The Raindance Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £101,500 (2023)
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £10,000
• Geographic Focus: UK, Uganda, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan (other countries considered)
• Application Cycle: Quarterly (March, June, September, November)
• Legal Form: Trust, registered 2017
• Charity Number: 1172166

Contact Details

Address: Farnfields Solicitors, 37 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AJ

Phone: 01985 214661

Email: nicola.fox@farnfields.com

Charity Commission: Register entry

Contact for Applications: Applications should be submitted via Farnfields Solicitors at the above contact details

Overview

The Raindance Charitable Trust was registered with the Charity Commission in March 2017 as a private trust. The charity's total income for the year ending December 2023 was £112,500, with total expenditure of £103,936, of which £101,500 went to grant-making activities. The trust operates under a simple governance structure with four family trustees who receive no remuneration. The charity's mission is to support charitable organizations working internationally, with a particular focus on women-led organisations operating in developing countries. The trust operates primarily in Uganda, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Pakistan, though other countries are also considered. The trustees hold the capital and income of the trust fund in trust to apply the income for the benefit of exclusively charitable objects and purposes in any part of the world as they may in their discretion think fit.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Raindance Charitable Trust operates a single grant program with quarterly decision-making cycles:

• International Development Grants: £2,000 - £10,000 per grant
• Application Method: Rolling applications considered quarterly at board meetings in March, June, September, and November
• Application Deadline: Applications must be received no later than four weeks before each board meeting
• Selection Process: Projects are selected by trustees or via a grant application process

Priority Areas

Based on overseas granting in 2023, the trust's primary focus areas include:

1. Wildlife Conservation - Supporting organizations protecting endangered species and habitats
2. Community Health - Funding health initiatives and medical services in developing countries
3. Education - Supporting educational programs and access to learning

The trust also gives grants in additional areas including:

• Culture and art
• Humanitarian and disaster relief
• Animal welfare

Key Priority: The trust primarily works with women-led organisations, making this a significant factor in application success.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust's focus on international development in specific countries (Uganda, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan) suggests:

• Projects not aligned with their geographic focus areas may be less competitive
• UK-only projects (without international component) may not be prioritized
• Applications from organizations not registered as charities are unlikely to be considered

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

All four trustees were appointed on 16 December 2016, prior to the charity's registration in March 2017:

• Anthony Frederick James Watson - Chair
• Rukshana Drupathy Watson - Trustee
• Amelia Katherine Watson - Trustee
• Alisha Christina Watson - Trustee

The trust operates as a family foundation with no paid staff. None of the trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. All trustees have remained in post since the charity's founding, suggesting stability and long-term commitment to the trust's mission.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted to Nicola Fox at Farnfields Solicitors via:

• Email: nicola.fox@farnfields.com
• Post: Farnfields Solicitors, 37 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AJ
• Phone: 01985 214661

While specific application form requirements are not publicly documented, contact Farnfields Solicitors directly to inquire about current application requirements and guidance.

Decision Timeline

The trust operates on a quarterly decision cycle:

• Board Meetings: Held in March, June, September, and November
• Application Deadline: Applications must be received no later than four weeks before each board meeting
• Approximate Deadlines:
• Early February for March meeting
• Early May for June meeting
• Early August for September meeting
• Early October for November meeting

Contact Farnfields Solicitors to confirm exact meeting dates and deadlines for each cycle.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, with annual grant-making of approximately £101,500 and individual grants ranging from £2,000 to £10,000, the trust awards an estimated 10-50 grants per year depending on grant sizes.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is documented. Organizations should contact Farnfields Solicitors to inquire about reapplication guidelines if unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

While the trust does not publish detailed application guidance, research suggests the following factors are important:

1. Women-Led Focus: The trust “primarily works with women-led organisations” - applications from organizations led by women are strongly preferred

1. Geographic Alignment: Projects in Uganda, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Pakistan are prioritized, though the trust states “other countries are also considered”

1. Charity Registration: Organizations should be UK-registered charities working internationally, or have local charity registration in their country of operation

1. Focus Area Alignment: Projects in wildlife conservation, community health, and education align with demonstrated 2023 funding patterns

1. Grant Size Appropriateness: The trust makes grants between £2,000 and £10,000, so projects should be scoped appropriately for this funding level

1. Quarterly Planning: With four board meetings per year, applicants should plan ahead and submit well before deadlines to ensure consideration at the next available meeting

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Women-led organizations are explicitly prioritized - highlight female leadership in applications
• Grant range is £2,000 - £10,000 - scope your project request appropriately within this range
• Submit applications at least four weeks before quarterly board meetings (March, June, September, November) - plan ahead
• Focus on wildlife conservation, community health, or education projects in Uganda, Bangladesh, Kenya, or Pakistan for strongest alignment
• UK charity registration is preferred for applicants - ensure your organization meets this requirement
• This is a small family trust with no paid staff - keep applications concise and accessible
• With total annual giving of around £100,000, competition may be moderate - emphasize your unique impact
• Contact Nicola Fox at Farnfields Solicitors for specific application requirements and guidance before submitting

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Henry and Rebecca Tinsley Charitable Trust
• The Dulverton Trust
• Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust
• The Jephcott Charitable Trust
• MJB Charitable Trust
• Newby Trust Limited
• The Blyth Watson Charitable Trust
• THE PETER STEBBINGS MEMORIAL CHARITY
• THE ALA GREEN CHARITABLE TRUST
• MARR-MUNNING TRUST

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - The Raindance Charitable Trust (1172166): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5092360

1. Scotland's International Development Alliance - The Raindance Charitable Trust funding update: https://intdevalliance.scot/membership/funding-update/the-raindance-charitable-trust/

1. Hub Cymru Africa - The Raindance Charitable Trust funding opportunity: https://hubcymruafrica.wales/funding-opportunity/the-raindance-charitable-trust/

1. Fundraiso - The Raindance Charitable Trust profile: https://www.fundraiso.com/en/organisations/the-raindance-charitable-trust

1. Charity Commission - Trustees information for The Raindance Charitable Trust: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5092360/trustees

1. Charity Commission - Accounts and annual returns for The Raindance Charitable Trust: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5092360/accounts-and-annual-returns