The Mrs Smith And Mount Trust

Website: www.mrssmithandmounttrust.org

Email: admin@mrssmithandmounttrust.org

Phone: 01285 841900

Charity Number: 1009718

How to Apply

• For Small Grants:
• Most recent signed annual report and financial statements (not draft accounts)
• Budget for current financial year
• Job description (if applying for salary funding)
• For Large Grants:
• Most recent signed annual report and financial statements (not draft accounts)
• Budget for current financial year
• Strategic or business plan

Important: Do not send additional information beyond what is requested, as it will be discarded. Draft accounts are not accepted.

Decision Timeline

• Trustees Meetings: Three times per year in March, July, and November
• Application Deadline: At least six weeks before the trustees meeting, or when sufficient applications are received
• Notification Timeline:
• Unsuccessful applicants: Notified by email within two weeks of trustees meeting
• Successful applicants: Sent letter by email confirming grant offer and conditions
• Total Process: Approximately 6-8 weeks from submission to decision

Success Rates

The Trust does not publicly disclose success rates or the number of applications received versus grants awarded. Applications close once sufficient proposals are received for each meeting, suggesting competitive demand.

Reapplication Policy

For Unsuccessful Applicants: The trustees expect to see “sufficient changes” before considering a reapplication. While there is no explicit waiting period stated, it is implied that applicants should wait at least one year and demonstrate meaningful changes to their project or approach.

Restrictions for Previous Grantees:

• Small Grants: Charities that have received grants for six consecutive years cannot apply
• Large Grants: Charities that received a large grant in the last three years (from the date of last payment) cannot apply

Important Note: It is the policy of trustees not to provide reasons for their funding decisions.

What the Trust Looks For

The trustees assess applications based on several key factors:

1. Problem Statistics: Clear data demonstrating the need
2. Structural/Economic/Social Context: Understanding of the broader environment
3. Local Needs Assessment: Evidence of specific community needs
4. Service Approach: Well-defined methodology and delivery model
5. Demonstrated Efficacy: Evidence that the approach works
6. External Validation: Third-party endorsement or evaluation of services

Examples of Funded Projects

• Mental Health Resource: Awarded £5,000 for the Reachout Youth project providing mental health support sessions for young people
• Renew Counselling and Training: Received funding for therapeutic services in Basildon

Strategic Guidance

• Focus on Therapeutic Interventions: The 2023 criteria shift emphasizes therapeutic, advice, and counselling services over general support
• Geographic Specificity: Ensure all beneficiaries are located within the eight eligible counties
• Evidence-Based Approaches: Strong emphasis on demonstrated efficacy and external validation
• Service Accessibility: For counselling services, demonstrate that services are free or very low cost to beneficiaries
• Strategic Development: Large grants favor applications showing strategic service development rather than simple continuation

Tips for Standing Out

1. Complete the Eligibility Quiz Thoroughly: This determines whether you can access the application form
2. Provide Clean Financial Statements: Only signed, final accounts are accepted—no draft documents
3. Demonstrate Impact: Strong evidence of efficacy and external validation
4. Show Strategic Thinking: Particularly for large grants, articulate how funding enables strategic development
5. Be Concise: Do not send additional materials beyond what is requested
6. Target the Right Programme: Small charities (especially rural) should consider small grants; larger strategic initiatives suit large grants
7. Allow Sufficient Changes: If reapplying after rejection, ensure meaningful changes to the project approach
8. Apply Early: Applications close when sufficient proposals are received, so don't delay

Common Pitfalls

• Submitting draft accounts instead of signed financial statements
• Sending additional information beyond what is requested
• Applying too soon after an unsuccessful application without sufficient changes
• Proposing capital projects rather than service delivery
• Beneficiaries located outside the eight eligible counties