The Gordon Gray Trust

Charity Number: 213935

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

Geographic Focus: Throughout England

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Quick Stats

Annual Giving: £160,000 (approx.)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Applications reviewed three times per year
Grant Range: £500 - £3,000
Geographic Focus: National (UK), with preference for Gloucestershire and Worcestershire

Contact Details

Phone: 01684 772366

Address: Grange Farm, Main Road, Bredon, Tewkesbury, GL20 7EL

Note: The Trust requests not to be contacted by phone. Applications should be made in writing.

Overview

The Gordon Gray Trust (registered charity number 213935) is a UK grant-making trust established in 1960. For the financial year ending 30 September 2024, the Trust had an income of £145,501 and expenditure of £159,299. The Trust operates a focused grant-making programme supporting smaller registered charities working in medical causes, environmental conservation, child welfare, and support for elderly people. The Trust particularly prioritizes organizations demonstrating value for money and minimal administrative costs. With a strong regional focus on Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, the Trust provides small grants that enable grassroots charities to deliver effective services in their communities. Led by Chair Dr B Gray (appointed in 1960) and a board of seven trustees, the Trust maintains a streamlined approach to grant-making with three trustee meetings per year.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants Programme: £500 - £3,000 (rolling applications accepted throughout the year)

Priority Areas

The Trust supports UK registered charities working in:

Medical causes - Advancement of health or saving of lives, including disability support
Environmental conservation - Environment, conservation, and heritage projects
Child welfare - Welfare of children and young people
Elderly support - Welfare of elderly and older people
Overseas aid - Famine relief and international development
Recreation - Recreational projects that benefit defined groups

Geographic Preference: While the Trust operates nationally throughout England, preference is given to smaller charities providing services in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

What They Don't Fund

Individuals (the Trust only supports registered charitable organizations)
Organizations that cannot demonstrate value for money
Charities with high administrative costs

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by seven trustees:

Dr B Gray - Chair (appointed 22 July 1960)
Mrs M M Gray - Trustee (appointed 20 June 1994)
Mrs S Watson-Armstrong - Trustee (appointed 01 January 2012)
Dr Isabel Teague - Trustee (appointed 01 January 2023)
Edward Giles Akerman Roberts - Trustee (appointed 01 March 2023)
Martin William Bath - Trustee (appointed 09 February 2024)
Rebecca Ellen Parkin - Trustee (appointed 06 June 2025)

The board is well-diversified in terms of gender. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications can be made at any time in writing to:

The Gordon Gray Trust

Grange Farm, Main Road

Bredon, Tewkesbury

GL20 7EL

Important application notes:

Submit written requests for grant support
The Trust specifically requests not to be contacted by phone
If you do not receive a reply to your request for funding, assume your application has been unsuccessful
There is no application form or online portal

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet three times per year to consider written grant requests
Specific meeting dates are not publicly disclosed
Applicants who are unsuccessful will not receive a reply, so if you haven't heard within 4-6 months of submitting, assume the application was not successful

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The Trust operates a selective grant-making approach, and the lack of response to unsuccessful applicants suggests a relatively low acceptance rate.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publish a specific reapplication policy. Given the rolling nature of applications and three annual review meetings, organizations may resubmit applications, though it would be advisable to wait for at least one full meeting cycle before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and approach, successful applications will likely demonstrate:

Value for money: The Trust explicitly states it gives priority to charities that can demonstrate value for money. Applications should clearly show how the requested funds will achieve maximum impact per pound spent.

Low administrative costs: The Trust prioritizes charities with minimal administrative costs. Include your charity's administrative overhead percentage and emphasize how funds go directly to beneficiaries.

Small charity status: The Trust specifically states preference for “smaller charities.” If you are a small grassroots organization, emphasize this in your application.

Geographic connection: If your charity provides services in Gloucestershire or Worcestershire, highlight this prominently as the Trust gives preference to these counties.

Clear beneficiary group: The Trust supports specific causes (medical, environment, children, elderly). Ensure your application clearly identifies which beneficiary group you serve and how.

Registered charity status: Only UK registered charities are eligible. Include your charity number in all correspondence.

Appropriate grant size: The Trust makes small grants of £500-£3,000. Ensure your request falls within this range and explain what the specific amount will fund.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Keep it concise: With no formal application form, submit a clear, focused written request that covers your charity's work, the specific project or need, the amount requested, and the impact it will achieve.

Emphasize efficiency: Given the Trust's priority on value for money and low administrative costs, provide concrete evidence of your charity's efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Geographic advantage: Gloucestershire and Worcestershire organizations have a clear advantage - make your local connection prominent if applicable.

Don't expect feedback: The Trust's policy of not responding to unsuccessful applications means you won't receive guidance on why an application was declined. If unsuccessful, review your application against the Trust's stated priorities before considering resubmission.

Realistic expectations: The grant range of £500-£3,000 is modest. Tailor your request to this scale and identify a specific, achievable project or need that fits this funding level.

Size matters: Being a smaller charity is an advantage with this funder. Don't try to appear larger than you are - emphasize your grassroots nature and community connections.

Patience required: With only three trustee meetings per year and no acknowledgment of applications, expect the process to take several months and don't follow up by phone.