The Savoy Educational Trust

Quick Stats

• Founded: 1961
• Annual Giving: Approximately £680,000 (based on available data)
• Decision Time: 6-8 weeks
• Grant Range: £500 - £1,000,000+
• Geographic Focus: UK (including Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey, and Isle of Man)
• Trustee Meetings: Quarterly (March, June, September, December)

Contact Details

Website: www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk

Email: info@savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk

Phone: 01285 841900

Contact Preference: Email is preferred over phone for inquiries

Pre-application Guidance: Available - contact the office for guidance on individual projects without set limits

Overview

The Savoy Educational Trust was founded in 1961 by four directors of The Savoy Hotel Ltd as a completely independent, grant-giving charitable trust. Though their histories are connected, the Trust is not part of the Savoy Hotel, London. The Trust sold its entire holdings of shares in The Savoy Hotel plc to Blackstone in 1998, banking assets of £37.5m. Since its founding, the Trust has been dedicated to the advancement and development of education, training, and qualifications for the benefit of the UK hospitality industry. The Trust makes its mission “to make a tangible difference and impact on the development of the UK hospitality industry via the grants we provide and the initiatives we support.” In 2021, the Trust made its largest award in its 60-year history: a £1 million grant to The Springboard Charity to help 1,000 young people into work across the hospitality industry. Leadership changed hands in January 2023 when Angela Maher became Chief Executive, succeeding Julia Sibley after her 25 years of service.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates with a tiered application process based on grant size:

Grants up to £10,000

• Single-stage application via online form after completing eligibility quiz
• Required match funding: minimum 10% from other sources
• Suitable for equipment, student support, and small learning facility improvements

Grants £10,000 - £20,000

• Single-stage application
• Required match funding: minimum 20% from other sources

Grants over £20,000

• Two-stage process: Expression of Interest followed by full application if deemed suitable
• Required match funding: minimum 40% from other sources

Grants £50,000+

• Two-stage process
• Required match funding: minimum 50% from other sources
• Examples include £750,000 to Thames Valley University for a new hospitality teaching centre and £1 million to Springboard Charity

Individual Grants (via partner organizations)

• Usually not more than £500 per individual
• For students studying hospitality-related courses at UK colleges/universities
• Must apply through educational institution, not directly to the Trust
• Can help with fees, books, uniform, and practical equipment

Priority Areas

The Trust supports projects focused on:

• Educational establishments: Improving learning facilities, providing essential equipment, financial assistance to students, and activities developing wider knowledge
• Charitable organizations and social enterprises: Hospitality and catering education, training, and skills development programs
• Industry associations: Professional development initiatives, educational resources, and sector-wide training programs
• Student support: Scholarships, bursaries, competition prizes
• Career development: Projects promoting hospitality as a credible career choice, especially in schools
• Skills enhancement: Initiatives developing individual capabilities, competencies, and understanding in hospitality subjects

What They Don't Fund

The Trust has explicit exclusions:

• For-profit companies: Only registered charities and not-for-profit organizations eligible
• Organizations outside the UK: Though Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man) are eligible
• Direct applications from individuals: Must apply through eligible organizations
• Retrospective funding: Projects already started or completed
• Core/operating costs: Generally not funded; contact the Trust first to discuss
• Research projects: Unlikely to fund unless demonstrable practical impact and immediate benefit for hospitality industry
• Endowment appeals: Not supported
• Sole funding requests: The Trust expects match funding from other sources

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

Chair: Howard Field (also Chairman of The Monastery Manchester, Former Vice Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester)

Trustees: Robert Davis, Dr Sally Messenger, David Taylor, Professor Peter A Jones, Stephen Lowy

Administrator and Secretary to the Board: Margaret Georgiou

Executive Leadership

Chief Executive: Angela Maher FIH (appointed January 2023)

Background: Co-founder of FLIGHT, 25 years teaching at Oxford Brookes University

Quote from Angela Maher on the Trust's mission:

“The hospitality industry is absolutely central to both our economy and society in general, and the Trust has played an incredibly important role in investing in projects that strengthen and support those that aspire to a career in the sector.”

Quote on impact of grants:

“We had a super visit to Stoke on Trent College to see their new pastry kitchen, which was funded by a grant from the Savoy Educational Trust. It was wonderful to meet the students and hear first-hand what a positive impact the new equipment and facilities are having on their learning. Investing in education is such an important part of what the Trust does, and it is great to know that this next generation of talent is benefitting from our support.”

Quote on supporting hospitality education in schools:

“Giving students options and showing how hospitality can provide them with a career within the school setting is welcomed and the Trust will always consider supporting projects with this aim.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Guidance

Read the “What We Fund” page carefully before applying, even if previously awarded a grant, as guidance is regularly updated. Review the latest annual reports (available on “Impact and News” page and Charity Commission website) to understand types of projects supported.

Step 2: Complete Eligibility Quiz

All applicants must first complete an eligibility quiz to access the application form.

Step 3: Submit Application

• For grants up to £10,000: Complete and submit the full application form
• For grants over £10,000: Submit an Expression of Interest; if suitable, you'll be contacted to request further information

Step 4: Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on deadline dates. Four deadlines per year align with quarterly trustee meetings.

Required Documentation

• Organization details and legal status
• Project purpose and alignment with Trust objectives
• Full budget including details of matched/in-kind funding, funds already secured, and how any shortfall will be met
• Details of other funders/potential funders for the project
• For educational establishments: enrollment/completion rates
• Quotes for project expenses
• Measurable project outcomes
• Latest verified annual accounts
• For previous grant recipients: Evaluation report from previous grant

Decision Timeline

• Decision timeframe: Usually 6-8 weeks from application submission
• Notification: Letter sent shortly after trustee meeting informing applicants of decision
• Grant payment: Can take up to 6 weeks after approval
• Project timing: Applications should have start dates at least 2 months after meeting date

Trustee meetings held quarterly: March, June, September, December

Success Rates

Specific success rate statistics are not publicly available. However, the Trust emphasizes that “applications that clearly explain how a grant will aid success in the industry are most likely to be successful.”

Reapplication Policy

Positive reapplication policy: Unsuccessful applicants may reapply at any time with either:

• A revised proposal based on feedback provided
• A completely new project

Key requirements:

• The Trust always provides reasons for rejection
• You must wait for a decision on one application before submitting another
• Cannot apply more than once per 12-month period
• Must complete evaluation report for any previous grants before new applications

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

From application guidance:

• “Applications that clearly explain how a grant will aid success in the industry are most likely to be successful”
• "Read the 'What We Fund' page carefully before applying, even if you've previously been awarded a grant"
• “We strongly suggest you read our latest annual reports to get a better idea of the types of projects we support”
• “Submit your application in plenty of time and ahead of the deadline if possible”
• “Contact the office for guidance for your individual project” (for projects without set limits)

Recent Funded Projects

Examples of successful grants demonstrate the Trust's priorities:

Educational Establishments:

• Bournemouth University - Extra curricular activities adding value to student learning
• Prisoners Education Trust - 16 prisoners undertaking hospitality distance learning courses
• Royal Academy of Culinary Arts - Chefs Adopt a School initiative
• Spitalfields Crypt Trust - Training 5 trainees in barista skills at Paper & Cup cafe
• The Geoffrey Harrison Foundation - Junior Chefs Academy programme
• The House of St Barnabas - Employment Preparation Programme for one participant

Industry Associations:

• Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) - Developing Hospitality Financial Management e-book with supporting materials

Charitable Organizations:

• Beyond Food Foundation - Educational trips, workshops, and masterclasses for 10 apprentices on United Kitchen programme
• Crisis - Skylight Community Café training programme in Newcastle
• Stoke on Trent College - New pastry kitchen with equipment
• Thames Valley University - £750,000 for new hospitality teaching and learning centre
• The Springboard Charity - £1 million to help 1,000 young people into hospitality work

Language and Terminology

The Trust uses language emphasizing:

• “Advancement and development” of education
• “Skills, capabilities, and competencies”
• “Practical impact and immediate benefit”
• “Enhancing learning” and “developing wider knowledge”
• “Strengthening and supporting” career aspirations
• “Present and future skill needs”

Standing Out

• Demonstrate clear alignment: Show how your project directly advances hospitality education, training, or qualifications
• Secure match funding: Demonstrate commitment by securing contributions from other sources before applying
• Provide measurable outcomes: The Trust wants to see tangible impact and practical benefits
• Show industry connection: Projects that connect students with the industry are particularly valued
• Be comprehensive: Include full budget details, other funders, and how shortfalls will be met
• Tell the impact story: Explain how the grant will aid success in the hospitality industry

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Match funding is essential: Expect to contribute 10-50% from other sources depending on grant size. Secure this before applying to strengthen your application.

1. Focus on practical impact: The Trust prioritizes projects with demonstrable, immediate benefits for the UK hospitality industry. Research projects are unlikely to be funded unless practical impact is clear.

1. Timing matters: Submit applications well ahead of deadlines, and plan project start dates at least 2 months after trustee meetings to account for decision and payment timelines.

1. Study their history: Review annual reports to understand previously funded projects. The Trust explicitly recommends this, and it shows projects they value.

1. Don't give up after rejection: The Trust provides feedback on unsuccessful applications and welcomes revised proposals or new projects. Use their feedback to strengthen reapplications.

1. Email for guidance: For projects without set limits or unusual requests, contact the office via email (preferred over phone) for pre-application guidance.

1. Demonstrate hospitality connection: Your project must clearly relate to hospitality education, training, or skills development. Projects connecting students directly with industry professionals are particularly valued.

References

1. The Savoy Educational Trust official website - “What we Fund” page. https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-fund/

1. The Savoy Educational Trust official website - “How to Apply” page. https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/how-to-apply/

1. The Savoy Educational Trust official website - Main page. https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - THE SAVOY EDUCATIONAL TRUST (1161014). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=1161014

1. “The Savoy Educational Trust appoints new chief executive” - Boutique Hotelier, 2022. https://www.boutiquehotelier.com/savoy-educational-trust-new-chief-executive/

1. “The Savoy Educational Trust strengthens Board of Trustees through two new appointments” - Hospitality & Catering News, October 2022. https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com/2022/10/the-savoy-educational-trust/

1. “Savoy Educational Trust helps futureproof hospitality workforce with £1m grant to Springboard” - Master Innholders, 2021. https://masterinnholders.co.uk/news-views/savoy-educational-trust-helps-futureproof-hospitality-workforce-with-1m-grant-to-springboard/

1. “Savoy Educational Trust awards £750,000 to TVU” - The Caterer. https://www.thecaterer.com/news/savoy-educational-trust-awards-750000-to-tvu

1. “Angela Maher, Chief Executive Officer at Savoy Educational Trust, reviews the efforts being made in schools” - Savoy Educational Trust website, 2024. https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/angela-maher-chief-executive-officer-at-savoy-educational-trust-reviews-the-efforts-being-made-in-schools-to-present-hospitality-as-a-credible-career-choice-for-young-people/

1. The Savoy Educational Trust - “Frequently Asked Questions” page. https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions.cfm

1. The Savoy Educational Trust - “About Us” page. https://www.savoyeducationaltrust.org.uk/about-us/

1. Young Futures Fund - “Savoy Educational Trust Fund” page. https://youngfuturesfund.org/savoy-educational-trust-fund/