The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 266842

Annual Expenditure: £0.8M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £808,007 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: £10,000 - £20,000+ (based on observed grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Norfolk (preference), England & Wales (eligible)

Contact Details

Address: Howes Percival LLP, Flint Buildings, 1 Bedding Lane, Norwich NR3 1RG

Phone: 01603 762103

Email: Not publicly available

Note: The trust is administered through Howes Percival LLP solicitors in Norwich. Contact should be directed to this address.

Overview

The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust was established in February 1974 (Charity Number 266842) and operates as a discretionary grant-making trust supporting charitable causes across England and Wales, with a strong preference for Norfolk-based organizations. As of April 2024, the trust distributed £808,007 in grants, demonstrating significant philanthropic impact. The trust has wide charitable objects, giving trustees uncontrolled discretion to apply both capital and income for any legally charitable purpose. With four trustees and no employees, it operates as a lean grant-making organization. The trust does not raise funds from the public and maintains no trading subsidiaries. The trust is a member of the Norwich & District Funders' Forum, demonstrating active engagement with the local funding community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a discretionary grant-making program rather than defined grant streams. Based on observed grants:

  • Capital Projects: £10,000 - £20,000+ (e.g., Norwich Synagogue refurbishment - £20,000; Eagle Canoe Club facilities - £10,000)
  • Core Funding: Multi-year support available (e.g., Frozen Light Theatre, Norfolk Community Law Service)
  • Fund Creation: Partnership with Norfolk Community Foundation to establish the Inspiring Opportunities Fund

Applications appear to be considered on a rolling basis.

Priority Areas

The trust has demonstrated support for:

  • Arts & Culture: Theatre companies and cultural organizations
  • Community Facilities: Sports clubs, community centers, refurbishment projects
  • Legal & Advice Services: Community law services and support organizations
  • Social Services: Organizations supporting people with learning disabilities and young people in care
  • Faith Communities: Places of worship and religious community centers
  • Education & Youth Development: Skills development and opportunities for young people
  • Environmental Projects: Clean water and environmental conservation initiatives

The trust explicitly states preference for “Norfolk based charitable causes of any kind provided they are legally charitable.”

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals: “Donations will not normally be made to individuals”
  • Organizations outside England and Wales (though Norfolk preference is very strong)
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The trust is governed by four trustees:

  • Graham Robert Tuttle (appointed 2012)
  • Patrick John Harris BA FCA (appointed 2013)
  • Morris Peacock (appointed 2018)
  • Kimberley Grazyna (appointed 2025)

No trustees receive remuneration or payments from the trust. The trust is administered through Howes Percival LLP, a law firm in Norwich, suggesting professional oversight of grant-making decisions.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The trust does not maintain a public website or published application guidelines. Based on available information:

  • Applications should be directed to the trust at Howes Percival LLP (contact details above)
  • The trust likely accepts written applications by post or email (though specific email not publicly listed)
  • No online application portal is mentioned
  • Given the trust's discretionary nature, applications should clearly articulate the charitable purpose and connection to Norfolk

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. As a discretionary trust without fixed grant rounds, applications may be considered on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The trust distributed £808,007 in 2024 (April year-end) across multiple organizations, suggesting selective but significant grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

No public information available regarding reapplication policies or restrictions for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's funded organizations and charitable objectives:

Geographic Connection: The strongest factor appears to be location in or service to Norfolk. While the trust can legally fund anywhere in England and Wales, stated preference and observed grants strongly favor Norfolk-based organizations.

Charitable Purpose Clarity: With “wide charitable objects,” the trust supports diverse causes. Applications should clearly demonstrate legally charitable purpose rather than trying to fit a specific program template.

Diverse Funding Types: The trust has funded:

  • Capital projects (building refurbishments and facilities)
  • Core organizational support (multi-year relationships)
  • Innovative funding mechanisms (establishing new grant funds)
  • Both large established organizations and smaller community groups

Recent Funded Projects Include:

  • Norwich Synagogue refurbishment (£20,000)
  • Norwich Eagle Canoe Club facilities (£10,000)
  • Frozen Light Theatre (core support)
  • Norfolk Community Law Service
  • Assist Trust (learning disability services)
  • Clean Rivers Trust (environmental)
  • Norfolk Community Foundation partnership (Inspiring Opportunities Fund)

Community Impact: Organizations demonstrating clear benefit to Norfolk communities appear to be prioritized. The trust supports a mix of direct service provision, community facilities, and capacity-building initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Norfolk is essential: While legally able to fund across England and Wales, the trust's explicit preference and grant history strongly indicate Norfolk-based organizations have significantly higher success rates.
  • Broad charitable purpose is an advantage: Unlike many trusts with narrow funding criteria, this trust's “wide charitable objects” means diverse causes are eligible. Focus on demonstrating strong charitable merit rather than fitting specific program criteria.
  • Build the relationship: With no website or formal application process, establishing contact and relationship with the trustees (via Howes Percival) is likely important. The trust's membership in the Norwich & District Funders' Forum suggests trustees value local funder networks.
  • Consider scale: Observed grants range from £10,000-£20,000+, with capacity for larger commitments. This is not a small grants program—applications should be proportionate to organizational needs and impact.
  • Expect discretionary decision-making: With trustees having “uncontrolled discretion,” decisions may be based on factors beyond formal criteria. Clear, compelling communication of charitable purpose and community benefit is essential.
  • Professional administration matters: With solicitors managing the trust, applications should be professionally presented and legally sound, particularly regarding charitable status and governance.
  • Long-term relationships are valued: Several funded organizations appear to have ongoing relationships with the trust, suggesting value in maintaining engagement beyond individual grants.

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