The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £186,579 (2023-24)
• Grant Range: £500 - £3,500
• Geographic Focus: Greater Manchester only
• Application Method: Rolling applications
• Established: 1984

Contact Details

Website: www.manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk

Email: secretary@manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk

Phone: 01204 414317

Registered Charity Number: 515341

Overview

The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust was established by deed in June 1984 and operates as a grant-making charity serving communities across Greater Manchester. With an annual grant distribution of approximately £186,579 (2023-24) and total income of £124,559, the Trust focuses on supporting smaller charities and community organisations that provide direct charitable benefits within the region. The Trust operates with 10 trustees, none of whom receive remuneration, and maintains a clear commitment to supporting grassroots organisations working with young people, elderly and disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, and arts education initiatives. The charity explicitly targets smaller community-based organisations rather than large national charities, positioning itself as an accessible funder for local groups.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: Up to £3,500 (most typical awards)
• Exceptional Grants: Larger amounts may be awarded in exceptional circumstances at trustees' discretion
• Application Schedule: Rolling basis - applications accepted year-round

Priority Areas

The trustees are particularly interested in assisting:

• Youth Organisations: Scouts, guides, and youth groups
• Health and Disability Support: Organisations supporting sick and disabled people
• Elderly and Disadvantaged: Groups providing services for elderly and disadvantaged members of society
• Arts Education: Educational initiatives by arts organisations, particularly for children and young people
• Community Associations: Community-based groups providing local services

What They Don't Fund

The Trust explicitly does not support:

• Individuals - only registered charities and community organisations
• Political groups
• Religious groups for religious purposes
• Salary costs
• Recurrent/ongoing operational costs
• Other funding or grant-giving bodies
• Core funding for public sector services
• Computer and associated equipment purchases
• National charities - focus is on Greater Manchester organisations
• Organisations established less than three years ago

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 10 trustees who serve without remuneration. Notable trustees include:

• Sharman Birtles - Trustee since 2012, also serves as trustee for J T Blair's Charity and The Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust
• Susan Lomas OBE DL - Appointed 2024, Education Consultant

The Trust operates without employees and manages all grant-making activities through the trustee board.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download: Obtain application guidelines and form from the Trust's website (www.manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk/application-guidelines)
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure your organisation is based in Greater Manchester and has been established for at least three years
3. Complete Form: Fill out the application form thoroughly
4. Submit: Email completed application to secretary@manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk
5. Timing: Applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis

Important: Only one application per organisation will be accepted within a two-year period. Plan accordingly.

Decision Timeline

The Trust operates with trustee meetings held periodically throughout the year. While specific meeting dates are published on their website, decision timelines are not publicly specified. Applicants should check the website for current trustee meeting dates to understand when applications might be reviewed.

Success Rates

The Trust acknowledges that “many applications will be rejected simply because we do not have sufficient funds available.” With annual expenditure of approximately £186,579 and typical grants of up to £3,500, the Trust likely awards around 50-70 grants annually, though exact statistics are not published.

Reapplication Policy

Two-year restriction: Organisations may only submit one application within a two-year period. If unsuccessful, organisations must wait until the two-year window has passed before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's published guidance, successful applications should:

1. Demonstrate Clear Project Focus: The Trust emphasises “defined projects and initiatives” rather than general operating costs. Applications should clearly articulate a specific project with tangible outcomes.

1. Show Community Impact: As a charity focused on “charitable benefits for communities within Greater Manchester,” applications must demonstrate direct community benefit and reach.

1. Align with Priority Areas: The Trust states trustees are “particularly interested” in their priority areas. Ensure your application clearly shows alignment with youth work, disability support, elderly services, arts education, or community development.

1. Be Realistic About Competition: The Trust warns that “many applications will be rejected simply because we do not have sufficient funds available.” This suggests applications should be compelling and clearly demonstrate need and impact.

1. Target Smaller Organisations: The guidance explicitly states “National Charities need not apply,” indicating strong preference for local, community-based organisations.

1. Established Track Record: Only organisations established for at least three years are eligible, suggesting the Trust values proven delivery and stability.

1. Capital or Project Costs: With explicit exclusions of salary costs, recurrent costs, and computer equipment, successful applications likely focus on project-specific costs, equipment (non-computer), or small capital items.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local and Small is Better: This Trust specifically targets smaller, community-based organisations in Greater Manchester - if you're a national charity, don't apply
• One Chance Every Two Years: The two-year restriction on applications means you need to get it right first time - make your strongest case
• Project-Specific Funding: Avoid asking for salaries, ongoing costs, or general operational funding - focus on defined projects with clear outcomes
• Realistic Grant Expectations: Most grants are up to £3,500, so tailor your project and budget accordingly
• Competition is High: The Trust openly acknowledges limited funds and many rejections - ensure your application is compelling and demonstrates clear community impact
• Three-Year Establishment Rule: New organisations won't be considered - ensure you meet the three-year threshold before applying
• Rolling Applications: Apply at any time, but check trustee meeting dates on the website to understand potential decision timelines

References

1. Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust official website - Application & Guidelines page: https://manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk/application-guidelines
2. Charity Commission Register of Charities - Charity number 515341: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=515341&subId=0
3. Manchester Community Central - Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust funding opportunity: https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/support-groups/funding-opportunities/manchester-guardian-society-charitable-trust
4. Action Together - Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust information: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/manchester-guardian-society-charitable-trust
5. Manchester Guardian Society homepage: https://manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk/