The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 276274

Geographic Focus: New Zealand, Throughout England

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Tens of millions since 2003; £100m+ invested in Folkestone
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Up to 4 months
  • Grant Range: £5,000 - £7,000,000+ (modest community grants to major capital projects)
  • Geographic Focus: East Kent, particularly Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh

Contact Details

Address: Strand House, Pilgrims Way, Monks Horton, Ashford, Kent TN25 6DR

Website: www.rdhct.org.uk

Phone: 01303 817467

Application Method: Online application form or postal submission

Overview

The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust was established in 1978 by Sir Roger De Haan CBE DL, Chairman of Saga Group, and his late father Sidney, Saga's founder. Since 2003, the Trust has awarded tens of millions of pounds to projects benefiting the communities of Folkestone, Hythe, Romney Marsh, and the North Downs. The Trust's total investment in Folkestone exceeds £100 million, including £42 million dedicated to arts and creative industries and £18 million to sports projects. The Trust operates with a distinctive model: it purchases and refurbishes neglected properties, then assigns them on 125-year peppercorn rent leases to organizations like Creative Folkestone. The Trust offers not just financial support but also access to professional expertise to help applicants realize and manage projects cost-effectively. The Trust continues to play a transformative role in east Kent's regeneration, with donations ranging from modest community grants to substantial multi-million-pound capital projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Open Grants Programme: £5,000 - £7,000,000+

  • Rolling application process with three trustee meetings per year (February, June, November)
  • Donations vary from relatively modest grants for community projects to substantial support for capital projects
  • Applications accepted via online portal or postal submission
  • Specific submission deadlines for each meeting (late January, mid-May, mid-October)

Priority Areas

  • Education: Schools and education projects (nearly £4 million awarded in Folkestone)
  • Arts, Culture and Heritage: Creative Quarter development, arts organizations, cultural projects
  • Community Development: Community projects and facilities benefiting local residents
  • Health and Well-being: Health programmes, including projects for older people, people with dementia, and disability support
  • Amateur Sport: Sports facilities, clubs, and youth sports programmes
  • Youth Support: Projects specifically supporting young people in the region

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects promoting political or religious beliefs or causes
  • Animal welfare charities
  • National charities (unless significant benefit to a local Kent office or project)
  • Projects outside the UK
  • Replacing statutory funding
  • Business ventures
  • Individual benefits (student personal study/travel, expeditions/overseas travel)
  • Repeat applications from the same organization within 12 months
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Governance and Leadership

Founder and Trustee: Sir Roger Michael De Haan CBE DL (son of Sidney De Haan, creator of Saga Group)

Trustee: Ben De Haan

The Trust is led by Sir Roger De Haan, who sold the Saga Group in 2004 for £1.35 billion and subsequently focused his philanthropic efforts on east Kent's regeneration. The Trust takes a hands-on approach, not only providing grants but actively acquiring, refurbishing, and managing properties to create sustainable community assets.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Important: All sections of the application form must be completed fully; “formula applications are unlikely to be successful”

Decision Timeline

  • Trustees meet approximately three-four times per year (February, June, November)
  • Recommended to submit applications “no later than four months before you need a decision on funding”
  • Applications will not normally be acknowledged
  • All applicants notified by letter or email whether successful or not
  • No feedback provided on rejected applications
  • Trustees may contact applicants for additional information during assessment

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The Trust considers applications at trustees' discretion.

Reapplication Policy

  • Repeat applications from a single organization within a 12-month period will not normally be considered
  • Unsuccessful applicants must wait at least one year before reapplying

Application Success Factors

Strategic Guidance

Formula Applications Will Fail: The Trust explicitly warns that “formula applications are unlikely to be successful.” Applications must be tailored, specific, and demonstrate genuine understanding of local needs.

Emphasize Local Impact: The Trust prioritizes projects with clear benefit to east Kent communities, particularly Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh. Demonstrate specific local connections and beneficiaries.

Planning and Timing: Submit applications well in advance—the Trust recommends at least four months before funding is needed. Poor planning suggests weak project management.

Value for Money: For capital projects, the requirement for three competitive quotes signals the Trust's focus on cost-effectiveness and proper due diligence.

Professional Standards: Provide audited accounts where necessary. This demonstrates good governance and organizational maturity.

Recent Grant Examples

  • Musical Walkabout: Funded the Coastal Project (summer 2024) supporting people with dementia and carers through music
  • Folkestone Sports Centre: Multi-million pound acquisition and support
  • Creative Quarter Development: £7 million renovation phase creating offices, cafes, shops, and 24 residential properties
  • Kent MS Therapy Centre: £5,120 for hydrotherapy pool pilot project
  • The Stroke Association: £10,000 for Moving Forward After Stroke Programme in Folkestone
  • Schools and Education Projects: Nearly £4 million in total support

Trust's Expectations

Publicity: The Trust “actively encourages” successful applicants to seek publicity for grants awarded. Applicants must contact the Trust before arranging media coverage and obtain approval for statements or press releases. The Trust often arranges media coverage itself.

Reporting: For multi-year projects, trustees expect annual reports during the project and a full report at conclusion detailing whether objectives were met.

Professional Support: The Trust can offer advice and access to professional expertise to help applicants realize and manage projects practically and cost-effectively—applicants should inquire about this support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Hyper-Local Focus: This is not a typical national trust. Success depends on demonstrating clear, tangible benefits to east Kent communities, especially Folkestone and Hythe. National organizations need not apply unless they have significant local presence.
  • Think Big AND Small: The Trust funds everything from £5,000 community projects to £7 million capital developments. Don't self-select out based on project size—the key is local impact and sound planning.
  • Plan Far in Advance: With only three meetings per year and a four-month recommended lead time, last-minute applications won't work. Build the application timeline into project planning from the start.
  • No Feedback = Strong First Impression Required: Since rejected applications receive no feedback and reapplication requires a 12-month wait, the first submission must be comprehensive, compelling, and error-free.
  • Demonstrate Cost-Effectiveness: The three-quote requirement for capital projects signals the Trust's business-minded approach. Show strong financial management, competitive pricing, and value for money.
  • Embrace Publicity: Unlike some funders who prefer anonymity, this Trust actively encourages public recognition of grants. Plan for publicity and be willing to share success stories—this benefits future applicants and strengthens the Trust's regional impact.
  • Long-Term Relationship Potential: The Trust doesn't just give money and walk away—it offers professional expertise and support. Successful applicants may develop ongoing relationships that extend beyond single grants.

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