The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust
Charity Number: 269501
Contact Info
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £1,000,000+ (approximately £1.3 million in 2024)
- Success Rate: Not disclosed
- Decision Time: Approximately 16-20 weeks (applications January-March, decisions notified by July 31st)
- Grant Range: £1,000 - £20,000
- Typical Grant: £5,000 - £10,000
- Geographic Focus: Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Glamorganshire, Gwent, Powys, and Carmarthenshire
- Number of Grants Annually: Approximately 140 charities supported
Contact Details
Website: www.sgctrust.org.uk
Email: info@sgctrust.org.uk
Phone: 07369 269519
Charity Number: 269501
Address: The trust operates via online applications only during the application window.
Overview
The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust was established in 1975 by Simon Gibson, a farmer near Newmarket whose wealth originated from his great uncle, William James Tatem (first Lord Glanely), founder of the Atlantic Shipping and Trading Company. Simon Gibson, described as a “humble philanthropist” who aimed to “improve the livelihoods of those less fortunate,” was awarded a CBE for his charitable work and died in 2022 at age 94, leaving the majority of his fortune to the trust. The trust has grown to a managed fund value of over £16 million and distributes approximately £1.3 million annually. Typically, some 140 charities are supported each year, of which approximately 60 are regular beneficiaries. The trust focuses on registered charities and Community Interest Companies in specific regions of East Anglia and South Wales, with a particular preference for organisations supporting young people, the elderly, heritage, and the natural environment. The trustees meet annually in Spring to review applications and make grant decisions.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The trust operates a single annual grant program:
- Annual Grant Program: £1,000 - £20,000 (typical grants £5,000-£10,000)
- Application Method: Online application form only, submitted between January 1st and March 31st annually
- Decision Process: Trustees meet in Spring; decisions notified by July 31st
Priority Areas
The trust particularly favours charities that support:
- Young people - youth services, education, development programs
- The elderly - services and support for older people
- Heritage - conservation and preservation of heritage sites and buildings
- Natural environment - environmental and conservation charities
Funding Types Available
- Core funding (unrestricted grants for general operations)
- Specific project funding (for defined projects)
Geographic Eligibility
- East Anglia: Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire
- South Wales: Glamorganshire, Gwent, Powys, Carmarthenshire
- National charities delivering benefit in these regions are also eligible
What They Don't Fund
- Individuals or organizations applying on behalf of individuals
- Student sponsorships for educational or gap year purposes
- Conferences, seminars, or workshops
- Overseas charities (exception: conservation charities or those previously known to the trustees)
- Grants are not provided to individuals under any circumstances
Governance and Leadership
The trust is governed by a board of trustees who meet annually in Spring to review applications and approve grant dispersals. Specific trustee names are not publicly listed on their website, maintaining a relatively private operational approach.
The trust was founded by Simon Gibson (1928-2022), who was recognized with a CBE for his charitable work. His philanthropic philosophy centered on improving the livelihoods of those less fortunate, and having no children, he left the majority of his fortune to ensure the trust's continued work.
With a managed fund of over £16 million, the trust takes a steady, sustainable approach to grant-making, supporting approximately 140 charities annually with around 60 being regular beneficiaries year after year.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
- Organization name and legal status
- Contact information
- Project details and budget
- Project summary (limited to 500 words)
- Confirmation of eligibility criteria
Pre-Application Guidance
The trust states: “The Trust cannot discuss enquiries or projects prior to application.” However, applicants are encouraged to discuss their application with a trustee beforehand if they have existing connections.
Decision Timeline
- January 1 - March 31: Application window
- Spring: Trustees meet to review applications
- By July 31st: Applicants notified of decisions
- Total timeline: Approximately 16-20 weeks from submission to notification
Notification Process
- Successful applicants: Contacted directly by July 31st
- Unsuccessful applicants: Will not be notified. If you haven't heard by July 31st, assume your application was unsuccessful
- Feedback: The trust does not provide detailed feedback or reasons for declined applications due to high application volumes
Success Rates
Specific success rates are not disclosed. However, with approximately 140 charities supported annually and around 60 being regular beneficiaries, there is both room for new applicants and evidence of long-term relationships with organizations.
Reporting Requirements
- If specific reporting requirements apply to your organization, the trust will communicate these directly
- Otherwise, there are generally no mandatory reporting requirements
- This light-touch approach reflects the trust's practical and efficient operational philosophy
Reapplication Policy
Unsuccessful applicants are advised to wait at least one year before reapplying. The trust accepts new applications each year during the January-March window, so organizations can resubmit annually if they remain eligible.
Application Success Factors
Alignment with Priority Areas
The trust has clear preferences for charities supporting:
- Young people or the elderly
- Heritage conservation
- Natural environment
Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your work fits these priorities.
Geographic Connection
Your organization must deliver clear benefit in one of the trust's specified regions. For national charities, explicitly explain how your work benefits people in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Glamorganshire, Gwent, Powys, or Carmarthenshire.
Project Summary Strategy
With only 500 words for your project summary, be concise and focused:
- Lead with the problem you're addressing
- Clearly state how your project serves young people, the elderly, heritage, or the environment
- Explain the specific benefit to the trust's geographic areas
- Include measurable outcomes where possible
- Avoid jargon and keep language clear and accessible
Long-Term Relationships
With approximately 60 regular beneficiaries, the trust values ongoing relationships with organizations demonstrating consistent impact. First-time applicants should consider this a potential long-term funding relationship if successful.
Funding Amount
Consider carefully what amount to request:
- Typical grants are £5,000-£10,000
- Maximum is £20,000
- Requesting toward the lower end of the range may increase competitiveness
- Ensure your budget is realistic and well-justified
Core vs. Project Funding
The trust accepts applications for both core funding and specific projects. Don't feel you must propose a new project—the trust understands the value of unrestricted support for ongoing operations.
Timing Considerations
- Submit early in the January-March window if possible
- Ensure all information is complete and accurate to avoid delays
- Remember trustees meet in Spring, so they review all applications together (not on a rolling basis)
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Strict application window: Mark your calendar for January 1-March 31. There are no exceptions, and applications outside this window will not be considered. This is an annual cycle, so plan ahead.
- No pre-application contact: Unlike many funders, this trust cannot discuss projects before submission. Your written application must stand on its own merits, so invest time in crafting a clear, compelling 500-word summary.
- Silent rejection policy: Only successful applicants are contacted. If you don't hear by July 31st, you were unsuccessful. This means you cannot rely on feedback to improve future applications—get it right the first time.
- Geographic specificity is crucial: Clearly demonstrate benefit to one of the eight specified counties in East Anglia or South Wales. National charities must explicitly explain regional impact.
- Align with founder's values: Simon Gibson's philosophy was about “improving the livelihoods of those less fortunate” with a focus on young people, the elderly, heritage, and environment. Applications that reflect these values and use similar language may resonate.
- Consider long-term relationships: With 60 regular beneficiaries out of 140 annual grants, the trust values sustained partnerships. Present your organization as a potential long-term investment.
- Realistic grant amounts: While the maximum is £20,000, typical grants are £5,000-£10,000. Consider requesting within this typical range to increase competitiveness, especially for first-time applicants.
Similar Funders
These funders frequently fund the same charities:
- P F Charitable Trust
- Edith Murphy Foundation
- The Belstead Ganzoni Charitable Settlement
- E B M Charitable Trust
- The Annandale Charitable Trust
- The John Armitage Charitable Trust
- Peacock Charitable Trust
- The Constance Travis Charitable Trust
- The Helen Roll Charity
- The Band Trust
References
- The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust official website - www.sgctrust.org.uk
- The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust - Eligibility page - https://sgctrust.org.uk/eligibility/
- The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust - Apply page - https://sgctrust.org.uk/apply/
- The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust - About Us page - https://sgctrust.org.uk/about-us/
- Charity Commission Register - THE SIMON GIBSON CHARITABLE TRUST (269501) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=269501
- National Churches Trust - Simon Gibson Charitable Trust profile - https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/support-organisations/simon-gibson-charitable-trust
- Charity Choice - The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust - https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-simon-gibson-charitable-trust-170896