The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~£248,000 (2024 expenditure)
• Annual Income: £231,320 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 8 weeks (trustees meet every 2 months)
• Grant Range: Not specified - varies by application
• Geographic Focus: Oxford and Oxfordshire

Contact Details

• Website: www.stantonballardtrust.org.uk
• Phone: 07824 764771
• Email: stantonballardtrust@gmail.com
• Address: PO Box 957, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 9ZQ

Overview

The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust was established in 1986 following the wishes of successful Oxford businessman Stanton Ballard, who discovered he had just months to live and wanted to leave a legacy benefiting the people of Oxford and its neighbourhood. During his lifetime, Stanton was actively involved in serving the local community, supporting youth groups and as a member of the Oxford Rotary Club.

The Trust initially received a number of properties in the City and has continued to invest in property, which generates most of the income for its charitable grant-making activities. With annual expenditure of approximately £248,000 (2024) and income of £231,320, the Trust has demonstrated steady growth over recent years, with spending increasing from £164,000 in 2021. The Trust makes grants to both individuals (via referral agencies) and charitable organisations, focusing primarily on activities that directly benefit Oxfordshire residents.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Grants to Individuals: Must be referred via a recognised statutory or voluntary agency (no direct individual applications accepted)
• Grants to Organisations: Available to charities and community organisations demonstrating benefit to Oxfordshire residents
• Application Method: Rolling basis with trustee meetings approximately every two months

Priority Areas

• Children and young people
• Elderly individuals
• People with disabilities
• General charitable purposes benefiting Oxfordshire residents
• Activities that bring direct benefit to local residents

What They Don't Fund

• Direct applications from individuals (must go through referral agencies)
• Building renovations are deprioritised in favour of activities that bring direct benefit to residents
• More than one grant to the same organisation in any 12-month period

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by seven volunteer trustees, all of whom live in the Oxford area and give their time freely. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

Current Trustees:

• Mary Joan Tate (Chair) - also chairs The Blakeney Charitable Trust
• Howard Minns - appointed 2005
• Christopher Impey - appointed 2013
• Richard Wilsdon - appointed 2016
• Gareth Thomas - appointed 2019
• Nigel Morgan - appointed 2023
• Tony Woodward

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the Trust's website
2. Complete the form demonstrating how the grant will benefit Oxfordshire residents
3. Submit by email (preferred) or post to stantonballardtrust@gmail.com
4. Community organisations that are not registered charities must provide their most recent approved accounts
5. Additional information may be provided in a covering letter

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet approximately every two months (typically late January, March, May, July, September, and November)
• Applications must be received at least one week before the meeting date
• Applicants are notified of decisions within seven working days of the meeting

Reapplication Policy

• Previously funded organisations are welcome to apply again
• The Trust will not normally provide more than one grant to the same organisation in any 12-month period

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated preferences and requirements:

• Demonstrate local impact: Applications should clearly show how the grant will benefit residents of Oxfordshire specifically
• Focus on direct benefit: Activities that bring direct benefit to Oxfordshire residents are preferred over capital projects such as building renovations
• Submit on time: Ensure applications are received at least one week before the scheduled trustee meeting
• Provide supporting documentation: Community groups that are not registered charities should include recent approved accounts
• Use the official form: Download and complete the current application form from the Trust's website
• Be concise but thorough: Additional context can be provided in a covering letter if needed

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local focus is essential: The Trust exists specifically to benefit Oxford and Oxfordshire residents - applications must demonstrate clear local impact
• Activities over buildings: Direct benefit activities are prioritised over capital projects like renovations
• Plan around meeting cycles: Trustees meet every two months; applications must arrive at least one week before to be considered
• Quick turnaround: Expect decisions within seven working days of the trustee meeting
• One grant per year per organisation: Plan your funding cycle knowing you cannot receive more than one grant in a 12-month period
• Individual grants require referrals: Individual applicants must come through recognised statutory or voluntary agencies
• Volunteer trustees: All trustees are local volunteers with deep community connections - demonstrating genuine local engagement is valuable

References

• The Stanton Ballard Trust - Official Website
• The Stanton Ballard Trust - For Organisations
• Charity Commission - The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust
• Giving is Great - Charity Factsheet
• Charity Choice - The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust
• Frozen Light Theatre - Our Funders
• Orchestra of St John's - Support

Accessed: December 2024