The King Henry Viii Endowed Trust, Warwick

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately £220,000 (Town Share - 20% of total distribution)
• Success Rate: Approximately 33% (demand typically 3x available funds)
• Decision Time: Quarterly (4 meetings per year)
• Grant Range: £500 - £150,000
• Geographic Focus: Town of Warwick (primarily CV34 postcode)
• Total Assets: £74 million

Contact Details

Website: www.kinghenryviii.org.uk

Email: jwassall@kinghenryviii.org.uk

Phone: 01926 495533

Address: 12 High Street, Warwick CV34 4AP

Clerk and Receiver: J. Wassall

Pre-Application Advice: The Trust encourages applicants to submit applications well before deadlines to allow time for advice on presentation and additional information requests.

Overview

The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust is one of England's oldest charities, established in 1545 through negotiations with King Henry VIII's commissioners following the redistribution of local church wealth. With investment assets of £74 million as of December 2023, the Trust operates as a permanently endowed trust, maintaining a diversified portfolio including agricultural land, commercial property, equities, corporate bonds, and gilts. The Trust distributes its income through three channels: 50% to five Anglican churches in Warwick, 30% to Warwick Schools Foundation for means-tested bursaries, and 20% as the “Town Share” for discretionary grants benefiting Warwick inhabitants. Since 1978, the Town Share has distributed over £9.8 million to more than 200 organizations and hundreds of individuals. The Trust prioritizes supporting young people, with over 50% of Town Share grants directed toward youth-focused initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Town Share Discretionary Grants: £500 - £150,000 (no strict maximum)

• Organisation Grant Application
• School Grant Application
• Individual Grant Application
• Quarterly application deadlines: February, May, August, November
• Rolling acceptance with fixed decision points

Priority Areas

The Trust funds projects that benefit inhabitants of the Old Borough of Warwick in the following areas:

• Historic Building Repairs: Conservation and restoration of historic structures within Warwick
• Relief of Elderly and Needy: Support for vulnerable residents including elderly, infirm, and disadvantaged individuals
• Social Welfare and Recreation: Community facilities, recreational programs, and social support services
• Educational Facilities: School improvements, equipment, and educational resources (state schools are major beneficiaries)
• Youth Support: Over 50% of Town Share grants prioritize projects supporting young people
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospital wards, medical equipment, and health services
• Community Infrastructure: Community centres, religious buildings, and public facilities

What They Don't Fund

• Projects that are the responsibility of government or statutory authorities
• Projects already commenced before application
• Organizations or individuals outside the Old Borough of Warwick (primarily CV34 postcode, with specific exceptions listed on website)
• Young people seeking university support (referred to Warwick Apprenticing Charities)
• Multiple grants for the same project (one grant per project maximum)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustee Structure

The Trust is governed by a maximum of 12 trustees who serve without financial compensation:

Nominated Trustees (4-year terms):

• 2 nominated by religious leaders
• 1 from Warwick Schools Foundation
• 1 from Warwick Town Council

Co-opted Trustees (5-year terms):

• 8 members selected for “special knowledge and appreciation of the Town of Warwick”

Current Trustees Include:

• Mrs Marie Ashe (appointed 2012)
• Rev David Andrew Brown (appointed 2012)
• Stephen Gerald Copley (appointed 2012)
• Stephen John Jobburn (appointed 2016)
• Susan Grinnell (appointed 2017)
• Vivienne Marjory Bosworth (appointed 2022)
• Mr Neil Thurley
• Mr Gerry Guest
• Mr Rupert Griffiths
• Miss Kathryn Parr
• Mr John Edwards
• Mr Ian Furlong
• Mr Michael Peachey

Committees

• Finance & Investment Committee
• Grants Committee
• Both meet at least 4 times annually

Investment Philosophy

The Trust describes trustees as “primarily Asset Managers” who are legally obligated to follow the established allocation framework. The Trust uses a modified version of the Yale Spending Rule for fund distribution and follows Charity Commission guidelines for asset management, prioritizing protection of capital value while generating income for distribution.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Choose Correct Application Form: Three separate forms available for organisations, schools, or individuals
2. Submit Before Deadline: Applications accepted on rolling basis with quarterly decision meetings
3. Early Submission Encouraged: Submit well before deadline to allow time for guidance and additional information requests

2025 Application Deadlines

• 10th February 2025
• 26th May 2025
• 18th August 2025
• 3rd November 2025

Application Requirements

• Complete application before project commences
• Provide full project costs and budget
• Demonstrate fundraising efforts from own resources
• Disclose other grant applications and funding sources
• Include relevant financial documentation
• Applications accepted from individuals, organisations, and schools within Warwick

Decision Timeline

• Frequency: Quarterly meetings (4 per year)
• Notification: After each quarterly grants meeting
• Grant Payment: Typically paid upon submission of invoices for completed work
• Project Completion: Two-year window from grant award

Success Rates

Applications typically run at approximately three times the level of available funds, suggesting a success rate of around 33% or lower. Many applicants will be unsuccessful due to high demand relative to available funding.

Reapplication Policy

• Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent rounds
• Only one grant per project permitted
• Projects must be completed within two years of grant award

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

“Get applications in well before the deadline” - This allows time for the Trust to provide advice on application presentation and request additional information.

Strategic Considerations

1. Geographic Eligibility: Ensure project clearly benefits inhabitants of the Old Borough of Warwick (primarily CV34 postcode). Check the Trust's website for specific boundary exceptions.

1. Demonstrate Community Benefit: Clearly articulate how the project benefits Warwick residents, particularly young people who receive priority consideration.

1. Show Financial Effort: Demonstrate own fundraising efforts and explain what other funding sources have been approached or secured.

1. Complete Applications: Provide comprehensive project costs and detailed budgets. Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected.

1. Early Engagement: Contact the Trust early for guidance on presentation and eligibility questions.

1. Avoid Government Duplication: Projects that are statutory responsibilities will not be funded - clearly show how your project goes beyond government obligations.

Recent Successful Projects

• MacGregor Children's Ward, Warwick Hospital: Healthcare facility improvements
• Springfield Mind: £60,000 (2020-22) for mental health support services
• Citizens Advice: £51,775 (2020-22) for “At Home” service
• Chase Meadow Community Centre: £51,950 (2011) for new community centre construction
• Saltisford Evangelical Church: £55,000 (2011) for building reconstruction
• Heathcote Church: £30,000 (2020) for community centre reconfiguration
• Budbrooke Primary School: £5,000 for new ICT suite
• Lord Leycester's Hospital: £100,000 (1998) for repairs
• Warwick Hospital Cancer Ward: £85,000 (2008)

Pattern Analysis

• State schools received more than one-third of all grants from 2012-2018
• Large infrastructure grants (£50,000+) awarded for significant capital projects
• Youth-focused projects prioritized across all categories
• Community facilities and social services receive consistent support
• Grant amounts appear to have decreased over time to support more recipients

Common Success Themes

• Clear demonstration of community benefit
• Strong financial planning and matched funding
• Projects supporting vulnerable or young populations
• Historic preservation with community access
• Health and social welfare initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Geography is Crucial: Only projects benefiting Old Borough of Warwick inhabitants are eligible - verify geographic eligibility before applying using the Trust's specific boundary guidelines.

1. Youth Focus Wins: Over 50% of Town Share grants support young people - frame your project's youth impact prominently if applicable.

1. Apply Early for Guidance: The Trust explicitly encourages early submission to provide application advice - take advantage of this support to strengthen your proposal.

1. Expect Competition: With demand at 3x available funds, success rate is approximately 33% - make your application compelling and clearly differentiated.

1. Demonstrate Full Financial Picture: Show comprehensive project costs, your own fundraising efforts, and other funding applications/awards to demonstrate viability and commitment.

1. No Statutory Substitution: Clearly articulate how your project goes beyond government responsibilities - additionality is essential.

1. Long-Standing Commitment: With 478 years of history and £9.8 million distributed since 1978, the Trust is a stable, reliable funder for Warwick-based projects - consider building a long-term relationship rather than one-off applications.

References

• The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust official website. “About Us.” https://kinghenryviii.org.uk/about-us/
• The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust. “Grant Guidelines.” https://kinghenryviii.org.uk/grant-guidelines/
• The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust. “How We Work.” https://kinghenryviii.org.uk/how-we-work/
• The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust. “Make An Application.” https://kinghenryviii.org.uk/make-an-application/
• The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust. “Past Grants.” https://kinghenryviii.org.uk/past-grants/
• Charity Commission for England and Wales. “THE KING HENRY VIII ENDOWED TRUST, WARWICK - Charity 232862.” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=232862
• The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust. “Consolidated Accounts 2023.” https://kinghenryviii.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KHVIII-Trust-Consolidated-accounts-2023-FINAL.pdf