The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £30,000 - £60,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: £500 - £10,000
• Geographic Focus: Birmingham and West Midlands (primarily)

Contact Details

• Website: www.miriamdeanfund.org.uk
• Email: trustees@miriamdeanfund.org.uk
• Phone: 0300 102 3064
• Application Support: Email trustees directly for queries

Overview

The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund was established in 1972 to support refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in the Birmingham and West Midlands area. The charity focuses on providing emergency relief and essential support to refugees and asylum seekers facing financial hardship. Operating with annual grants typically ranging from £30,000 to £60,000, the trust maintains a practical approach to funding, prioritizing immediate needs such as basic living essentials, emergency accommodation support, and critical services access. The trust operates through volunteer trustees who meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions based on demonstrated need and available resources.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Individual Emergency Grants: £500 - £2,000 (for urgent personal needs, accommodation deposits, essential items)
• Organization Support Grants: £1,000 - £10,000 (for refugee support organizations and projects)
• Application method: Written applications reviewed quarterly

Priority Areas

• Emergency accommodation and housing support
• Essential household items and clothing
• Food and subsistence support during asylum process
• Legal advice and representation costs
• Education and training opportunities for refugees
• Healthcare costs not covered by NHS
• Travel costs for essential appointments

What They Don't Fund

• General appeals or circular requests
• Projects outside the West Midlands region (exceptional cases considered)
• Large capital projects
• Ongoing salary costs
• Retrospective funding

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is managed by a board of volunteer trustees who bring expertise in refugee support, social work, and community development. The trustees meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions. The trust operates with minimal administrative overhead, ensuring maximum funds reach beneficiaries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in writing to trustees@miriamdeanfund.org.uk or by post. The trust accepts applications from:

• Individuals (must be supported by a recognized referring agency)
• Registered charities and community organizations
• Statutory agencies working with refugees

Applications should include:

• Clear description of need and circumstances
• Breakdown of costs requested
• Supporting documentation from referring agency (for individuals)
• Evidence of refugee/asylum seeker status

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed at quarterly trustee meetings
• Decisions typically communicated within 2 weeks of meeting
• Emergency cases may be considered between meetings at trustees' discretion
• Notification by email or letter

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, but the trust aims to support as many eligible applications as funds permit.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants can reapply after 6 months if circumstances have changed. Successful applicants may reapply for different needs but should demonstrate how previous grants were used.

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

References

• The Miriam Dean Refugee Trust Fund Official Website (www.miriamdeanfund.org.uk) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry for Charity Number 269655 -
• Trust contact information and application guidance via trustees@miriamdeanfund.org.uk