The St Hilda's Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £82,203 (2024)
• Annual Income: £86,483 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly meetings (approximately 3 months between meetings)
• Grant Range: Not specified - contact for details
• Geographic Focus: Diocese of Newcastle (Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle)

Contact Details

Address: St Hilda's Trust, Church House, St John's Terrace, North Shields, NE29 6HS

Secretary: Kyrinn Gill

• Phone: 0191 270 4145
• Email: k.gill@newcastle.anglican.org
• Alternative Email: k.whittaker@newcastle.anglican.org
• General Enquiries: 0191 270 4100

Website: Information available via Newcastle Diocese at https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/about-us/partner-organisations/st-hildas-trust/

Overview

THE ST HILDA'S TRUST was established by trust deed dated 5 October 1904, with statutes from 6 May 1941 amended on 4 February 1988. The Trust was formally set up in its current form in December 1988 from the proceeds of the sale of St Hilda's Approved School and Community Home. Registered as charity number 500962 in 1971, the Trust operates within the Diocese of Newcastle to further charitable purposes in connection with the Church of England. The trustees' main focus is on children and young people who are disadvantaged in some way, providing grants for the relief of persons in conditions of need, hardship and distress within the Diocese. The Trust's mission is to support charities and organizations working with disadvantaged groups, particularly for the benefit of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates a single grant program with the following characteristics:

• General Grants: Amount not specified publicly - contact Trust for details
• Application Method: Application form required with supporting documents
• Schedule: Trustees meet quarterly (usually March, June, September, and December)
• Payment: Successful applications receive funds within one month via BACS transfer

Priority Areas

The Trust supports:

• Children and Young People: Particular focus on disadvantaged children and young people
• Vulnerable Adults: Projects supporting vulnerable adults in need
• Community Impact: Churches, organizations, and charities making positive community impact
• Individual Cases: Recognized charities responding to individual cases for children or vulnerable adults
• Church-Connected Projects: Particular consideration given to projects with a degree of church involvement or interest
• Need Relief: Relief of persons in conditions of need, hardship, and distress

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside the Diocese of Newcastle boundaries (Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle)
• Politically-affiliated organizations
• Multiple applications for the same project within two years
• Administrative or staffing costs (except for new projects where these may be considered)

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Governance and Leadership

Board Structure: The Trust is managed by a board of managing trustees:

• Chair: The Bishop of Newcastle (ex-officio)
• Number of Trustees: Six managing trustees plus the ex-officio Chair

Current Trustees (as listed in Charity Commission records):

• Rev Canon Alan Stuart Craig
• Dr Margaret Wilkinson
• Mr Neil Brockbank
• Mr David Welsh
• Rev Christine Brown

Key Principle: No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Submit Application: Contact the Secretary for current deadline information before the next quarterly meeting

Contact for Application Materials:

• Email: k.gill@newcastle.anglican.org
• Phone: 0191 270 4145

Decision Timeline

• Meetings: Trustees meet four times per year, usually in March, June, September, and December
• Decision Time: Applications are reviewed at quarterly meetings; applicants should contact the Secretary to be advised of application deadlines for each meeting
• Payment: If successful, funds are transferred within one month via BACS
• Reporting: Grant recipients must submit a report within six months detailing spending and outcomes

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust to discuss their project's suitability before applying.

Reapplication Policy

• Restriction: The Trust will not fund multiple applications for the same project within two years
• New Projects: Organizations can apply for different projects within the restriction period

Application Success Factors

What the Trust Values

1. Church Connection: “Particular consideration will be given to projects for which there is a degree of church involvement or interest”

1. Focus on Disadvantaged: The trustees' main concern is “children and young people who are disadvantaged in some way”

1. Geographic Relevance: Projects must operate within the Diocese of Newcastle boundaries

1. Accountability: The requirement for a six-month report and potential trustee visits demonstrates the importance of accountability and measurable outcomes

1. New Initiatives: The Trust is willing to consider administrative or staffing costs for new projects, suggesting they value innovation and startup support

Standing Out

• Demonstrate Church Links: If your organization has any connection to church communities or the Church of England, make this clear in your application
• Focus on Disadvantage: Clearly articulate how your project addresses disadvantage among children, young people, or vulnerable adults
• Show Community Impact: Emphasize the positive community impact your work achieves
• Be Specific About Need: Since the Trust's purpose includes “relief of persons who are in conditions of need, hardship and distress,” clearly demonstrate the need your project addresses
• Provide Complete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are current and complete
• Plan for Reporting: Demonstrate your capacity to provide detailed outcome reporting

Application Timing

Contact the Secretary well in advance of the quarterly meetings to understand deadlines and ensure your application is considered at the next available meeting.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Focus is Strict: Your project must operate within Northumberland, North Tyneside, or Newcastle - this is non-negotiable
• Church Connection Matters: While organizations don't need to be faith-based, having some degree of church involvement or interest significantly strengthens your application
• Target Audience is Key: Focus your application on how you serve disadvantaged children, young people, or vulnerable adults
• Quarterly Decisions Mean Planning Ahead: With only four meetings per year, timing your application is important - contact the Secretary for upcoming deadlines
• Post-Award Accountability: Be prepared to provide detailed reporting within six months and potentially host a trustee visit
• Two-Year Rule: Plan your applications strategically, as you cannot apply for the same project twice within two years
• Complete Documentation Required: Ensure you have current accounts, budget, and bank statements ready before applying

References

• Charity Commission Register: THE ST HILDA'S TRUST (500962), https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=500962&subId=0
• Newcastle Diocese: St Hilda's Trust Partner Organisations page, https://www.newcastle.anglican.org/about-us/partner-organisations/st-hildas-trust/
• Charity Commission Full Print: THE ST HILDA'S TRUST - 500962, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/500962/full-print
• Charity Commission Trustees Register: THE ST HILDA'S TRUST - 500962, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/sector-data/top-10-charities/-/charity-details/500962/trustees
• Financial information: Charity Commission registered accounts for financial year ending 31 December 2024