The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £113,857 (total expenditure)
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: Not specified
- Geographic Focus: UK-wide (originally Yorkshire-focused)
Contact Details
- Website: www.mayfieldartstrust.org.uk
- Email: jthornton@mayfieldartstrust.org.uk
- Phone: 7482633484
- Charity Number: 327665
Overview
The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust (MVAT) was founded 30 years ago by Tony and 'Scilla Thornton with a mission to support organizations committed to helping exceptionally talented young musicians. The trust exists to support organizations that assist young musicians, ensembles, and charities specializing in education through music, including SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) schools. Originally focused on Yorkshire, the trust has expanded its remit to operate UK-wide. With annual expenditure of approximately £114,000, MVAT operates two distinct funding programs to support music education and young musical talent across the United Kingdom.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The trust operates two main funding streams:
- Main Fund: Supporting organizations that help exceptionally talented young musicians (grant amounts not specified)
- AHT Enterprise Fund: Currently closed for the 2025/26 financial year, accepting applications from July 1, 2025 for the 2026/27 financial year
Priority Areas
- Organizations supporting exceptionally talented young musicians
- Music ensembles working with young people
- Charities specializing in education through music
- SEND schools with music education programs
- Music education initiatives
What They Don't Fund
Not explicitly stated in available information
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Governance and Leadership
Trustees:
- David Whelton OBE (Chairman)
- Sarah Derbyshire MBE
- James Williams
- James Thornton (Honorary Treasurer)
The trust was founded by Tony and 'Scilla Thornton. Tony Thornton recently passed away, marking a significant loss for the organization he helped establish 30 years ago.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications should be directed to the trust via email. The AHT Enterprise Fund is currently closed for the 2025/26 financial year but will accept applications from July 1, 2025, for the 2026/27 financial year. The Main Fund application process and timeline are not explicitly detailed in available information. Interested organizations should contact James Thornton at jthornton@mayfieldartstrust.org.uk for application guidance.
Decision Timeline
Not specified in available information
Success Rates
Not available
Reapplication Policy
Not specified in available information
Application Success Factors
Organizations seeking funding should demonstrate:
- Clear commitment to supporting exceptionally talented young musicians
- Educational impact through music programs
- Alignment with the trust's focus on youth music development
- For SEND schools, clear integration of music education into their programs
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The trust specifically supports organizations rather than individual musicians
- Focus your application on how your organization helps develop young musical talent
- Emphasize educational outcomes and impact on young people
- Consider the trust's expanded geographic scope - they now fund UK-wide, not just Yorkshire
- The AHT Enterprise Fund has specific application windows - plan ahead for the July 1, 2025 opening
- Direct initial inquiries to James Thornton, the Honorary Treasurer
- The trust has a 30-year history of supporting music education, demonstrating long-term commitment to the sector
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References
- The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust official website (www.mayfieldartstrust.org.uk) -
- Charity Commission Register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) - Charity Number 327665 -