The Leonard Laity Stoate Charity

Charity Number: 221325

Annual Expenditure: £0.1M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £107,910 (2024/25)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (360 applications received in 2007)
  • Decision Time: Rolling applications, no fixed timeline
  • Grant Range: £100 - £2,000
  • Typical Grant: £500 - £1,000
  • Geographic Focus: South West England (Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall)

Contact Details

Website: www.stoate-charity.org.uk

Email: secretary@stoate-charity.org.uk

Phone: 07923824313

Overview

The Leonard Laity Stoate Charity was established in 1950 with a trust deed dated 24 June, and registered with the Charity Commission on 20 January 1964. Named after Leonard Laity Stoate (born 8 March 1885 in Fiddington, Somerset), the trust operates almost exclusively in the South West of England. With an income of £88,436 and total expenditure of £107,910 in the 2024/25 financial year, the charity makes small grants to charitable organisations and voluntary bodies throughout England and Wales, with a particular focus on the South West region. The trust has a special interest in Methodism alongside broader charitable purposes, reflecting its founder's background. The charity operates as a private trust that does not raise funds from the public, distributing grants across multiple charitable sectors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Small Grants Programme: £100 - £2,000 (typically £500 - £1,000)
  • Rolling basis applications - no specific deadlines
  • Preference for one-off grants for specific projects or parts of projects
  • Applications accepted year-round

Priority Areas

The trust's funding is distributed across the following categories:

  • Medical and Disablement (28.7%) - Medical causes and support for people with disabilities
  • The Disadvantaged (19.9%) - Projects supporting disadvantaged populations
  • Youth and Children (16.8%) - Children's initiatives and youth work
  • Other Churches (9.4%) - Religious organisations beyond Methodism
  • Community Projects (6.8%) - Community development initiatives
  • Methodism in the Specified Counties (6.5%) - Methodist Church projects in Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall
  • The Environment (5.5%) - Environmental work
  • Other (6.4%) - Other charitable purposes

The trust particularly supports small, innovative projects that make a tangible difference to beneficiaries.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals (grants are only made to charitable organisations)
  • Projects outside the South West of England
  • Large capital projects (given the small grant amounts)
  • Organisations not registered as charities or exempt organisations (though other charitable organisations may be considered)
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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 6 trustees:

  • Dr Pam Stoate - Chair (appointed July 2000)
  • Dr Christopher Stoate - Trustee (appointed June 1991)
  • Philip John Stoate LLB - Trustee (appointed July 2000)
  • Mark David Harnden - Trustee (appointed October 2018)
  • Natasha Jane Jones - Trustee (appointed May 2020)
  • Rev Marcus Torchon - Trustee (appointed October 2025)

The family connection of several trustees to the founder ensures continuity of Leonard Laity Stoate's vision. The inclusion of a Methodist minister among the trustees reflects the charity's ongoing commitment to supporting Methodist causes.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year via the charity's website at www.stoate-charity.org.uk. There are no fixed application deadlines - the trust operates a rolling applications system.

Applicants should:

  • Registered charities and exempt organisations (particularly churches) are preferred
  • Focus applications on small, innovative projects
  • Clearly demonstrate how the project supports one of the priority areas
  • Specify the geographic area (must be in South West England)

Decision Timeline

The charity operates a rolling decision-making process with no fixed timelines published. Given the volume of applications (360 received in 2007, described as “pretty well one a day”), applicants should expect trustees to review applications on an ongoing basis.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. Historical data shows the charity received 360 applications in the year to April 2007. The trustees noted there were "quite a number of 'wasted' applications from well out of their core area," suggesting geographic eligibility is a key factor in application success.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Given the rolling nature of applications, unsuccessful applicants may wish to contact the charity for guidance before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Critical: The charity specifically noted receiving many “wasted” applications from outside their core area. Ensure your organisation operates in Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, or Cornwall before applying.

Small, Innovative Projects: The trust explicitly seeks “small, innovative projects” rather than large-scale programmes or ongoing operational costs. Frame your application around a specific, creative initiative.

One-off Funding: The charity prefers to give one-off grants for specific projects or parts of projects, rather than multi-year commitments or general running costs.

Methodist Connections: While not exclusively focused on Methodist causes, the charity allocates 6.5% of funding to Methodism in specified counties. Methodist organisations may have an advantage if projects align with other priority areas.

Disadvantaged Beneficiaries: With nearly half of funding (47.4%) going to medical/disablement, disadvantaged people, and youth/children categories, applications should clearly demonstrate impact on vulnerable populations.

Realistic Funding Requests: With typical grants of £500-£1,000, ensure your project budget is appropriate for small grant funding. Requesting £100-£1,000 may be most realistic.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic boundaries are strict - Don't waste time applying if you're outside Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, or Cornwall
  • Think small and innovative - This funder wants creative pilot projects, not business-as-usual activities
  • One-off project focus - Frame your request around a specific deliverable or project phase, not ongoing costs
  • Rolling applications mean no rush - Take time to craft a strong application rather than racing to meet a deadline
  • Methodist heritage matters - While not exclusively Methodist, this connection runs through the charity's DNA
  • Demonstrate clear impact - With limited funds (£100-£2,000), show exactly how this amount will make a measurable difference
  • Check your eligibility thoroughly - Being a registered charity or exempt organisation (like a church) is strongly preferred

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