The Rotary Club Of Bath Trust Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £75,184 (2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Up to 6 weeks
• Grant Range: Variable - no fixed limits (recent grants up to £10,000)
• Geographic Focus: Bath and North East Somerset

Contact Details

Email: bathrotary123@gmail.com

Phone: 01225 868491

Alternative Email: RODNEYHODGMAN60@GMAIL.COM

Website: https://www.bathrotary.org/

Overview

The Rotary Club of Bath Trust Fund (Charity Number 267664) operates as the charitable arm of one of the UK's earliest Rotary clubs, founded in 1921. With an annual income of £135,488 and expenditure of £75,184 (2025), the Trust focuses its grant-making activities primarily within Bath and North East Somerset. The Trust's major fundraising efforts include an annual fireworks display that has run for over 40 years and a Christmas carol service at Bath Abbey, now in its 76th consecutive year. The club distributes over £35,000 annually to local charities, maintaining a strategic preference for supporting multiple small, local organizations rather than fewer large national charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Charitable Grants: Variable amounts based on available funds (recent £10,000 to SSAFA)
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis via email
• Both capital expenditure and ongoing revenue costs considered (excluding salary maintenance)

Priority Areas

• Social requirements: elderly, homeless, those in poverty and the disadvantaged
• Youth projects: training not covered in National Education, character development, employment prospects
• Education: promoting learning and community values
• Health advancement
• Disability support
• Arts, culture, and heritage

What They Don't Fund

• Individual grant applications
• Maintenance of existing salaried positions
• Organizations recently funded (3-year restriction)
• Non-registered charities

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust operates with 4 trustees who receive no remuneration. The club operates under the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” as a non-political, non-religious community organization. Leadership includes rotating presidents serving annual terms, with the Trust implementing comprehensive policies covering investment, risk management, and safeguarding.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Submit applications via email to bathrotary123@gmail.com including:

• Full project details
• Latest accounts
• Confirmation of charitable status
• Bank account details

Decision Timeline

Up to 6 weeks for due diligence and decision. No correspondence during review period; decisions are final.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The club supports multiple charities annually through both direct grants and fundraising event beneficiaries.

Reapplication Policy

Repeat applications unlikely to be considered until 3 years have elapsed following a previous grant. Organizations should not rely on consecutive annual funding.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and recent grant patterns:

• Geographic alignment: Strong Bath and North East Somerset connection essential
• Size matters: Explicit preference for smaller charities without government/council funding access
• Complete documentation: All required materials must be submitted initially
• Clear impact: Demonstrate specific local benefit within priority areas
• Timing awareness: Factor 6-week decision period into project planning

Recent successful recipients include SSAFA (£10,000), Southside Project Family Hubs, Glasshouse Academy, Bath Community Kitchen, and Theatre Royal's Venue 4 community project.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Ideal for small, local Bath-area charities lacking alternative funding sources
• No fixed grant limits allow tailored requests based on genuine need
• 3-year reapplication restriction makes this a one-time opportunity - make it count
• Complete documentation critical - include accounts, charity registration, bank details
• Consider relationship building through club meetings (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) at Lansdown Golf Club
• Major fundraising events offer alternative support routes beyond direct grants
• Priority given to organizations addressing social needs, youth development, and education

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE G D HERBERT CHARITABLE TRUST
• Lady Gould's Charity
• THE E AND N WATSON CHARITY
• The Atherton Family Charitable Trust
• The Leach Fourteenth Trust
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Ostacchini Family Charitable Trust
• Edwin Fox Foundation
• The C T Thomas Trust
• Masonic Charitable Foundation

References

• The Charity Commission. (2025). “THE ROTARY CLUB OF BATH TRUST FUND - 267664.” Register of Charities. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/267664
• Rotary Club of Bath. “Rotary Grants - Guidance.” https://rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=731381&ClubID=1193
• Bath Echo. “Rotary Club celebrates giving more than £35,000 to local charities.” https://www.bathecho.co.uk/news/community/rotary-club-celebrates-35k-local-charities-109676/
• Rotary Club of Bath. Official Website. https://www.bathrotary.org/