The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately £140,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly available
• Geographic Focus: South India, Kenya, and South Africa

Contact Details

• Address: 3 Ladwell Close, Newbury, West Berkshire, RG14 6PJ
• Website: www.miriamdeanfund.org.uk
• Email: trustees@miriamdeanfund.org.uk
• Phone: 0300 102 3064

Overview

The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund was established in 1975 to support vulnerable communities abroad, particularly refugees, orphans, and those in poverty. The charity operates primarily in South India, Kenya, and South Africa, providing grants to established local organisations working with disadvantaged populations. With annual grants of approximately £140,000, the fund focuses on sustainable development projects addressing education, healthcare, poverty relief, and support for vulnerable children. The charity operates entirely through volunteers, with five trustees managing all administrative work without remuneration, ensuring that all donated funds reach beneficiaries overseas. The fund works in close partnership with trusted local charitable organisations rather than accepting applications from new organisations.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

• Education and training for disadvantaged children and young people
• Healthcare facilities and medical outreach
• Support for orphaned and disabled children
• Children affected by AIDS
• Female empowerment programmes
• Housing for elderly people in poverty
• Vocational training and self-help programmes for street youth
• Infrastructure improvements for schools and community facilities

Geographic Focus

• South India: Primarily Tamil Nadu region, working with organisations supporting Dalit children and rural communities
• Kenya: Nairobi area, supporting educational and vocational training programmes
• South Africa: East London area, supporting pre-schools for disadvantaged children

What They Fund

The charity makes grants to established local charitable organisations providing services including education and training, healthcare, disability support, poverty relief, and housing. Projects typically focus on vulnerable children and sustainable community development.

What They Don't Fund

• Individual applications
• UK-based projects or organisations
• New organisations without established track record
• Projects outside their core geographic areas (South India, Kenya, South Africa)
• General appeals or unsolicited applications

Ready to write a winning application for The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save hours and increase your success rate.

Learn more >

Governance and Leadership

The trust is managed by five volunteer trustees who oversee all aspects of the charity's operations. No trustees receive remuneration, and the charity has no paid employees. All administrative work is undertaken by trustees without payment, ensuring minimal overheads. This structure allows virtually all funds to be directed to charitable work overseas, with administrative expenses covered by investment income.

How to Apply to The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund

How to Apply

The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund works exclusively through established partnerships with local charitable organisations in South India, Kenya, and South Africa. The fund does not accept unsolicited applications from new organisations or individuals.

The charity builds long-term relationships with trusted local partners who have demonstrated effectiveness in serving disadvantaged communities. Funding decisions are made by the trustees based on reports from existing partner organisations.

For Potential Partners

Organisations seeking to establish a relationship with the fund should contact the trustees via email at trustees@miriamdeanfund.org.uk. However, applicants should note that the fund typically works with a small number of established partners and rarely takes on new partnerships.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's funding patterns and priorities:

• Clear demonstration of refugee or asylum seeker status
• Specific, itemized funding request rather than general support
• Evidence of immediate need and potential impact
• Support from recognized referring agency strengthens individual applications
• Focus on Birmingham and West Midlands increases likelihood of support
• Clear explanation of how grant will provide lasting benefit
• Evidence that other funding sources have been explored
• Realistic budget that represents value for money

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Keep applications concise and focused on immediate, practical needs
• Ensure strong supporting evidence from recognized agencies for individual applications
• Emphasize local connections to Birmingham and West Midlands
• Submit applications well before quarterly meetings to ensure consideration
• Consider breaking larger requests into phases if appropriate
• Demonstrate clear outcomes and lasting impact from relatively small grants
• Build relationship with trustees through initial email contact before formal application

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The South Street Green Room Foundation
• Mpm Charitable Trust
• Ipsos Foundation
• Livingston Charitable Trust
• The Breadsticks Foundation
• The Van Neste Foundation
• Halcrow Foundation
• Zarina Foundation
• The Monsoon Accessorize Trust
• The Childwick Trust

References

• Charity Commission Register Entry for Charity Number 269655 -
• The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund Official Website (www.miriamdeanfund.org.uk) -
• Miriam Dean Fund Annual Report 2022 (via www.miriamdeanfund.org.uk) -