The Sheldon Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £192,918 (2023-24)
• Success Rate: Approximately 54% (27 grants from ~50 applications per round)
• Decision Time: Within 7 days of trustees meeting
• Grant Range: £500 - £15,000
• Geographic Focus: West Midlands (Categories 1-2), National (Category 3), West Midlands & Greater London (Category 4)

Contact Details

Website: www.thesheldontrust.org

Email: info@thesheldontrust.org

Phone: 01285 841 900

Online Application Portal: pothecary-applications.co.uk/sheldon/

Overview

Established in 1965 by Mr & Mrs A. T. England, The Sheldon Trust is a family-run charitable trust that has been supporting UK registered charities for 60 years. The Trust has total income of approximately £235,000 annually and made grants totaling £192,918 to 27 organizations in the 2023-24 financial year. The Trust's mission is to relieve poverty and distress in society, with strategic focus on community projects and special needs groups in the West Midlands, youth development for disadvantaged young people aged 16-25 nationally, and holiday activities for disadvantaged groups. In 2013, the Trust merged with two other charities—Pearson's Holiday Fund and The Malcolm Chick Charity—expanding its capacity to support more charitable work. The Trust is governed by six trustees who receive no remuneration for their service.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Category 1: Community Projects (West Midlands)

• £500 - £15,000 (multi-year commitments up to 3 years available)
• Fixed application deadlines twice yearly
• Focus on projects that relieve poverty and distress in West Midlands communities

Category 2: Special Needs Groups (West Midlands)

• £500 - £15,000 (multi-year commitments up to 3 years available)
• Fixed application deadlines twice yearly
• Support for organizations working with special needs groups in the West Midlands

Category 3: Youth Development (National)

• £500 - £15,000 (multi-year commitments up to 3 years available)
• Fixed application deadlines twice yearly
• Focus on disadvantaged young people aged 16-25, especially those who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
• Preference for West Midlands-based projects but considers UK-wide applications

Category 4: Holiday Grants (West Midlands & Greater London)

• Average grant: £1,000
• Rolling basis throughout the year
• Small grants for holidays and retreats for disadvantaged groups
• Decision time: Up to 8 weeks from submission

Priority Areas

The Trust funds projects, salaries, equipment, furnishings, refurbishments, and running costs that support:

• Community development initiatives addressing poverty and social distress
• Special needs provision and inclusive services
• Youth engagement programs for disadvantaged 16-25 year olds, particularly NEET youth
• Holiday activities providing respite and opportunities for disadvantaged individuals
• Operating costs including staff salaries
• Specific items of equipment
• Refurbishment projects

What They Don't Fund

• Capital appeals for building costs
• Vehicles
• Charities with annual turnover over £1 million
• Organizations with unrestricted reserves exceeding six months of turnover (Categories 1-3)
• Organizations with unrestricted reserves exceeding twelve months of annual expenditure (Category 4)

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Governance and Leadership

The Sheldon Trust is governed by six trustees, reflecting its family trust origins:

Trustees:

• Mr John Kelynge Robert England (Chair)
• Mr Paul Kelynge England
• Mrs Rachel Beatton
• Mr Andrew Bidnell
• Reverend Roger Bidnell
• Mrs Ruth Gibbins

The presence of trustees with the England surname reflects the Trust's foundation by Mr & Mrs A. T. England in 1965. No trustees receive remuneration, ensuring all funds go directly to grant-making. The family nature of the Trust has enabled consistent, long-term commitment to its mission over six decades.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Categories 1-3 (Community, Special Needs, Youth):

• Online application only via pothecary-applications.co.uk/sheldon/
• Applications open twice yearly with fixed deadlines
• All supporting documentation must be submitted by deadline
• The Trust reserves the right to close applications early if significant volume is received

Category 4 (Holiday Grants):

• Separate online application form via pothecary-applications.co.uk/SheldonHoliday/
• Rolling basis throughout the year
• Note: If previous holiday grant recipients have not submitted end-of-project reports, repeat applications will not be considered

Decision Timeline

Categories 1-3:

• Trustees meet twice annually (typically January and July)
• All applicants notified within 7 days of trustees meeting
• Trustees consider 15-25 applications at each meeting, depending on available funding

Category 4:

• Allow up to 8 weeks between submission and notification

Success Rates

Based on recent data (2023-24), the Trust authorized 27 grants from approximately 50 applications per round, suggesting a success rate of around 54%. However, this rate fluctuates based on available funding and the volume of applications received. The Trust considers 15-25 applications at each trustees meeting.

Reapplication Policy

Categories 1-3 (Community, Special Needs, Youth):

• Unsuccessful applicants can reapply after two years
• Successful applicants cannot reapply for two years following receipt of a grant (or final payment of multi-year funding)

Category 4 (Holiday Grants):

• More flexible reapplication policy
• However, organizations that have not submitted end-of-project reports from previous holiday grants will not be considered for repeat applications

Application Success Factors

Financial Eligibility is Crucial:

The Trust strictly enforces its eligibility criteria. Applications from charities with turnover over £1 million or excessive reserves (six months for Categories 1-3, twelve months for Category 4) will not be considered. Check your financial position carefully before applying.

Geographic Alignment Matters:

• Categories 1 and 2 are strictly limited to West Midlands organizations
• Category 3 is UK-wide but has preference for West Midlands projects
• Category 4 covers West Midlands and Greater London only
• Ensure you meet geographic criteria before applying

Demonstrating Impact on Disadvantage:

The Trust's core mission is relieving poverty and distress. Successful applications clearly demonstrate how they serve disadvantaged populations and alleviate poverty or social distress. Use specific examples and data to show need and impact.

NEET Focus for Youth Projects:

For Category 3 (Youth Development), applications that specifically target young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) are prioritized. Demonstrate understanding of NEET challenges and your organization's capacity to engage this vulnerable group.

Comprehensive Budget Justification:

The Trust funds a wide range of costs including salaries, operating costs, equipment, furnishings, and refurbishments. Provide detailed, justified budgets that show how each element contributes to project success.

Multi-Year Thinking:

The Trust offers multi-year funding up to three years for Categories 1-3. If your project requires sustained support, make a strong case for longer-term funding with clear milestones and outcomes for each year.

End-of-Project Reporting:

For Category 4 holiday grants, failure to submit end-of-project reports from previous grants will result in rejection of future applications. The Trust values accountability and learning from funded work.

Apply Within Deadline Windows:

Applications may close early if the Trust receives significant volume. Submit well before the deadline to ensure consideration, and monitor the website for closure announcements.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Check financial eligibility first: The £1M turnover cap and reserve limits are strictly enforced—don't waste time on an ineligible application
• Geographic focus is non-negotiable: Categories 1-2 are West Midlands only; ensure your project meets geographic criteria
• Small to medium grants: With typical grants ranging £500-£15,000 and 27 awards from ~£193K annually, average grant is around £7,000
• Twice-yearly deadlines with quick decisions: Plan your submission for January or July trustees meetings; you'll hear back within a week
• Multi-year funding available: Consider requesting 2-3 year funding for sustained impact rather than annual reapplication
• NEET youth are a priority: For national youth grants, focus on Not in Education, Employment or Training demographics
• Report or risk rejection: Category 4 holiday grant recipients must submit end-of-project reports to remain eligible for future funding
• Family trust with consistent values: 60 years of operation under England family governance indicates stable priorities and long-term commitment to poverty relief

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• The Edward Gostling Foundation
• The Clothworkers' Foundation
• Jack Petchey Foundation
• Backstage Trust
• The Mercers' Charitable Foundation
• The Three Guineas Trust
• THE MACKINTOSH FOUNDATION
• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• Wates Foundation
• AXIS FOUNDATION
• The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
• THE DWF FOUNDATION
• The Arts Council of England
• Awards for All
• National Lottery
• THE MORRIS CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• The Sheldon Trust official website: https://thesheldontrust.org/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=242328
• Get Grants Funder Profile: https://www.getgrants.org.uk/the-sheldon-trust/
• Pothecary Witham Weld Solicitors - The Sheldon Trust information: https://pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charity-grants/sheldon-trust/
• OpenCharities Profile: http://opencharities.org/charities/242328
• The Sheldon Trust Application Form: https://pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charity-grants/sheldon-trust-3/