The Norton Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £435,206 (2022)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by programme (monthly/quarterly/periodic)
• Grant Range: £50 - £250,000
• Geographic Focus: Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire

Contact Details

Website: www.nortonfoundation.org

Email: correspondent@nortonfoundation.org

Address: Carleton House, 266-268 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AD

Overview

The Norton Foundation (established 1990) provides financial assistance to young people under 25 who are in need of care, rehabilitation, or aid across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. With historical roots dating back to 1851 when Lord Norton established the Saltley Reformatory School for boys in Birmingham, the Foundation was created when the school closed in 1985 and its assets were transferred. Over the past thirty years, the Foundation has distributed over £4 million in grants, supporting youth facilities, community projects, vocational training programmes, and capital building projects. The Foundation operates through an endowment model, providing sustained support through individual grants, organisational grants, and major capital investments awarded approximately every five years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Individual Grants: £50-£500 (monthly consideration, typically £50-£250)
• Vocational/Personal Development Grants: For organisations (quarterly consideration)
• Minor Capital Works Grants: For buildings/equipment (quarterly consideration)
• Major Capital Grants: £100,000-£250,000 (awarded approximately every five years)

Priority Areas

• Education and vocational training
• Personal development and life chances enhancement
• Rehabilitation from adverse circumstances
• Youth facilities and community centres
• Housing and independent living support
• Amateur sport and physical development
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Prevention of poverty

What They Don't Fund

• Programmes for people over 25
• Organisations outside Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire
• General youth services without focus on need, care, rehabilitation or aid

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by trustees with no paid staff earning over £60,000. A Sub-committee oversees grant decisions including Mr A. Bailey (Chairman), Mr M. Bailey, Mrs Sewell, and Mr Suggett. The trustees manage the Foundation's endowment to ensure long-term sustainability while maintaining Lord Norton's original mission of supporting vulnerable young people.

How to Apply to The Norton Foundation

How to Apply

Individual Grants: Complete application form and submit by post only (monthly consideration)

Organisational Grants: Complete application form with latest financial statements and submit by post only (quarterly consideration)

Major Capital Grants: Submit one-page A4 proposal by email or post during public announcement period (approximately every 5 years). Must include organisation overview, project details and benefits, total cost, and recognition plans.

Decision Timeline

• Individual Grants: Monthly decisions
• Organisational Grants: Quarterly decisions
• Capital Grants: Multi-stage process over several months

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, though high competition expected for major capital grants given their infrequency.

Reapplication Policy

No documented restrictions - unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future rounds.

Application Success Factors

Successful applications demonstrate clear focus on young people under 25 within the geographic area. The Foundation explicitly seeks capital projects that “make a significant difference” and has historically funded youth centres, vocational training facilities, scouting organisations, and services protecting vulnerable young people. Projects must align with training, education, personal development, or rehabilitation priorities. The Foundation values concise applications (one page for capital grants), financial transparency, and sustainable long-term impact. Recent major grants include Hill Street Youth and Community Centre, Rugby (£250,000, 2021), Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid (£250,000, 2015), and Leamington Scouts (£125,000, 2015).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Foundation continues Lord Norton's 170+ year mission - demonstrate awareness of this heritage
• Major capital grants are rare but substantial (approximately every 5 years, £100k-£250k)
• Don't overlook smaller quarterly organisational grants
• Geographic specificity is non-negotiable - must serve Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, or Warwickshire
• Under-25 focus is absolute - clearly demonstrate young people component
• Master the one-page format for capital grant applications
• Plan for postal submission requirements for most grant types

References

• The Norton Foundation website. Available at: https://nortonfoundation.org
• UK Charity Commission Register - The Norton Foundation (Charity 702638). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=702638
• The Norton Foundation - Grants Available, Grants Awarded, and History pages. Available at: https://nortonfoundation.org
• The Norton Foundation Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 5 April 2023. UK Charity Commission
• “How would your organisation use £100k grant to help young people?” Grapevine Birmingham, December 2025
• “Last chance to apply for £100k grant to help young people” Express & Star, February 2026