-week timeline is approximate - Be patient with the process as decision timelines depend on application volume; unsuccessful applicants receive support in finding alternative funding

References

• The Glastonbury Trust - Funding page: https://www.glastonburytrust.org/funding
• The Glastonbury Trust - How to Apply: https://www.glastonburytrust.org/how-to-apply
• The Glastonbury Trust - About Us: https://www.glastonburytrust.org/about-us
• The Glastonbury Trust - Our Board: https://www.glastonburytrust.org/our-board
• The Glastonbury Trust - Vision: https://www.glastonburytrust.org/vision
• The Glastonbury Trust - Projects We Have Supported: https://www.glastonburytrust.org/projects-we-have-supported
• Charity Commission - The Glastonbury Trust CIO (1078170): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1078170&subid=0
• OpenCharities - The Glastonbury Trust CIO: http://opencharities.org/charities/1078170