The Houghton Dunn Charitable Trust
Charity Number: CUSTOM_1D78BECD
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Quick Stats
- Charity Number: 261685 (Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust)
- Annual Income: £365,803 (FY 2025)
- Annual Expenditure: £502,959 (FY 2025)
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
- Geographic Focus: Lancashire area (with broader UK support)
Contact Details
Address: 2nd Floor Parkgates, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester
Email: houghtondunnct@gmail.com
Phone: 0161 904 9942
Charity Commission Number: 261685
Overview
The Houghton Dunn Charitable Trust operates as a working name for the Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust, a well-established UK grant-making charity registered with the Charity Commission since its foundation. The trust is governed by 2 trustees who serve without remuneration. With an annual income of approximately £365,000 and annual expenditure exceeding £500,000, the trust makes strategic grants across multiple charitable sectors. The trust maintains a particular focus on supporting organizations based in or with branches in the Lancashire area, though it has been identified as a supporter of national organizations including Scope UK and the National Youth Orchestra. The trust operates quietly without extensive public-facing materials or publicity.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The trust does not advertise formal grant programs or structured application rounds. Based on available information, the trust appears to make proactive grants to organizations rather than operating an open application process.
Application Method: Written applications (details below)
Priority Areas
The trust supports a broad range of charitable activities with particular focus on:
- Medical and Health: Healthcare charities, medical research, and health-related services
- Welfare in the Community: Community support services, social welfare organizations
- Environment and Wildlife: Environmental conservation and wildlife protection
- Church and Heritage: Religious organizations and heritage preservation
Geographic Priority: Special preference given to charities based in, or with branches in, the Lancashire area
What They Don't Fund
Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the trust directly to confirm eligibility.
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Governance and Leadership
The trust is governed by 2 trustees who serve without receiving any remuneration, payments, or benefits. The names and backgrounds of current trustees are not publicly disclosed in readily available sources.
The trust maintains a low public profile and does not publish statements from leadership about funding priorities or strategic direction.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications should be made in writing to the trust at:
2nd Floor Parkgates
Bury New Road
Prestwich
Manchester
Email: houghtondunnct@gmail.com
Phone: 0161 904 9942
The trust does not operate an online application portal or advertise formal application deadlines. It appears to operate through reactive grant-making, potentially responding to written applications throughout the year.
Decision Timeline
Decision timelines are not publicly available. Applicants should inquire directly with the trust about expected response times.
Success Rates
Success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed.
Reapplication Policy
Reapplication policies are not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the trust directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.
Application Success Factors
Given the limited public information available about this trust, the following factors are likely to be important based on their stated priorities:
- Geographic Alignment: Organizations based in Lancashire or with significant Lancashire operations appear to be preferred, though the trust does support national organizations
- Sectoral Fit: Projects should clearly align with one or more of the trust's priority areas: medical and health, welfare in the community, environment and wildlife, or church and heritage
- Clear Written Communication: As applications must be submitted in writing, clear, concise proposals that articulate need and impact will be important
- Established Organizations: The trust's known beneficiaries (Scope UK, National Youth Orchestra) suggest they support established, reputable organizations
Known Beneficiaries: The trust has been publicly acknowledged as a supporter by:
- Scope UK (disability equality charity)
- The National Youth Orchestra
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Low Public Profile: This trust operates quietly without extensive public guidelines or application materials. Initial contact should be exploratory to understand current priorities
- Lancashire Focus: While national organizations can receive support, having a Lancashire presence or focus significantly strengthens applications
- Written Applications: There is no online portal. Well-crafted written applications sent by email or post are the route to approach this trust
- Broad Charitable Scope: The trust's interests span multiple sectors, allowing diverse organizations to apply so long as they fit within the four main priority areas
- Limited Information: Be prepared to contact the trust directly to clarify eligibility, typical grant sizes, and application requirements before investing significant time in a full proposal
- Proactive Grant-Making: The trust may make proactive grants to organizations rather than operating a reactive open application system, so relationship-building may be valuable
- No Public Guidance: Without published application guidance, success factors, or grant examples, applicants should seek preliminary dialogue with the trust before submitting formal applications
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References
- UK Charity Commission Register, Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust (261685): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=261685&subid=0
- Scope UK Supporters Page: https://www.scope.org.uk/about-us/impact-report/thank-you
- National Youth Orchestra Supporters List: https://www.nyo.org.uk/support-us/our-supporters
- Charity Choice Directory: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/mrs-waterhouse-charitable-trust-161132