The Hamilton Davies Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £379,135 (expenditure, year ending 05 April 2025)
• Success Rate: Information not publicly available
• Decision Time: Up to 4 months
• Grant Range: Small donations to £10,000+
• Geographic Focus: Irlam, Cadishead and Rixton-with-Glazebrook

Contact Details

• Address: Hamilton Davies House, 117C Liverpool Road, Cadishead, Manchester M44 5BG
• Website: www.hamiltondavies.org.uk
• Email: hello@hamiltondavies.org.uk
• Phone: 0161 222 4003
• Social Media:
• Facebook: Hamilton Davies Trust
• LinkedIn: Hamilton Davies Trust
• X (Twitter): @HamiltonDavies

Overview

The Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT) is a UK registered charity (Charity Number: 1106123) dedicated to supporting the communities of Irlam, Cadishead and Rixton-with-Glazebrook. The trust operates from Hamilton Davies House on Liverpool Road in what was formerly the George Hotel building. As a locally-focused charity, they work to support sustainable projects that benefit community regeneration, local community development, and arts and heritage programmes in their target geographic areas. The organisation has three trustees and four staff members plus one consultant manager.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The trust operates a grants programme for local community projects. Grants can range from small donations of a few hundred pounds to more significant investments. To date, the trust has provided support totalling in excess of £12 million, covering over 837 grants to local community organisations and regeneration projects.

Priority Areas

• Community regeneration projects
• Local community development initiatives
• Arts and heritage programmes
• IC ART Programme
• Heritage Hub projects
• Station Park development

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly listed. Organisations outside of Irlam, Cadishead and Rixton-with-Glazebrook are likely ineligible.

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees

The trust operates with three trustees who are responsible for investing HDT's assets and distributing funds:

• Neil McArthur (Chairman and founder) - Made an MBE in 1992 for services to engineering, and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Neil studied telecommunications at the University of Essex, who later awarded him an honorary Doctorate.
• Phil Atkinson - A seasoned finance professional with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, serving as Group Commercial Finance Manager. He has served as Chairman of the Management Committee for Hollins Green Community Shop for over 15 years.
• Mike Mazurkiewicz - Born in Partington, Mike is Managing Director of three small companies spanning Environmental and Geological Consultancy, Heritage Railways Operations and manufacturing for the Model Railways Industry.

Former Trustees

Frank Cocker and Graham Chisnall both served as trustees from 2004, retiring after 21 years of dedicated service.

Staff

The trust has a small team comprising four staff members and one consultant manager.

How to Apply to The Hamilton Davies Trust

How to Apply

The application process varies depending on the amount requested:

For applications under £150:

Send a letter detailing:

• A brief outline of the project and its benefits
• Who will be involved

For applications £150 and above:

Download and complete the grant application form from the trust's website. Applications must demonstrate the benefits associated with the project and can be for any amount of funding.

Contact the trust directly via email (hello@hamiltondavies.org.uk) or phone (0161 222 4003) for application forms or to discuss your project.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the local focus of the trust, organisations seeking funding should:

• Demonstrate clear benefit to the communities of Irlam, Cadishead and Rixton-with-Glazebrook
• Consider volunteering with HDT to build relationships
• Sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about funding opportunities
• Engage with their social media channels to understand current priorities

Decision Timeline

The trust aims to respond to all applicants within a maximum of four months from the date of application. Smaller requests are processed more quickly. All grant applications are presented to and approved by the trustees at regular meetings.

Success Rates

Application success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Organisations should enquire directly with the trust.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's stated mission and focus areas:

• Projects must directly benefit residents of Irlam, Cadishead or Rixton-with-Glazebrook
• Alignment with community regeneration, development, arts, or heritage themes appears favourable
• Local organisations with established community connections may have advantages
• Projects that complement existing HDT initiatives (IC ART Programme, Heritage Hub, Station Park) may align well with funding priorities
• Applications must clearly articulate project benefits

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Hamilton Davies Trust is a hyperlocal funder with an exclusive geographic focus on three specific communities
• Different application processes exist for grants under £150 versus those of £150 and above
• The trust has a track record of significant investment (over £12 million distributed through 837+ grants)
• Applications are reviewed by trustees at regular meetings with decisions within four months
• The small staff size suggests a personalised approach to grant-making
• Building relationships through volunteering or community engagement may be beneficial
• Arts, heritage, and community development projects appear to be priority areas
• The trust's local presence at Hamilton Davies House (former George Hotel) suggests strong community connections
• Direct communication with the trust is encouraged for discussing projects before applying

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust
• Edward Holt Trust
• The Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust
• Lord Leverhulme's Charitable Trust
• Bathgate Charitable Trust
• Brian Wilson Charitable Trust
• The Ursula Keyes Trust
• Congleton Inclosure Trust
• Broome Family Charitable Trust
• Crh Charitable Trust

References

• Hamilton Davies Trust official website: www.hamiltondavies.org.uk
• UK Charity Commission Register Entry for The Hamilton Davies Trust, Charity Number 1106123
• Hamilton Davies Trust About page: https://hamiltondavies.org.uk/about-us/
• Hamilton Davies Trust Trustees page: https://hamiltondavies.org.uk/about-us/our-trustees/
• Hamilton Davies Trust Grants overview page: https://hamiltondavies.org.uk/grants-overview/
• Hamilton Davies Trust How to Apply page: https://hamiltondavies.org.uk/grants-overview/how-to-apply/