The Old Enfield Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ??250,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly meetings (approximately 3-4 months)
• Grant Range: Not specified (varies by grant type)
• Geographic Focus: EN1, EN2, and EN3 postcodes in London Borough of Enfield

Contact Details

• Website: www.thetrustenfield.org.uk
• Email: bindi@thetrustenfield.org.uk
• Phone: 020 8367 8941
• Address: 22 The Town, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 6LT
• Charity Number: 207840

Overview

The Old Enfield Charitable Trust is one of England's oldest charities, having served the Enfield community for over 500 years since 1547. The Trust was granted a Royal Charter by King James I in 1618, giving it the right to run Enfield Market, which continues to provide income for charitable activities. With annual grant distribution of approximately ??250,000, the Trust supports individuals, families, and community organizations in need with dignity and respect. The Trust operates strictly within the historic Ancient Parish of Enfield, specifically the EN1, EN2, and EN3 postcode areas in the London Borough of Enfield. Governed by fifteen trustees who live, work, or have good knowledge of the local area, the Trust maintains a strong connection to the community it serves and makes quarterly grant decisions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates three distinct grant streams:

1. Personal Grants

• One-off grants for residents who cannot afford unexpected household expenses
• Covers replacement or provision of household goods and furniture
• Includes items for disabled or chronically ill residents
• Important: The Trust purchases items directly - no cash grants are provided
• Rolling application basis

2. Education Grants

• For students and residents undertaking further education or training
• Covers living costs including equipment, stationery, travel, and general study expenses
• Applicants must have accepted course placement
• Applicants must take up Student Finance England loan first
• May include interview with Education Committee
• Rolling application basis

3. Community Grants

• For local community groups, self-help groups, voluntary organizations, and charities
• Projects must demonstrate benefit to local residents
• Grants must be spent within 6 months of award
• Rolling application basis

Priority Areas

• Relief of financial hardship for residents of EN1, EN2, and EN3
• Children and education
• Health and wellbeing
• Environment
• Active lifestyles
• Projects that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Enfield
• Supporting local community initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Cash grants to individuals (only direct purchase of goods)
• Applications from outside EN1, EN2, and EN3 postcode areas
• Specific exclusions detailed in Terms & Conditions (available on website)

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by fifteen Trustees who collectively bring extensive knowledge of the local Enfield area. The governance structure includes:

• 2 Trustees nominated by St Andrews Church
• 2 Trustees nominated by Enfield Council
• 11 elected Trustees (filled as vacancies arise)

All Trustees either live, work, or have good knowledge of the EN1, EN2, and EN3 areas. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. Grant decisions are made collectively by the full board of trustees on a quarterly basis.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Personal Grants:

• Download application form from website
• Provide comprehensive supporting evidence:
• Tenancy agreement
• Income documentation (benefits letters, wage slips, bank statements)
• Savings evidence
• Bill statements and debt documentation
• Photo ID and residency status documentation
• Social workers/support workers should phone the office for a referral form

Education Grants:

• Download application form from website
• Must demonstrate course acceptance
• Provide evidence of taking up Student Finance England loan
• Submit detailed documentation:
• Course acceptance evidence
• Equipment/materials list with costs
• Tenancy/halls agreement
• Income and benefit documentation
• Course fee proof
• Bank statements
• Photo ID

Community Grants:

• Review Terms & Conditions
• Download application form from website
• Submit latest financial accounts
• Additional information may be requested

Decision Timeline

• Grant decisions taken on a quarterly basis
• Applications treated in strictest confidence
• Applicants informed of trustees' decision after relevant grant meeting
• For community grants: funds must be spent within 6 months of award
• Typical timeframe: 3-4 months from submission to decision

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. The Trust administers approximately ??250,000 annually across all three grant streams.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not specified on public materials. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

For Personal Grants:

• Demonstrate clear financial need through comprehensive documentation
• Ensure residency within EN1, EN2, or EN3 postcodes
• Understand that goods will be purchased directly by the Trust (no cash grants)
• Provide complete evidence of income, savings, debts, and bills

For Education Grants:

• The Trust emphasizes: “The more information you provide the easier it will be for us to prepare your profile to present to the Trustees”
• Show evidence of seeking other funding sources first, including Student Finance England
• Clearly articulate educational goals, interests, and ambitions
• Provide detailed breakdown of all costs
• Be prepared for potential interview with Education Committee

For Community Grants:

• Demonstrate clear benefit to residents of EN1, EN2, and EN3
• Address local community needs or initiatives
• Show how project relieves hardship for people of Enfield
• Reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Enfield
• Provide strong financial documentation
• Ensure project can be completed within 6 months of grant award

General Success Factors:

• Strong local connection to the Ancient Parish of Enfield
• Clear demonstration of need (financial for individuals, community benefit for organizations)
• Comprehensive documentation
• Alignment with Trust's key interest areas
• Projects that support residents in need with dignity and respect

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only applications from EN1, EN2, and EN3 postcodes will be considered - verify eligibility before applying
• Documentation is critical: The Trust requires comprehensive evidence for all applications; incomplete applications likely to be unsuccessful
• No cash grants for individuals: Personal grants provide goods directly, not monetary awards
• Quarterly decisions mean patience: Build in 3-4 months for decision timeline
• Local trustees know the area: Trustees live and work in the community, so authenticity and genuine local need matter greatly
• Education applicants must exhaust other options first: Show evidence of pursuing Student Finance England and other funding sources
• Community grants have tight spending deadlines: 6-month spending requirement means projects must be ready to implement
• Historic charity values tradition: Over 500 years of service means dignity, respect, and traditional charitable values are important to the Trust's identity

References

• The Old Enfield Charitable Trust official website: https://thetrustenfield.org.uk/
• Community Grants information: https://thetrustenfield.org.uk/communitygrants/
• Personal Grants information: https://thetrustenfield.org.uk/personalgrants/
• Education Grants information: https://thetrustenfield.org.uk/educationgrants/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=207840
• Grants Online Local - Enfield: https://portal.grantsonlinelocal.uk/viewfunding,48,546