The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £100,000 (Main Fund)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Up to £12,000 (AHT Enterprise Fund); amount varies (Main Fund)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (originally Yorkshire-focused)

Contact Details

• Website: www.mayfieldartstrust.org.uk
• Email: jthornton@mayfieldartstrust.org.uk
• Phone: 01142667141
• Address: 14 Abbots Drive, Ballasalla, Isle of Man IM9 3EB
• Charity Number: 327665

Overview

The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust (MVAT) was founded in 1987 by Tony and 'Scilla Thornton with a mission to support organisations committed to helping exceptionally talented young musicians. The trust exists to support organisations that assist young musicians, ensembles, and charities specialising 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. MVAT operates two distinct funding programmes to support music education and young musical talent across the United Kingdom. Since 1989, the trust has made grants totalling in excess of £3 million.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The trust operates two main funding streams:

• Main Fund: Distributes approximately £100,000 annually to support organisations that help exceptionally talented young musicians. Applications typically open in August (subject to availability).
• AHT Enterprise Fund: Distributes approximately £24,000 annually, making 2-3 awards per year with a maximum award of £12,000. The fund welcomes applications from organisations which have yet to establish a funding relationship with MVAT and will seed fund projects which might lead to a more substantial application in the future. Applications typically accepted from July.

The trust has no set formula for the percentage of costs it will provide towards a project and each application will be assessed individually on the basis of its impact and contribution towards the trust's objectives.

Priority Areas

• Organisations supporting exceptionally talented young musicians
• Music ensembles working with young people
• Charities specialising in education through music
• SEND schools with music education programmes
• Music education initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Individual applications (the trust supports only registered charities)
• Education of individual students
• Musical instruments for individuals, schools or organisations
• Capital appeals
• Grants solely to support core costs (the majority of any grant must be directed towards project activity)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• David Whelton OBE (Chairman, appointed 2015)
• Sarah Derbyshire MBE
• James Williams
• James Thornton (Honorary Treasurer)

The trust was founded by Tony and 'Scilla Thornton. Tony Thornton MBE passed away on 31 January 2021, aged 91, marking a significant loss for the organisation he established in 1987.

How to Apply to The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through an expression of interest process for the AHT Enterprise Fund, following which trustees will invite a shortlist of organisations to make formal applications. The Main Fund application process requires direct contact with the trust. Applications will only be accepted from organisations which have charitable status and a proven track record of good governance and sound management.

Application Windows

• Main Fund: Applications typically open in August (subject to fund availability)
• AHT Enterprise Fund: Applications typically accepted from July

Interested organisations should contact James Thornton at jthornton@mayfieldartstrust.org.uk for application guidance and to confirm current availability.

Decision Timeline

Not specified in available information

Success Rates

Not available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available information

Application Success Factors

Organisations seeking funding should demonstrate:

• Clear commitment to supporting exceptionally talented young musicians
• Educational impact through music programmes
• Alignment with the trust's focus on youth music development
• For SEND schools, clear integration of music education into their programmes
• Charitable status and proven track record of good governance and sound management
• Impact and contribution towards the trust's objectives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The trust specifically supports organisations rather than individual musicians
• Focus your application on how your organisation helps develop young musical talent
• Emphasise educational outcomes and impact on young people
• Consider the trust's expanded geographic scope - they now fund UK-wide, not just Yorkshire
• Both funds have specific application windows - plan ahead and contact the trust early
• The trust does not fund capital appeals, musical instruments, or grants solely for core costs
• Direct initial inquiries to James Thornton, the Honorary Treasurer
• The trust has a long history of supporting music education since 1987, demonstrating long-term commitment to the sector
• The AHT Enterprise Fund particularly welcomes applications from organisations new to the trust

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Ofenheim Charitable Trust
• The Vox Musica Trust
• The Fidelio Charitable Trust
• The Tom Ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust
• Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust
• Odin Charitable Trust
• The Boltini Trust
• Backstage Trust
• The Basil Samuel Charitable Trust
• Thriplow Charitable Trust

References

• The Mayfield Valley Arts Trust official website (www.mayfieldartstrust.org.uk)
• Charity Commission Register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) - Charity Number 327665
• Yorkshire Post - “Obituary: Tony Thornton, businessman and arts patron” (2021)
• Live Music Now - “Tony Thornton MBE, Founder of the Mayfield Valley Arts Trust”