The Patrick Trust

Charity Number: 213849

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £192,334 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: £500 - £2,500
  • Geographic Focus: West Midlands only (Birmingham City, Coventry City, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire)

Contact Details

  • Website: www.thepatricktrust.org.uk
  • Email: thepatricktrust@aol.com
  • Phone: 0121 486 3399
  • Address: The Lakeside Centre, 180 Lifford Lane, Kings Norton, Birmingham B30 3NU

Overview

The Patrick Trust was founded in August 1962 by Joseph Patrick and his wife Ruth in memory of their son Andrew, who died at age 13 from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Initially focused on funding research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the Trust has evolved to support charities helping young people, elderly people, and organizations benefiting the West Midlands region. Over its 60+ year history (celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2022), the Trust has allocated grants in excess of £6 million to UK registered charities. With an annual expenditure of £192,334 in 2024 and income of £245,428, the Trust continues to operate as a grant-making organization specifically focused on West Midlands charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • General Grants Programme: £500 - £2,500 (contact directly to apply; rolling basis)

The Trust emphasizes that applicants should not apply for more than £2,500 without prior discussion with the trustees.

Priority Areas

The Trust seeks to help charities supporting:

  • Young people: Organizations providing general help or support for problems young people are experiencing
  • Elderly people: Organizations helping seniors get the most out of life or providing assistance with physical, mental, or other difficulties
  • West Midlands cultural and pastoral activities: Projects that benefit the West Midlands region

What They Don't Fund

  • Geographic exclusions: Any charities based outside the West Midlands region
  • Non-charitable organizations: Organizations not registered with the Charity Commission
  • Wheelchair grants: The Trust specifically directs wheelchair-related applications to the Joseph Patrick Trust (a separate welfare trust of Muscular Dystrophy UK)
  • Organizations that cannot ring-fence donations: Applicants must demonstrate ability to ring-fence any donation to specifically benefit the West Midlands region
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Governance and Leadership

The current board comprises seven trustees who come from wide-ranging, diverse backgrounds, with specialties in the fields the Trust aims to support. The trustees include:

  • Amanda Jane Pillinger (Appointed: 2018)
  • Graham Wem FCA
  • Heather Patricia Cole
  • Julian Andrew Pritchard (Appointed: 2020)
  • Laura Louise Pritchard (Appointed: 2018)
  • William Bond-Williams BSc

No trustees receive remuneration or payments, and the Trust has no employees with benefits over £60,000, demonstrating a volunteer-driven governance model.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Trust accepts applications on a rolling basis. To apply:

  1. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying
  2. Request a funding information leaflet or check the “Funding Info” tab on the website
  3. Contact the Trust directly via email (thepatricktrust@aol.com) or phone (0121 486 3399)
  4. Submit your application with clear demonstration that funds will benefit the West Midlands region

Important: The website emphasizes: “PLEASE do ensure before applying that you meet the criteria set out by the Patrick Trust.”

Decision Timeline

The Trust does not publicly disclose specific decision timelines.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. Due to the high volume of funding requests, the Trust notes that “it is no longer possible to reply to unsuccessful applicants.”

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publicly specify reapplication policies or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's own guidance:

  • Ring-fencing is essential: Applicants must clearly demonstrate ability to ring-fence any donation to specifically benefit the West Midlands region, as stated in their eligibility criteria
  • Stay within the range: The Trust advises to “please bear this in mind when making an application” regarding their £500-£2,500 donation range
  • Meet the core criteria: The Trust emphasizes applicants should carefully review criteria before applying, focusing on charities registered with the Charity Commission that help either elderly or young people
  • Geographic focus matters: The Trust will “ONLY consider other charities based in the West Midlands” - this is a strict geographical limitation
  • Prior discussion for larger amounts: Do not apply for more than £2,500 without first discussing with the trustees
  • Direct wheelchair requests appropriately: Applications related to wheelchairs should be directed to the Joseph Patrick Trust instead

Examples of supported charities include Birmingham Hippodrome, Brain Tumour Charity, DEBRA, Shelter, Sir Josiah Mason Trust, St Basils, The Stonehouse Gang, Elmhurst Ballet School, St Mary Stevens Hospice, Symphony Hall Birmingham, Samaritans, and Friends of Brandwood Cemetery.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic restriction is absolute: Only West Midlands-based charities (Birmingham City, Coventry City, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire) are eligible - this cannot be overlooked
  • Small grants focus: With a typical range of £500-£2,500, this is suitable for small projects or as part of a larger funding portfolio
  • Demonstrate regional benefit: Your application must clearly show how the donation will be ring-fenced to benefit the West Midlands region specifically
  • No response to unsuccessful applications: Due to high volume, unsuccessful applicants will not receive notification, so don't wait indefinitely for feedback
  • Heritage of supporting muscular dystrophy: While the Trust has broadened its scope, its origins supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK (having donated over £3 million, including £1 million for Duchenne MD research) may indicate continued interest in disability-related causes
  • Be realistic about grant size: Don't apply for more than £2,500 without prior discussion, and recognize the typical range when planning your funding request
  • Charity registration is mandatory: Only charities registered with the Charity Commission are eligible

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