The Roselands Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Data not publicly available
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by application route (monthly trustee meetings or via Cumbria Community Foundation)
• Grant Range: Typically under £1,000 (no maximum amount)
• Geographic Focus: Cumbria and North Lancashire

Contact Details

The Roselands Trust

• Address: PO Box 118, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 9AY
• Phone: 07961 028995
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theroselandstrust.org
• Registered Charity Number: 1160216

For Applications via Roselands Trust Fund (administered by Cumbria Community Foundation):

• Contact: Ellen Clements
• Phone: 01900 825760
• Email: grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Overview

The Roselands Trust was established in 2006 by businessman Kenneth Johnson and formally constituted by Trust Deed in August 2014. Operating as a small independent grant-making charity based in South Lakeland, the Trust has developed a strong reputation for “Supporting the little things that make a difference.” The Trust works in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, which administers the Roselands Trust Fund to distribute grants throughout Cumbria and North Lancashire. Applications can be made directly to the Trust or through the Roselands Trust Fund administered by Cumbria Community Foundation. The Trust's primary mission focuses on supporting community projects and charitable groups helping people facing disadvantage, with particular emphasis on older adults and people with learning difficulties or disabilities. The Trust has been a significant supporter of the Winter Warmth Appeal since 2010, which Kenneth Johnson described as their most important project.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

General Grant Programme: Typically £1,000 or less over one year; however, there is no maximum award amount. Larger grants may be considered if discussed with a Grants Officer before the application is made (when applying via Cumbria Community Foundation).

Application Method: Applications can be submitted directly to the Trust (reviewed at monthly trustee meetings) or via the Roselands Trust Fund administered by Cumbria Community Foundation (rolling basis).

Priority Areas

The Trust actively funds projects that:

• Support older adults experiencing loneliness, isolation, or financial hardship
• Provide activities and facilities for people with learning difficulties or disabilities
• Help people who live with a disability through advice and support services
• Enable inclusivity and accessibility in community settings
• Deliver therapeutic interventions (music therapy, equine therapy, sailing programmes)
• Provide adaptive equipment to improve quality of life for disadvantaged individuals
• Support hospice and palliative care services
• Fund infrastructure improvements for better accessibility

What They Don't Fund

• Individual applicants (only charitable groups/organisations can apply)
• Standard Cumbria Community Foundation exclusions apply (when applying via CCF)

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Governance and Leadership

Founder: Kenneth Johnson (businessman)

Kenneth Johnson established the Trust to extend support beyond his local area, noting: “While our emphasis is on supporting small local groups, our association with the Community Foundation has given us access to the greater needs in Cumbria and areas we do not normally reach.”

The Trust operates in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, which administers the Roselands Trust Fund for grant applications and distribution.

How to Apply to The Roselands Charitable Trust

How to Apply

Option 1: Direct to The Roselands Trust

1. Initial Contact: Contact the Trust directly or visit their website for information
2. Application Form: Download and complete the application form from www.theroselandstrust.org
3. Review: Applications are reviewed by trustees at their monthly meeting

Option 2: Via Roselands Trust Fund (Cumbria Community Foundation)

1. Initial Contact: Contact Ellen Clements at 01900 825760 or grants@cumbriafoundation.org for information about the fund and application requirements
2. Application Submission: Complete the Cumbria Community Foundation application form for the Roselands Trust Fund
3. Large Grant Requests: If seeking more than £1,000, discuss with a Grants Officer before submitting the application
4. Assessment: Applications are assessed against fund criteria and current grant-making priorities

Decision Timeline

Direct Applications: Applications are reviewed at monthly trustee meetings

Via Cumbria Community Foundation:

• Acknowledgment: Applications are acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt
• Decision Notification: Applicants are informed within 5 working days of the committee decision

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

If an application via Cumbria Community Foundation is unsuccessful, they will explain why and there is a complaints, reconsideration, and appeals procedure available. Information about specific waiting periods for reapplication is not publicly detailed.

Application Success Factors

Examples of Funded Projects

The Trust has supported diverse projects including:

• Interactive music workshops/sessions for adults with severe physical and learning disabilities
• Equine therapy courses for socially or physically disadvantaged people
• Electrically-assisted tricycles for older people
• Sailing sessions for groups of adults and children with visual impairments
• Accessible footpaths/ramps at St Mary's Hospice for patient safety
• Roof repairs for St Martin and St Mary C of E Primary School
• Bursaries for Lake District Calvert Trust activities
• Support for specialised charities including Little Hearts Matter, Sense, and Epilepsy Action
• Community clubs providing services to vulnerable populations

What Makes a Strong Application

• Clear demonstration of how the project helps people facing disadvantage
• Focus on older adults or people with learning difficulties/disabilities
• Evidence of enabling inclusivity and accessibility
• Quality proposal with strong social purpose
• Demonstration that your organisation is the right one to carry out the project
• Specific project costs and outcomes
• Alignment with the Trust's emphasis on “the little things that make a difference”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Small but impactful: The Trust values modest grants that make tangible differences to vulnerable people's lives—don't overlook smaller project needs that could be transformative
• Therapeutic interventions welcome: Projects involving music, equine therapy, adaptive sports, and experiential activities have strong track record of success
• Infrastructure matters: Accessibility improvements and equipment purchases are fundable alongside activity-based programmes
• Two application routes: Consider which route is most appropriate for your project—direct to the Trust or via the Roselands Trust Fund administered by Cumbria Community Foundation
• Partnership approach: When applying through Cumbria Community Foundation, your application will be assessed professionally—ensure completeness to avoid delays
• Responsive funding: The Trust has demonstrated flexibility in responding to emerging needs
• Geographic focus: Prioritise if you're in South Lakeland, but the Trust supports work across Cumbria and North Lancashire
• Monthly decisions: Direct applications are reviewed at monthly trustee meetings, allowing for regular decision-making opportunities

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Joyce Wilkinson Charitable Trust Fund
• The Hadfield Charitable Trust
• The A.d. Charitable Trust
• The Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust
• The David Snowdon Trust
• The Fitton Trust
• Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable Trust
• Langdale Trust
• The Holehird Trust
• Rj And Ah Daniels Charitable Trust

References

• The Roselands Trust official website: https://www.theroselandstrust.org/
• The Roselands Trust Previous Grants page: https://www.theroselandstrust.org/previous-grants.html
• Cumbria Community Foundation - Roselands Trust Fund: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/roselands-trust
• Cumbria Community Foundation - Roselands Trust profile: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/roselands-trust/
• UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1160216