The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 518407

Annual Expenditure: £0.3M
Geographic Focus: North Yorkshire

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £280,550 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Quarterly meetings (approximately 3 months between meetings)
  • Grant Range: Typically £500 - £2,000, with exceptional grants up to £7,500
  • Geographic Focus: Old North Riding of Yorkshire (rural villages and towns)

Contact Details

Website: www.jackbruntontrust.co.uk

Email: margaretc@swallco.co.uk

Phone: 01642 711407

Postal Address: Mr D A Swallow FCA, Commercial House, Bridge Road, Stokesley, North Yorkshire TS9 5AA

Overview

The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust was established in 1986 when local farmer and landowner Jack Brunton gifted funds to create a trust dedicated to supporting rural communities within the boundaries of the old North Riding of Yorkshire. With total expenditure of £280,550 in 2024, the trust maintains a focused approach to grant-making, primarily supporting grassroots community organizations, health services, animal welfare, arts groups, and rural infrastructure. The trust has gained notable recognition for its long-term commitment to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, surpassing £500,000 in donations to the emergency service since 2012 and receiving YAA Recognition Awards in 2017 and 2022. Jack Brunton's legacy as an Ayrshire cattle farmer continues through the trust's emphasis on supporting rural communities and essential local services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grant Programme: £500 - £7,500

  • Rolling application process with quarterly decision meetings
  • Applications accepted year-round
  • Most grants typically £2,000 or less
  • Larger grants made in exceptional circumstances
  • Quarterly trustee meetings: February, May, August, November

Priority Areas

The Trust supports a wide range of community causes including:

  • Community Infrastructure: Village halls, outdoor centers, community groups providing play equipment and inclusive leisure opportunities for children and young people
  • Emergency and Rescue Services: Mountain rescue teams, air ambulance services, life-saving organizations
  • Healthcare: Hospital departments purchasing specialist equipment, respite care services
  • Animal Welfare: PDSA, RSPCA, Blue Cross, and other animal welfare charities
  • Accessible Transport: Community transport services for older people and those with mobility needs
  • Arts and Culture: Drama societies, theatre groups, brass bands, and other musical groups
  • Religious Buildings: Churches requiring refurbishment, DDA upgrades, and building works
  • Sports and Recreation: Football, rugby, bowls, and cricket clubs needing equipment and kit
  • Youth Organizations: Scouting and guiding groups requiring new equipment
  • Disability Support: Organizations supporting visually impaired people with talking and listening books, and other disability services
  • Education: Schools and educational organizations

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside the old North Riding of Yorkshire (except in extremely rare and special circumstances)
  • Individuals (except in extremely rare and special circumstances)
  • Projects that do not benefit rural communities within their geographic focus area
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Derek William Noble (Chair)
  • James Lumb OBE
  • David Addison Swallow FCA
  • Caroline Anne Dickinson
  • Andrew Philip Dickins BSc MRICS FAAV
  • Timothy Robert Jopling
  • Julia Stephenson

Secretary: Margaret Culley

The trust is governed by seven trustees who receive no remuneration for their service. The trustees meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions. In recognition of the trust's significant support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, YAA Chairman Mike Harrop praised the trustees' commitment, noting that the partnership began with a £16,000 donation in 2012 and has continued to support core operational costs and specialist equipment.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Download Application Form: Available from www.jackbruntontrust.co.uk
  2. Written Application: Apply in writing, detailing your charity's requirements and completing the accompanying form
  3. Submission Deadline: Applications must be received by the 21st day before quarterly meetings
  4. Submit To: Mr D A Swallow FCA, Commercial House, Bridge Road, Stokesley, North Yorkshire TS9 5AA
  5. Acknowledgment: All applications will be acknowledged before and after Trustees' meetings

Decision Timeline

  • Trustee Meetings: Quarterly (normally February, May, August, November)
  • Application Deadline: 21 days before each meeting
  • Notification: Applicants are acknowledged before and after meetings
  • Typical Timeline: Approximately 2-3 months from submission to decision, depending on meeting cycle

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. With annual expenditure of approximately £280,550 and typical grants of £2,000 or less, the trust makes grants to a significant number of organizations each year.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Applicants should contact the trust directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's documented priorities and grant history, the following factors appear important:

  • Geographic Alignment: Projects must clearly benefit rural villages and towns within the old North Riding of Yorkshire. This is the trust's primary criterion and projects outside this area will not be considered except in extremely rare circumstances.
  • Established Charities Preferred: While all good causes will be considered and investigated, most contributions go to established charities with proven track records.
  • Community Benefit: Demonstrate clear benefit to rural communities, particularly those that enhance local infrastructure, provide essential services, or improve quality of life for residents.
  • Specific Equipment Needs: The trust has a strong track record of funding specific equipment purchases - from specialist medical equipment to sports kits to technical apparatus for emergency services. Be specific about what you need and why.
  • Long-term Relationship Building: The Yorkshire Air Ambulance example demonstrates the trust values ongoing partnerships. Consider how your organization might engage with the trust over time rather than one-off applications.
  • Realistic Grant Requests: Most grants are £2,000 or less. While larger grants are possible in exceptional circumstances, applications should be realistic about amounts requested.
  • Clear Organizational Requirements: Applications should detail charity requirements clearly in writing, demonstrating thorough planning and specific needs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic restriction is absolute: Ensure your project clearly benefits rural communities within the old North Riding of Yorkshire - this includes areas like Middlesbrough, Scarborough, Whitby, Thirsk, Richmond, and Northallerton.
  • Quarterly cycle requires planning: With only four decision points per year and a 21-day deadline before meetings, plan your application timing carefully to align with trustee meetings in February, May, August, and November.
  • Think equipment and infrastructure: The trust has a strong track record of funding tangible items - vehicles, equipment, building improvements, kits, and specialist apparatus rather than running costs or salaries.
  • Start modest: Most grants are £2,000 or less, so calibrate your request accordingly. Larger grants are possible but exceptional.
  • Demonstrate community impact: Show how your project supports rural communities, addresses local needs, and provides measurable benefit to residents in the North Riding area.
  • Consider long-term engagement: The trust values ongoing relationships with organizations, as evidenced by their 11-year partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Think beyond single applications.
  • Ensure timely acknowledgment: All applications are acknowledged, so if you don't receive confirmation, follow up to ensure your application was received.

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