The James Beattie Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £50,000-£86,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 6 weeks (monthly reviews for standard grants)
• Grant Range: £500 - £3,000+ (typical £500-£2,000)
• Geographic Focus: Wolverhampton area only

Contact Details

Website: https://jamesbeattietrust.org.uk

Email: admin@jamesbeattietrust.org.uk

Phone: 01215516021

Address: P.O. Box 132, Leominster, HR6 6DQ

Overview

The James Beattie Charitable Trust was established in 1972 by James Beattie, grandson of the founder of the iconic Beatties department stores. Created to benefit the people of Wolverhampton where the family business began in 1877, the Trust has distributed nearly £4 million to local causes since 1997. With annual giving of approximately £50,000-£86,000, the Trust makes around 100 donations per year, focusing on smaller, volunteer-based organizations deeply embedded in local communities. The trustees follow the founder's values when making decisions, prioritizing grassroots groups that maximize limited resources and create ripple effects of positive impact throughout Wolverhampton.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: £500 - £2,000 (monthly trustee review, rolling applications)
• Substantial/Long-term Grants: £3,000+ (quarterly trustee review, for major projects or multi-year commitments)
• Fast-Track Applications: Available for urgent needs (contact Trust directly)
• Small Grants Scheme: In partnership with local Rotary Clubs (specific application windows)

Priority Areas

• Youth development and opportunities for disadvantaged children
• Community sports clubs and after-school programs
• Disability support and accessibility improvements
• Poverty relief and emergency assistance
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including veterans' mental health
• Education and learning in areas of deprivation

What They Don't Fund

• National charities (even with Wolverhampton ringfencing)
• Individual applications (groups/organizations only)
• Projects outside Wolverhampton area

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by seven volunteer trustees including Mark Antony Underwood (appointed October 2025), Simon Richard Archer (appointed February 2024), and Michael Charles Boyce (appointed May 2018). The trustees meet regularly to review applications and follow “as closely as possible the values and interests of James Beattie himself when deciding whom to support.” The Trust operates with no paid employees, maximizing funds available for grants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Review eligibility guidelines at https://jamesbeattietrust.org.uk/guidelines-for-applicants/
2. Download application form from https://jamesbeattietrust.org.uk/how-to-apply-2/
3. Submit completed form to admin@jamesbeattietrust.org.uk or by post
4. For urgent needs, request fast-track consideration

Decision Timeline

• Standard grants (under £3,000): Monthly trustee meetings
• Substantial grants (£3,000+): Quarterly trustee meetings
• Payment typically within 6 weeks of approval by cheque
• No appeal process for unsuccessful applications

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Approximately 100 grants made annually from available funds.

Reapplication Policy

Repeat applications welcome - the Trust considers “both one-off and repeat requests for donations.” No specific waiting period mentioned for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

The Trust explicitly favors “smaller, volunteer-based organisations deeply embedded in local communities” that “maximize limited resources” and create “ripple effect impact.” They prioritize groups working in “overlooked/neglected areas” where funding is hard to come by. Successful recent grants include:

• Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre: £2,125 for COVID-safe adaptations (serving 39 local spinal cord injured members)
• 1st Bilston Scout Group: £750 for hut refurbishment and equipment
• Combat Stress: Veterans' mental health services in Wolverhampton
• Wildside Activity Centre: "Little Explorers' Sessions" for young children

Key success factors:

• Demonstrate genuine Wolverhampton roots and community connections
• Show how you maximize limited resources efficiently
• Explain the broader ripple effects beyond direct beneficiaries
• Link to founder's values of supporting disadvantaged youth and community development
• Be specific about practical, tangible needs rather than abstract concepts

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Hyper-local focus required: Must be based in and serving Wolverhampton exclusively - national charities rarely succeed
• Small is beautiful: Being grassroots and volunteer-led is an advantage, not a limitation
• Quick turnaround: With monthly decisions and 6-week payment, funding can arrive within 2-3 months
• Modest amounts work: Most grants are £500-£2,000 - budget accordingly for specific, achievable elements
• Relationships matter: Repeat applications welcome; the Trust values ongoing partnerships with local groups
• Show your ripple effect: Emphasize broader community benefits beyond immediate recipients
• Fast-track available: For genuine urgent needs, expedited consideration is possible

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Grimmitt Trust
• THE 29TH MAY 1961 CHARITY
• THE ROGER & DOUGLAS TURNER CHARITABLE TRUST
• DUMBRECK CHARITY
• THE EVESON TRUST
• The Sheldon Trust
• The Cumber Family Charitable Trust
• The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust
• The Saintbury Trust
• The Noel Sweeney Foundation

References

• The James Beattie Charitable Trust official website: https://jamesbeattietrust.org.uk/
• Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 265654: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/265654
• Rotary Club of Wolverhampton Small Grants Scheme: https://rotaryclubwolverhampton.co.uk/rsgs/
• Express & Star: “Meet the Beatties – family behind iconic Wolverhampton store”
• The Telling - Funders acknowledgment: https://www.thetelling.co.uk/thanks-to-our-funders