The Ian Askew Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 264515

Annual Expenditure: £0.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £488,357 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified (rolling applications)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £3,000 (majority £500 or less)
  • Geographic Focus: South East England, particularly Sussex

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

  • Email: carruthers@mistral.co.uk
  • Phone: 01825 723302

Applications via RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited:

  • Address: Hanover House, 18 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1ED
  • Email: paul.hodge@rsmuk.com
  • Phone: 01892 511944

Alternative Application Route:

  • Via Sussex Community Foundation for grants up to £1,000
  • Phone: 01273 409440
  • Email: info@sussexgiving.org.uk

Overview

The Ian Askew Charitable Trust (registered charity number 264515) was established in 1972 and supports a wide range of charitable organizations across the UK. With total income of £470,647 and annual expenditure of £488,357, the trust donates funds to other charitable organizations in support of their aims. The trustees strongly favor South East-based charities but consider applications from organizations throughout the UK. In addition to grant-making, the trust maintains and conserves woodlands, encouraging educational visits to these sites. The trust operates with 5 trustees, at least one of whom receives payment for services provided to the charity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Direct Grant Program: £500 - £3,000 (rolling basis, written applications)

  • Majority of grants awarded are £500 or less
  • Larger grants up to £3,000 available for exceptional cases
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year

Sussex Community Foundation Fund: Up to £1,000 (online portal)

  • Grants specifically for Sussex-based organizations
  • Application through Sussex Community Foundation's standard application form
  • Single application can be considered for multiple funds

Priority Areas

The trust considers applications from organizations working in:

  • Children and young people: Particular interest in those under 18 living with mental health conditions, disabilities, or growing up in poverty
  • Older people: Supporting welfare and reducing isolation
  • Disability: Services and support for people with disabilities
  • Healthcare: Health-related charitable work
  • Social welfare: General welfare causes
  • Education: Educational institutions and programs, particularly using sport and education as mediums
  • Mental health: Support for mental health conditions
  • Housing needs: Addressing housing challenges
  • Job creation and sustainability: Employment and environmental sustainability
  • Substance misuse: Support for those affected by substance abuse

Geographic Priorities: Sussex, Kent, East Sussex, and areas of Kensington and Chelsea and Camden. While South East charities are favored, national causes are also supported.

What They Don't Fund

The trust has not published explicit exclusions, but applicants are advised to contact the trust to confirm that exclusions do not apply before submitting an application.

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by 5 trustees who oversee grant-making decisions and the management of the trust's woodland assets. One or more trustees receive payments for services provided to the charity. The trust operates with no employees receiving benefits over £60,000 and has no trading subsidiaries. Professional administration is provided through RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited, which handles applications and correspondence on behalf of the trustees.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Direct Application:

  • Applications must be made in writing to RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited at the address above
  • Contact paul.hodge@rsmuk.com or call 01892 511944
  • Rolling applications accepted at any time throughout the year
  • Applicants advised to contact the trust to confirm eligibility before applying

Via Sussex Community Foundation:

  • For grants up to £1,000 for Sussex-based organizations
  • Apply through Sussex Community Foundation's online application portal
  • Two-stage process: initial Expression of Interest, followed by full application if selected
  • Single application can be matched to multiple relevant funds

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as received.

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes are not publicly disclosed by the trust.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies and restrictions for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organizations should contact the trust directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

While the trust has not published specific guidance for applicants, the following factors appear important based on available information:

  • Geographic alignment: Being based in Sussex or the South East significantly increases chances, though national organizations are also considered
  • Clear charitable purpose: Applications should clearly demonstrate charitable aims aligned with the trust's priority areas
  • Support for young people: Projects supporting those under 18, particularly those facing mental health challenges, disabilities, or poverty, appear to be strong priorities
  • Educational or sport-based approaches: Using education and sport as mediums for support aligns with stated priorities
  • Size and scale: Modest requests (£500-£1,000) appear to be the norm, with larger grants available for exceptional projects
  • Written clarity: As applications must be in writing, clear, concise communication is essential

Example Grant Recipients:

  • Become: Supporting children and young people
  • Re-engage: Addressing loneliness among older people

Organizations should contact the trust before applying to ensure their project aligns with current priorities and doesn't fall under any exclusions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic advantage: South East and Sussex-based organizations have a clear preference, but don't be deterred if you're outside this area with a strong national cause
  • Modest expectations: Most grants are £500 or less; position your request accordingly unless you have exceptional justification for more
  • Youth focus: Projects supporting under-18s, particularly those facing mental health, disability, or poverty challenges, align strongly with priorities
  • Pre-application contact recommended: Contact the trust before applying to confirm eligibility and alignment
  • Multiple routes: Consider both direct application and Sussex Community Foundation route if you're Sussex-based
  • Rolling basis advantage: No deadlines mean you can apply when your project is ready
  • Keep it written and clear: Applications must be in writing, so ensure clarity and conciseness in your submission

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