The Housing Studies Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1095480
• Annual Income: £134,462 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £98,524 (2024)
• Grant Range: £100 - £60,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-based (but international applicants welcome)
• Decision Time: Varies by program (typically 2-4 weeks after deadline)

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

• Professor Alex Marsh (Chair of Trustees)
• Email: alex.marsh@bristol.ac.uk
• Charity Registration: 1095480

Application Contacts:

• Fellowship applications: Via Thornby Associates website
• Conference bursaries: bursaries@housing-studies-association.org
• Global South bursary: hsa@housing.org.uk
• Housing Studies Association: contact@housing-studies-association.org
• Phone: +44 1142226289

Address:

Housing Studies Association

42 Wellington Road

Greenfield

OL3 7AQ

Websites:

• Housing Studies Association: housing-studies-association.org
• Housing Studies Journal: tandfonline.com/journals/chos20
• Thornby Associates (fellowship applications): thornbyassociates.co.uk

Overview

The Housing Studies Charitable Trust (HSCT) was established as a UK registered charity (number 1095480) with the objective of advancing the education of the public in all matters related to housing studies. The trust operates through a unique funding model, generating resources from the leading international academic journal Housing Studies, published by Taylor & Francis/Routledge. With an annual income of £134,462 and expenditure of £98,524 (2024), HSCT oversees the strategic allocation of these resources to support housing research, education, and practice. The trust is governed by a Board of seven trustees who receive no remuneration, ensuring all funds support charitable objectives. Chaired by Professor Alex Marsh from the University of Bristol, a former Managing Editor of Housing Studies, the trust focuses particularly on supporting early career researchers and practitioners who might otherwise lack access to funding opportunities. HSCT works closely with the Housing Studies Association (HSA) to deliver its funding programs and has been increasing its support to reflect the strength of applicants and commitment to nurturing emerging housing scholars.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Early Career Research Fellowship

• Amount: £60,000 (12-month fellowship)
• Application: Annual call via Thornby Associates website
• Deadline: March 31st annually
• Hosted at UK university or recognized research institution
• Includes dual mentorship (institutional mentor and HSCT Trustee mentor)
• Example: Recent fellowship at University of Stirling examined how housing legislation is shaped by assumptions of solicitors and parliamentary draftspeople

Conference Bursaries (via Housing Studies Association)

• Amount: Full conference fees + 2 nights accommodation + up to £100 travel costs
• Application: Rolling/annual cycle through HSA
• Opening: Mid-November
• Deadline: Late January
• Multiple bursaries awarded annually
• Two top applicants receive named awards (Alan Holmans Award or Andrew Thomas Award)
• Recent recipient: Hazel Dizon (York University, Canada)

Global South Conference Bursary

• Amount: Full conference registration + up to £500 for travel and accommodation
• Application: Annual via hsa@housing.org.uk
• Deadline: January 23rd
• One bursary awarded annually
• Additional funding may be considered if expenses exceed £500
• Recent recipient: Samantha Arbotante (2025)

Seminar Series Grant Scheme

• Time-limited opportunities to host series of events on designated housing themes
• Amounts and specific criteria available through HSA website

Priority Areas

Research Focus:

• Academic housing research across disciplines (political science, urban studies, sociology, geography, law, planning, economics)
• Housing policy development and analysis
• Social and economic housing policy
• Housing provision and improvement
• Demographic and social housing trends
• Sustainability in housing
• International housing studies and comparative research

Target Beneficiaries:

• Early career researchers (broadly defined: undergraduate/postgraduate students, doctoral researchers, researchers within ~10 years of starting career, postdocs within 4 years of PhD)
• Housing practitioners without institutional funding
• Researchers without current university or housing organization affiliation
• International researchers, particularly from Global South
• Individuals with limited funding opportunities demonstrating financial need

Activities Supported:

• Research fellowships and postdoctoral positions
• Conference attendance and presentation
• Publication and dissemination of housing research
• Academic seminars and event series
• International collaboration and knowledge exchange

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on the trust's structure and purpose, they do not typically fund:

• Capital projects or building developments
• Direct housing provision or services
• Established researchers with secure institutional funding
• Projects outside housing studies field
• Undergraduate research (though undergraduate students may apply for conference bursaries)
• Projects not based at recognized academic or research institutions (for fellowships)
• General operating costs of organizations

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Governance and Leadership

Board Structure:

• 7 trustees (none receive remuneration, payments, or benefits)
• 3-year initial trustee appointments, renewable up to 9 years total
• Currently recruiting 3 new trustees (as of December 2025)

Chair:

• Professor Alex Marsh - Professor of Public Policy and Head of the Centre for Urban and Public Policy Research at the University of Bristol; former Managing Editor of Housing Studies journal; also chairs Policy & Politics Management Board

Governance Philosophy:

Professor Marsh states that prospective trustee applicants can “have a conversation with the current Chair before applying” (contact: alex.marsh@bristol.ac.uk), demonstrating an accessible and supportive approach to governance. The trust emphasizes diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups, offering support and training for new trustees.

Relationship with Housing Studies Association:

While legally separate, HSCT works closely with HSA Board members who include:

• Tom Simcock (Chair)
• Craig Gurney (Vice-chair)
• Lynne McMordie (Secretary)
• Eve Blezard (Treasurer)
• Mahmoud Alsaeed (Bursary Officer)

The HSA Board, elected by HSA membership, assists in reviewing applications and determining recipients for HSCT-funded programs.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Early Career Research Fellowship:

1. Full application details and forms available on Thornby Associates website
2. Applications submitted annually by March 31st deadline
3. Must identify host UK university or research institution
4. Must propose mentor at host institution
5. Will be assigned HSCT Trustee mentor if successful
6. Announcement typically made in March/April

Conference Bursaries:

1. Must be member of Housing Studies Association (membership required before application)
2. Must submit abstract to present at HSA Annual Conference
3. Complete bursary application form via HSA website
4. Applications open mid-November
5. Deadline: Late January (January 23rd for 2026)
6. Submit to bursaries@housing-studies-association.org
7. Include 500-word statement demonstrating financial need and how attendance would benefit research/career

Global South Conference Bursary:

1. Submit application form to hsa@housing.org.uk
2. Subject line: “Global South Conference Bursary Application - [NAME]”
3. Include 300-word abstract aligned with conference themes
4. Include 500-word statement on research contribution
5. Demonstrate active engagement in housing-related research/practice
6. Deadline: January 23rd annually

Seminar Series Grant Scheme:

1. Details available through Housing Studies Association website
2. Time-limited opportunities announced periodically

Decision Timeline

Fellowship:

• Application deadline: March 31st
• Decision notification: April (typically 2-4 weeks after deadline)
• Fellowship start: Flexible, typically within the academic year

Conference Bursaries:

• Applications open: November 17th
• Applications close: January 23rd
• Bursary notification: Early February (February 6th for 2026)
• Conference typically held: April

Global South Bursary:

• Deadline: January 23rd
• Decision: February (joint committee review)
• Notification: Early February

Success Rates

Specific success rate statistics are not publicly published. However, evidence suggests:

• Multiple conference bursaries awarded annually (exact number varies)
• One Early Career Fellowship awarded per year (competitive, hosted at major UK research institutions)
• One Global South bursary per year
• Trust notes “increase in awards has reflected the strength of applicants” - suggesting flexible allocation based on quality
• Trust emphasizes “considering applications on the basis of need and merit”

Reapplication Policy

No explicit restrictions on reapplication mentioned. Conference bursaries appear available to applicants each year if they continue to meet eligibility criteria (early career status, financial need, HSA membership). Fellowship applicants who are unsuccessful would likely be welcome to reapply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

For Fellowship Applications:

• Host institution credibility: Recent fellowship at University of Stirling suggests strong research institutions are favored
• Clear research focus on housing: Successful project examined housing legislation creation - demonstrate direct relevance to housing policy and practice
• Mentorship plan: Strong institutional mentor and clear articulation of how HSCT Trustee mentorship would add value
• Early career positioning: Clearly demonstrate early career status and how fellowship would advance research trajectory
• Dissemination potential: Projects that will contribute to housing studies knowledge and stimulate debate

For Conference Bursaries:

• Financial need demonstration: Applications judged on “need and merit” - be specific about why institutional funding unavailable
• Conference presentation quality: Must submit abstract - strength of proposed presentation is key factor
• Career stage relevance: Early career researchers prioritized but others considered
• HSA membership: Must be member (joining before application is acceptable)
• Commitment to full attendance: Must attend entire conference and present paper
• Post-conference contribution: Willingness to write blog post for HSA website demonstrates engagement
• Named awards: “Two strongest applications” receive Alan Holmans or Andrew Thomas Awards - demonstrate exceptional merit

From the Trust's Stated Priorities:

• “Applications are encouraged from early career researchers, but other applications will be considered on the basis of need and merit”
• Bursaries “intended to support people who are unable to access funds from elsewhere”
• Trust aims to support “individuals without a current affiliation to a University or housing organisation, or those who can demonstrate limited funding opportunities”
• Recipients “encouraged to develop their conference paper into an article to be submitted to Housing Studies, with the HSA Executive available to support this activity”

Strategic Advice:

• Link to journal publication: Demonstrating awareness of Housing Studies journal and potential to publish findings increases alignment
• International perspective welcome: Canadian recipient of Alan Holmans Award shows international applications competitive
• Interdisciplinary strength: Housing studies described as “interdisciplinary” - showing connections across fields valuable
• Policy relevance: Trust aims to “stimulate national and international debate on policies to improve housing provision” - emphasize policy implications
• Clear financial justification: Multiple references to supporting those “unable to access funds from elsewhere” - be transparent about funding gaps

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Unique funding model: This trust's income comes from academic journal revenues, creating stable funding for housing research - they understand the academic environment and value rigorous research
• Early career focus: While not exclusively for early career researchers, this is clearly the priority - position your researcher within ~10 years of career start and emphasize development needs
• Financial need matters: Unlike many research funders, HSCT explicitly considers financial need - don't hesitate to explain funding gaps and limited institutional support
• HSA membership is gateway: For conference bursaries, join Housing Studies Association before applying - membership costs are minimal compared to bursary value
• Quality over quantity: One fellowship per year and selective conference bursaries suggest high standards - invest time in strong applications rather than quick submissions
• International welcome: Despite UK institutional requirement for fellowships, international researchers are competitive for bursaries - Global South bursary shows commitment to international scholarship
• Post-award expectations are light: Blog posts and conference presentations are primary requirements - manageable for busy researchers
• Accessible leadership: Chair invites pre-application conversations - consider reaching out with questions about fit before investing time in application
• Building relationship: Consider conference bursary as pathway to fellowship - demonstrates engagement with housing studies community
• Publication potential valued: Trust encourages development of conference papers into journal articles - articulate how your research could contribute to Housing Studies or related publications

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The British Academy for the Promotion of Historical Philosophical and Philological Studies
• Quaker Housing Trust Limited
• THE NATIONWIDE FOUNDATION
• Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness
• The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain
• Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
• The Pilgrim Trust
• The Leverhulme Trust
• Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent
• Building Societies Trust Limited

References

• URL: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3984751
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Financial data, trustee numbers, charitable purposes

• URL: https://www.housing-studies-association.org/pages/funding
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Overview of HSCT-funded programs

• URL: https://www.housing-studies-association.org/pages/conference-bursaries
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Bursary amounts, eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines

• URL: https://www.housing-studies-association.org/pages/global-south-conference-bursary
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Bursary details, eligibility, application requirements

• URL: https://www.housing-studies-association.org/articles/the-housing-studies-charities-trust-hsct-is-pleased-to-announce-early-career-research-fellowship
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Fellowship details, mentorship structure, deadline

• URL: https://www.thornbyassociates.co.uk/latest-news/the-housing-studies-charitable-trust-seeking-new-trustees
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Trust purpose, governance structure, Chair contact details

• URL: https://www.housing-studies-association.org/articles/copy-of-celebrating-the-winners-of-the-ben-pattison-prize-2025
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Application timeline, named awards

• URL: https://www.stir.ac.uk/research/hub/contract/2091558
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Fellowship amount (£60,000), example of funded research

• URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/chos20
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: Journal scope, publisher, relationship to trust

• URL: https://www.housing-studies-association.org/pages/the-board
• Accessed: January 28, 2026
• Information: HSA Board members who assist with HSCT application review