The Len Pick Trust

Charity Number: 1106598

Annual Expenditure: £0.4M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £375,577 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Reviewed at monthly trustee meetings; small grants may be approved faster
  • Grant Range: Up to £1,000 (small grants) and over £1,000 (larger grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Bourne, Lincolnshire (including Dyke, Cawthorpe, and Twenty)

Contact Details

Address: 5 Granby Court, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9AD

Phone: 01778 218090

Email: info@lenpicktrust.org.uk (note: email address in user query appears to have typo: “enquries”)

Website: www.lenpicktrust.org.uk

Overview

The Len Pick Trust was established in 2004 following the death of Thomas Leonard Pick (known as Len), a respected Bourne farmer, businessman, and former councillor who died at age 94 without direct family. Having built his wealth through coal merchanting, potato wholesaling, and expanding the family farm into a significant landholding, Len wished his support for his beloved hometown to continue in perpetuity. As a registered charity (No. 1106598), the Trust has been supporting local community organizations for almost 20 years, awarding grants totaling £375,577 in 2024. The Trust's mission is to deliver “significant and tangible improvements to the quality of life, the environment, the general benefit and well-being” of Bourne residents, with trustees prioritizing projects offering long-term community benefits.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants (Up to £1,000)

  • Simpler application process with less detailed documentation required
  • May be approved at trustees' discretion before a full trustee meeting
  • Available on a rolling basis

Larger Grants (Over £1,000)

  • More comprehensive application requiring detailed information about the organisation and project
  • Reviewed at monthly trustee meetings
  • Available on a rolling basis

Priority Areas

The Trust supports projects benefiting Bourne residents across multiple sectors:

  • Children and Young People: School facilities (IT suites, libraries), youth programs, educational initiatives
  • Elderly Support: Services and facilities for older residents
  • Sports and Recreation: Football club facilities, cricket equipment, outdoor pools
  • Emergency Services: Defibrillators, air ambulance equipment, community first responder kit
  • Arts and Culture: Town hall regeneration, SciFest, cultural events
  • Community Infrastructure: Town benches, remembrance events, general community improvements
  • Health and Wellbeing: Community support groups, hardship assistance

Recent grants include funding for Bourne Academy cricket facilities, Bourne Town Football Club changing room refurbishment, LIVES emergency care equipment, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance doctor kits, and the Bourne Town Hall regeneration project.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals: Grants are not made directly to individuals
  • Statutory Replacement Funding: Projects that replace actual or potential funding from government, local government, or health authorities
  • Funding Precedent: Projects that would create precedent for removing current statutory funding to similar organisations
  • Outside Geographic Area: Any project where benefits would not substantially accrue within Bourne (including Dyke, Cawthorpe, and Twenty)
  • Non-eligible Organisations: Only registered charities, local community organisations, and certain support groups offering hardship assistance are eligible
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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by 8 volunteer trustees who meet monthly to review applications and manage the Trust's operations. Trustees operate under two governing principles: to abide by the specific instructions and wishes of the late Len Pick, and to act within the terms of the governing Trust Deed. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

The Trust emphasizes “full accountability and transparency” and describes its approach as proactive. The Trust was recently recruiting new trustees, indicating an active and evolving governance structure.

Known trustee: Matt Bostock (as of 2024). Adrian Smith was a founding trustee who served until October 2023.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Rolling applications accepted via downloadable PDF forms

Application Forms:

  • Grant Under £1,000 form (simplified application)
  • Grant Over £1,000 form (requires more detailed organisational and project information)

Application Steps:

  1. Download the appropriate application form from www.lenpicktrust.org.uk
  2. Contact the Trust for initial guidance (recommended): 01778 218090
  3. Complete all requested documentation
  4. Submit via email to info@lenpicktrust.org.uk or by post

Pre-Application Support: The Trust encourages applicants to contact them for advice and assistance before submitting applications.

Decision Timeline

  • Trustee Meetings: Monthly
  • Small Grants (up to £1,000): May be approved at trustees' discretion before a full meeting
  • Notification: Successful applicants informed by letter within 14 days of decision
  • Monitoring Requirement: Recipients must complete a Monitoring and Evaluation form within 12 months of receiving the grant

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the Trust distributed £375,577 in 2024, indicating substantial grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are documented. The Trust reviews applications on a rolling basis and considers each application on its merits.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's documented priorities and stated approach, successful applications should demonstrate:

Alignment with Len Pick's Vision: The Trust emphasizes that trustees “abide by the specific instructions and wishes of the late Len Pick.” Projects that embody his commitment to Bourne's long-term benefit and community spirit are prioritized.

Long-Term Community Impact: According to the Trust's guidance, “applications for grants are carefully considered by the trustees and a priority is put onto projects which will long term improve the town for the local community.” Focus on sustainable, lasting benefits rather than short-term fixes.

Evidence of Diverse Funding Sources: The Trust states it “actively seeks evidence that other sources of funding are also being explored.” Demonstrate that you're pursuing multiple funding streams and not relying solely on the Trust.

Tangible Improvements: The Trust's mission emphasizes “significant and tangible improvements to the quality of life, the environment, the general benefit and well-being” of Bourne residents. Clearly articulate measurable outcomes.

Geographic Focus: All benefits must "substantially accrue within the Trust's area of benefit" (East and West Electoral Wards of Bourne, including Dyke, Cawthorpe, and Twenty). Be explicit about how local residents will benefit.

Non-Statutory Nature: Ensure your project does not replace government or statutory agency funding, as “the Trustees are unable to support applications for projects that replace actual or potential funding from any government, local government, health authority or any other statutory agency.”

Pre-Application Contact: The Trust recommends contacting them for initial guidance. Taking advantage of this shows initiative and allows you to tailor your application to current priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Contact before applying: The Trust welcomes pre-application calls for advice—use this opportunity to ensure strong alignment with current priorities
  • Emphasize long-term impact: Prioritize projects offering sustainable, lasting community benefits over short-term interventions
  • Demonstrate funding diversification: Show you're exploring multiple sources; the Trust actively looks for this evidence
  • Stay hyper-local: Benefits must substantially accrue to Bourne, Dyke, Cawthorpe, and Twenty—be explicit about geographic impact
  • Choose the right tier: Small grants under £1,000 have simpler applications and potentially faster decisions; larger grants require more detail but no upper limit is specified
  • Honor Len's legacy: The Trust takes seriously its commitment to Len Pick's wishes—research his values and demonstrate how your project reflects his community-focused vision
  • Plan for evaluation: Budget time for completing the Monitoring and Evaluation form within 12 months of receiving funding

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