The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £140,000
• Number of Grants: Approximately 100 grants per year
• Grant Range: £500 - £20,000 (most under £2,000)
• Average Grant: £1,500
• Decision Time: Quarterly decisions (January, April, July, October)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide with preference for Scotland
• Registered Charity Number: 260869

Contact Details

• Phone: 01727 869141
• Website: www.gfct.org.uk
• Application Method: Online via trust website

Overview

The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust was established in 1966 by Gordon Fraser, a Cambridge-based publisher and founder of the Gordon Fraser greeting card company. The charity was formally registered in May 1970. Following Gordon Fraser's death in 1981 and the subsequent sale of the Gordon Fraser Gallery in 1989, the released funds enabled a significantly expanded programme of charitable donations. Today, the Trust distributes approximately £140,000 annually to around 100 UK registered charities. The Trust operates with complete trustee discretion regarding charitable work supported, with particular concentration on charities working with children and young people, and those active in the environment and the arts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly decision-making rounds.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grants Programme: £500 - £20,000 (average £1,500, majority under £2,000)
• Rolling applications considered quarterly
• Online application via trust website
• Quarterly deadlines for consideration: January, April, July, October

Priority Areas

Particularly Favoured:

• Performing arts organisations, especially those involving children, young people, and people with disabilities
• Visual arts and museums
• Small medical charities
• Environmental charities (including built environment)

General Funding Areas:

• Animal welfare
• The arts, museums, and theatre
• Education
• Health
• Relief of poverty
• Religion
• Young people

Geographic Preference:

• Generally favours charities operating in Scotland, but not to the exclusion of charities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

What They Don't Fund

• Individual applicants (only registered charities eligible)
• Organisations not registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees

• Mrs M A Moss - Chair
• Susannah Clare Rae - Trustee
• Alison Frances Elizabeth Priestley - Trustee
• Sarah Frances Moss - Trustee
• Alexander Robert Fraser Moss - Trustee

The trustees have complete discretion as to the type of charitable work supported, allowing flexibility in their grant-making approach.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted online via the Trust's website at www.gfct.org.uk. Applications may be submitted at any time and will be considered by trustees quarterly.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a registered charity with the Charity Commission in England and Wales or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
• No applications from individuals will be considered

Important Note: Applications will not be acknowledged upon receipt, but applicants will be informed of the decision outcome.

Decision Timeline

Applications are considered quarterly in:

• January
• April
• July
• October

Specific decision timelines from submission to notification are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

With approximately 100 grants awarded annually from the £140,000 total giving budget, the Trust demonstrates active grant-making. However, specific success rate data (total applications received vs. grants awarded) is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants may need to contact the Trust directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated preferences and priorities:

1. Align with preferred causes: Applications from performing arts organisations involving children, young people, or people with disabilities receive favourable consideration, as do visual arts and museums organisations.

1. Small charities encouraged: Small medical charities and environmental charities (including built environment) are specifically encouraged to apply.

1. Scottish connection advantageous: While not exclusive, charities operating in Scotland generally receive favourable consideration.

1. Be realistic about grant size: The vast majority of grants are under £2,000, with an average of £1,500. Requests should align with this typical range rather than the £20,000 maximum.

1. Ensure proper registration: Only apply if registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

1. Timing flexibility: With quarterly decisions and rolling applications, applicants can choose their submission timing strategically based on project timelines.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Most grants are small: Despite a £20,000 maximum, average grants are £1,500 and most are under £2,000. Request amounts that reflect this reality.

• Performing arts for young people is a sweet spot: If your charity works in performing arts with children, young people, or people with disabilities, you are in the Trust's priority funding area.

• Scottish advantage: While UK-wide, Scottish charities receive favourable consideration without excluding others.

• No acknowledgment policy: Don't expect confirmation of receipt; you'll only hear back with a decision.

• Quarterly rhythm: Plan applications around quarterly decision cycles (January, April, July, October) for strategic timing.

• Trustee discretion is key: The trustees have complete discretion, so while preferences exist, compelling applications outside typical areas may still be considered.

• Small and specific is good: As a trust that particularly encourages small medical and environmental charities, niche organisations should feel confident applying.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• ST CLARE AND ST FRANCIS TRUST
• THE TRUEMARK TRUST
• The Swire Charitable Trust
• The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
• THE 29TH MAY 1961 CHARITY
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• The Lewin Trust
• P F Charitable Trust
• The Adint Charitable Trust
• THE LENNOX HANNAY CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust - Charity Commission Register
• The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust - Trustees
• Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust Official Website
• Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust - History
• Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust - Funding Scotland
• The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust - Bath and North East Somerset Council
• Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust - Making Music

All sources.