The Guild Estate Endowment

The Guild Estate Endowment is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 217484).

The Guild Estate Endowment is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Its public benefit is achieved mainly through grant-making by its corporate trustee, Town Trust, for the inhabitants of Stratford-upon-Avon as defined by the parish boundary. It awarded £2,157,903 in the period covered by its annual report. Of its clear income, 36% is paid to one specific beneficiary and the balance is transferred to Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust.

Priority Areas

The Guild Estate’s public benefit is achieved primarily through grant-making by its corporate trustee. The endowment’s grants enable the trustee to continue making grants to a variety of charities and beneficiaries for the benefit of Stratford-upon-Avon residents. The trustee’s discretionary programmes support community groups and charitable organisations; its Small Community Grants are designed for grassroots community projects and small local charities. Funding must benefit people who live, work or study in the town. For Community Grants, applicants are expected to demonstrate local need, involve affected people in planning and delivery, show positive impact on local quality of life, work in partnership and demonstrate financial viability.

Geographic Focus

Stratford-upon-Avon.

For Community Grants, applicants begin with a short Expression of Interest; if invited, they submit a full application, which is assessed before trustees make the final decision.

Who can apply:

• Small Community Grants: Community groups and charitable organisations must have: A constitution or agreed set of rules. A bank account with at least two, unrelated signatories. Community Interest Companies (CIC/O) must be limited by guarantee.

What to send:

• Information on the numbers and types of persons intended to benefit and their place of residence.

What the charity says:

• Applicants should evidence the project's need within Stratford-upon-Avon. (as reported in other published sources)
• Applicants should show genuine user involvement in planning and ongoing delivery. (as reported in other published sources)
• Applicants should show how their project will positively affect quality of life in Stratford-upon-Avon. (as reported in other published sources)
• Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and partnership working. (as reported in other published sources)
• Applicants should demonstrate a robust financial position where applicable. (as reported in other published sources)