The Payback Time Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £800,000 - £1,200,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Typically 3-4 months
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £50,000 (typical grants £10,000 - £25,000)
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales

Contact Details

• Email: charitabletrusts@ludlowtrust.com
• Phone: 0117 313 8200
• Website: No dedicated website
• Correspondence: Through Ludlow Trust Company Limited

Overview

The Payback Time Trust is a private grant-making trust established in 2012 with a focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals across England and Wales. Operating without a public website, the Trust works through trustee discretion to identify and support charities working in areas of social welfare, education, health, and community development. With annual giving typically ranging between £800,000 and £1.2 million, the Trust maintains a low public profile while making significant contributions to charitable causes. The Trust is administered by Ludlow Trust Company Limited, a professional trust management firm that handles correspondence and grant administration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates a single discretionary grant programme:

• General Grants: £5,000 - £50,000 (majority of grants between £10,000 - £25,000)
• No fixed application deadlines - decisions made at quarterly trustee meetings

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant patterns, the Trust prioritizes:

• Social welfare and poverty alleviation
• Support for vulnerable children and young people
• Mental health and wellbeing services
• Community development projects
• Education and skills training for disadvantaged groups
• Support for elderly and disabled individuals

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, analysis of grant patterns suggests they typically do not fund:

• Individual applications
• Overseas projects
• Political or campaigning activities
• Large capital projects
• Organizations with substantial reserves

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by a board of trustees who meet quarterly to review grant applications. The Trust's administration is managed by Ludlow Trust Company Limited, a Bristol-based professional trust and charity management firm. The trustees maintain a low public profile, preferring to focus on their charitable giving rather than publicity. All correspondence and grant administration is handled through Ludlow Trust Company's charitable trusts team.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, who identify suitable beneficiary organizations through their networks and research. Organizations seeking support should send a brief introductory letter to the Trust via Ludlow Trust Company at charitabletrusts@ludlowtrust.com.

Getting on Their Radar

As the Trust operates without a public application process, organizations may increase their visibility by:

• Sending a concise introductory letter outlining your organization's work and impact
• Ensuring your charity is well-represented in sector directories and Charity Commission records
• Building relationships with other funders who may recommend your work
• Maintaining a strong track record of delivery and good governance that would withstand due diligence

Decision Timeline

• Trustee meetings held quarterly
• Decisions typically communicated within 3-4 months of initial contact
• Successful applicants notified by letter from Ludlow Trust Company

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available due to the Trust's discretionary grant-making approach.

Reapplication Policy

No formal policy stated. Organizations that align with the Trust's priorities may maintain contact through Ludlow Trust Company.

Application Success Factors

Given the Trust's private nature and discretionary approach:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with the Trust's focus on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
• Provide evidence of strong governance and financial management
• Show measurable impact from previous work
• Keep initial communications concise and professional
• Be prepared for thorough due diligence if trustees express interest
• Highlight partnerships or endorsements from other respected funders
• Focus on sustainable solutions rather than short-term relief

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Payback Time Trust is a significant but low-profile funder with no public application process
• All contact must go through Ludlow Trust Company's charitable trusts team
• Focus areas include social welfare, vulnerable populations, and community development
• Typical grants range from £10,000 to £25,000, though larger grants up to £50,000 are possible
• Quarterly trustee meetings mean patience is required in the decision process
• Professional presentation and strong governance are essential given the formal administration through Ludlow Trust Company
• Building visibility through sector networks may be more effective than direct applications

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales - Charity Details for The Payback Time Trust (Charity Number: 1147853) -
• Ludlow Trust Company Limited - Professional Trust Services Information -
• Annual Returns and Financial Information from Charity Commission Database - 2021-2023
• Sector analysis of similar discretionary grant-making trusts in England and Wales