The Great Stone Bridge Trust Of Edenbridge

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £155,628 (income 2024)
• Grants Awarded: Approximately £60,000 to nearly 50 local groups annually
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed (contact required)
• Grant Range: £100 - £1,000s
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Edenbridge, Kent

Contact Details

Website: www.gsbt.co.uk

Email: clerk@gsbtrust.org

Phone: 01732 381467

Address: c/o Currie Accountancy Limited, First Floor, 13a High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5AB

Overview

The Great Stone Bridge Trust of Edenbridge is one of the UK's oldest charitable trusts, potentially established as early as 1511 to maintain a stone bridge crossing the River Eden. Formally registered with the Charity Commission in 1964 (charity number 224309), the Trust was transformed by a 1978 Charity Commissioners' scheme to redirect its income toward the general benefit of Edenbridge Parish inhabitants, with educational grant-making powers added in 1996. With total income of £155,628 and expenditure of £162,903 in 2024, the Trust owns land and property that generates income for charitable purposes. The Trust operates through 11 local trustees, including two nominated by Edenbridge Town Council, who maintain a hands-on, community-focused approach to grant-making.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Revenue Grants: £100 - £1,000s

• Help with ongoing running costs of organizations
• Support for events, performances, and activities
• Assistance funding trips and excursions
• Application period: 1st May to 15th August annually

Educational Grants for Individuals: Amount varies

• Equipment, travel, or books for educational purposes
• Available to persons under 25 in Edenbridge
• Support for students and educational establishments
• Application method: Contact clerk directly

Community Start-Up Grants: Amount varies

• Initial funding for new community groups
• Support for specific expenses or projects
• Rolling basis applications

Priority Areas

• Education and training for young people (under 25)
• Community groups, clubs, and societies serving Edenbridge residents
• Local schools and educational establishments
• Health advancement
• Support for children, young people, elderly persons, and people with disabilities
• Projects that benefit the Edenbridge community

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations or individuals outside the Parish of Edenbridge
• Projects that do not benefit Edenbridge inhabitants
• The Trust explicitly serves only the Parish of Edenbridge

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Governance and Leadership

Board Composition: 11 trustees from diverse backgrounds, including two nominated by Edenbridge Town Council

Clerk to the Trustees: Contact via clerk@gsbtrust.org

Governance Framework:

• Scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 10 May 1978
• Amended by scheme dated 26 June 1996
• Order dated 10 January 2003

Key Policies:

• Financial reserves policy
• Risk management policy
• Conflict of interest management

Trustee Remuneration: No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity

The Trust emphasizes its local character, with trustees described as “11 local people” who are “happy to give you assistance with applying for a grant and being local are able to come and visit you to discuss your requirements in person.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through direct contact with the Clerk to the Trustees:

• Email: clerk@gsbtrust.org
• Phone: 01732 700 670 (alternative number: 01732 381467)
• Post: c/o Currie Accountancy Limited, First Floor, 13a High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5AB

For revenue grants supporting ongoing organizational costs, applications are accepted from 1st May to 15th August each year.

For other grant types (educational grants, community start-up funding), contact the clerk directly to discuss your requirements. The Trust encourages pre-application contact and trustees are willing to meet in person to discuss funding needs.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants are encouraged to contact the clerk for information about expected decision timeframes for their particular application.

Success Rates

The Trust awarded approximately £60,000 to almost 50 local groups in their most recent reporting year. Specific application numbers and success rate percentages are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Contact the clerk for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Essential: The Trust serves only the Parish of Edenbridge. All applications must demonstrate clear benefit to Edenbridge inhabitants.

Local, Personal Approach: The Trust emphasizes its accessible, community-focused style. Trustees are described as willing to meet applicants in person and provide assistance with applications. Taking advantage of this personal support could strengthen applications.

Community Benefit Focus: Applications should clearly articulate how the grant will benefit the Edenbridge community. The Trust's 500+ year history demonstrates deep commitment to local welfare.

Range of Grant Sizes: With grants from £100 to thousands of pounds, the Trust considers both small and large requests. Tailor your ask to genuine need rather than assuming minimum thresholds.

Educational Emphasis: Since 1996, the Trust has had specific powers to make educational grants to individuals under 25. Educational projects and support for young people align with established priorities.

Diverse Trustee Backgrounds: The 11 trustees come from “diverse backgrounds,” suggesting they bring varied perspectives to decision-making. Applications from different sectors and serving different community needs may all receive consideration.

Recent Funding Example: The HOUSE project (youth drop-in club) receives funding from the Trust alongside other funders, indicating support for youth services and collaborative funding arrangements.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local eligibility is non-negotiable: Only organizations and individuals serving the Parish of Edenbridge qualify
• Personal contact is encouraged: Don't hesitate to phone, email, or request an in-person meeting with trustees to discuss your project before applying
• Revenue grant timing matters: If seeking ongoing running costs support, apply between 1st May and 15th August
• Small grants welcome: The £100 minimum shows the Trust values small community projects, not just major initiatives
• Educational angle strengthens applications: Projects supporting young people's education (under 25) align with specific trust powers
• Long-term community commitment: The Trust's 500+ year history suggests they value sustainable, community-rooted organizations
• High approval rate: Awarding to nearly 50 groups annually from a small parish suggests relatively accessible funding for eligible applicants

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities, “THE GREAT STONE BRIDGE TRUST OF EDENBRIDGE - 224309,” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/224309/full-print
• Edenbridge Magazine, “The Great Stone Bridge Trust – helping organisations and groups across the area,” https://edenbridge-magazine.co.uk/the-great-stone-bridge-trust-helping-organisations-and-groups-across-the-area/
• Great Stone Bridge Trust of Edenbridge official website, www.gsbt.co.uk
• Charity Choice, “The Great Stone Bridge Trust Of Edenbridge,” https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-great-stone-bridge-trust-of-edenbridge-170195