The Pamela Matthews Charitable Trust
Charity Number: 1117094
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Quick Stats
- Charity Number: 1117094
- Annual Giving: ??143,938 (2024)
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
- Geographic Focus: England and Wales, with particular interest in Cavendish, Suffolk
- Established: 2006 (following the death of Pamela Matthews in 2005)
Contact Details
Email: juliastrike@bdbpitmans.com
Phone: 020 7227 7000
Address: BDB Pitmans LLP, One Bartholomew Close, London EC1A 7BL
Overview
The Pamela Matthews Charitable Trust was established in 2006 following the 2005 death of Pamela Matthews (1917-2005), who bequeathed Cavendish Hall in Suffolk to the Landmark Trust along with a substantial legacy to support heritage conservation. The trust was created through a trust deed dated 13 October 2006. With an income of ??88,076 and expenditure of ??143,938 in 2024, the trust focuses on general charitable activities with a particular emphasis on projects in and around Cavendish, Suffolk. The trust honors Pamela Matthews's lifelong commitment to heritage conservation and her generous spirit, which was well known in the local community where she opened her gardens to the public every summer.
Funding Priorities
Priority Areas
The trust supports projects across several defined areas:
Heritage Conservation
- Preservation, protection, and improvement of buildings of national or local architectural or historic interest
- Conservation projects focused on historic properties
Environmental Conservation
- Conservation, preservation, and protection of the physical and natural environment
- Garden and environmental causes
- Prudent use of natural resources
Animal Welfare
- Relief of suffering of animals in need of care and attention
Other Charitable Causes
- Armed forces charities
- Medical and disability causes
- Arts and culture
- Advancement and promotion of education
Geographic Priorities
While the trust operates throughout England and Wales, there is a particular interest in projects local to Cavendish in Suffolk, reflecting Pamela Matthews's deep connection to the area.
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly disclosed, but the trust operates with specific charitable objectives outlined above.
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Governance and Leadership
Trustees: 2 trustees
- Miss Penelope Jane Chapman
- Mr Ian McCulloch
The trustees hold the capital and income of the trust fund upon trust to apply the income, and all or such part of the capital, at such time or times and in such manner, for the public benefit, as they may in their discretion think fit.
No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The trust operates no trading subsidiaries.
Legal Support: The trust is administered through BDB Pitmans LLP, a law firm with extensive charities expertise.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Application processes are not publicly documented. Prospective applicants should contact the trust directly:
Contact: Julia Strike at juliastrike@bdbpitmans.com
Phone: 020 7227 7000
Given the trust's administration through a law firm and lack of public website, this appears to be a trust that operates on an invitation or referral basis, or responds to written applications submitted directly to the trustees via their legal advisors.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly available.
Success Rates
Not publicly available.
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly disclosed.
Application Success Factors
Given the limited public information about specific grants awarded, applicants should consider the following:
Geographic Connection: Projects with a connection to Cavendish, Suffolk, are explicitly prioritized by the trust.
Heritage Focus: The trust's origins in Pamela Matthews's bequest of Cavendish Hall to the Landmark Trust suggests a strong affinity for heritage conservation projects, particularly those involving historic buildings.
Pamela Matthews's Legacy: Understanding Pamela Matthews's values may help applicants align their proposals:
- She was known in Cavendish for her generosity
- She opened her gardens at Cavendish Hall to the public each summer
- She wanted Cavendish Hall “to give pleasure to others” after her death
- She had a lifelong love of historic buildings and gardens
Professional Presentation: Given the trust's administration through a major law firm, applications should be professionally prepared and clearly articulate the charitable benefit.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Local connection matters: Projects in or connected to Cavendish, Suffolk, receive particular attention
- Heritage conservation priority: The trust's origins suggest strong support for historic building preservation
- Direct contact required: No online application portal; contact Julia Strike at BDB Pitmans LLP directly
- Discretionary grant-making: Trustees have broad discretion in applying funds across the defined charitable objectives
- Limited public information: The lack of a website and published guidelines suggests this may be a trust that works with known organizations or responds to direct approaches
- Spend-down pattern: Recent financial data shows expenditure exceeding income, suggesting the trust may be distributing capital
- Professional administration: Applications will be reviewed by experienced legal professionals advising the trustees
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References
- UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 1117094: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1117094
- The Landmark Trust, Cavendish Hall History Album: https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/globalassets/3.-images-and-documents-to-keep/history-albums/cavendish-hall-history-album.pdf
- OpenCharities profile for The Pamela Matthews Charitable Trust: http://opencharities.org/charities/1117094
- Charity Choice Directory listing: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-pamela-matthews-charitable-trust-44310
- Suffolk News, "Cavendish's heritage homes get revamp": https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/sudbury/news/cavendish-s-heritage-homes-get-revamp-1-7546202/