The Stoller Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 285415

Annual Expenditure: £0.4M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £406,841 (charitable activities expenditure, FY 2024)
  • Total Income: £1,683,367 (FY 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £4,000,000+ (varies significantly by project scale)
  • Geographic Focus: North West England (particularly Oldham and Greater Manchester)

Contact Details

Address: 24 Low Crompton Road, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6YR

Email: enquiries@stollercharitabletrust.co.uk

Phone: 07902857648

Note: The trust does not appear to have a public-facing website with application guidelines. Contact via email is recommended for grant enquiries.

Overview

The Stoller Charitable Trust was registered in 1982 by Sir Norman Stoller, founder of Seton Healthcare and inventor of the tubular bandage. Since its founding, the trust has donated over £50 million to causes across the North West of England. The trust operates as a grant-making charity with total assets exceeding £6.9 million and annual income of £1.68 million. The trust focuses exclusively on three strategic areas: the advancement of young people, healthcare research and development, and cancer relief. Sir Norman Stoller was knighted in 2016 for his philanthropic services. The trust employs 57 staff members and is governed by 5 trustees who serve without remuneration. The trust has funded landmark projects including the Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre at the University of Manchester, Mahdlo youth centre in Oldham, and multiple Maggie's cancer support centres.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates through strategic partnerships and major institutional grants rather than open application rounds. Known funding streams include:

  • Major Infrastructure Projects: £4,000,000 - £18,000,000 (heritage centres, research facilities, youth centres)
  • Stoller Enterprise Fund (via Oldham Enterprise Trust): £1,000 - £3,000 for start-ups (applicants aged 16-30)
  • Strategic Healthcare Grants: Multi-million pound commitments to research centres and hospitals
  • Youth Development Initiatives: Variable amounts for programmes supporting young people in Oldham

Priority Areas

Young People:

  • Youth centres and activity facilities (e.g., Mahdlo youth centre, Summit Up climbing centre)
  • Enterprise and employment support for ages 16-30
  • Duke of Edinburgh's Award and similar youth development programmes
  • Educational and skill-building initiatives

Healthcare Research and Development:

  • Cancer biomarker research and clinical proteomics
  • University research centres and laboratories
  • Hospital infrastructure (e.g., helipad for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust)
  • Medical equipment and facilities

Cancer Relief:

  • Maggie's cancer support centres
  • Cancer patient support services
  • Research into early detection and treatment
  • Facilities for cancer care

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust:

  • Focuses exclusively on the North West region (unlikely to fund projects outside this area)
  • Does not fund national organisations without strong North West connections
  • Does not operate open grant rounds for general applications
  • Appears to focus on capital projects and strategic partnerships rather than general revenue funding
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Sir Norman Kelvin Stoller CBE KStJ DL - Chair and founder. Motivated by personal experience (twice diagnosed with cancer) and a commitment to give back to the Oldham community where he built his business empire.

Richard Christopher William Parkinson - Trustee (appointed 30 September 2021)

Andrew Dixon - Trustee (appointed 21 March 2012)

KSL Trustees Limited - Corporate trustee (appointed 21 March 2012)

Roger Gould - Trustee

Sir Norman describes his governance approach: “I am blessed with wonderful Trustees who bring my work to life.” The team includes a solicitor who creates contracts, an accountant who ensures timely distribution of funds, and a project manager who oversees progress.

Leadership Philosophy

Sir Norman Stoller has articulated his philanthropic approach: "I am in a very fortunate position of having a lifestyle that I enjoy, of being able to afford anything within reason that I wish to acquire, and I find myself with far more money than I need, so why on earth shouldn't I give some back?"

He emphasizes: “Giving to charity should never be valued by the quantum – one gives from the heart in recognition of the needs of others.”

On his priorities: "I am determined to help the next generation and I support brilliant initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. I'm also involved in healthcare, particularly research, and I'm involved in Oldham."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The trust does not operate a standard open application process. Based on available evidence, the trust works through:

  1. Strategic partnerships with major institutions (universities, NHS trusts, established charities)
  2. Invitation-based funding for large capital projects
  3. Specific programmes like the Oldham Enterprise Trust for young entrepreneurs

For the Oldham Enterprise Fund (small grants for young people aged 16-30):

  • Applications must be made through Oldham Enterprise Trust
  • Applicants must be residents of Oldham Metropolitan Borough
  • Must complete programme application form
  • Required to access free business support programme
  • Must present/pitch to an assessment panel
  • Assessment based on business potential, job creation, market opportunity, and personal qualities

For other funding, contact the trust directly at enquiries@stollercharitabletrust.co.uk with a detailed proposal.

Decision Timeline

No public information available about typical decision timeframes. Given the trust's involvement in multi-million pound capital projects, major grants likely involve extended due diligence periods.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The trust appears highly selective, focusing on transformational projects aligned with Sir Norman's personal vision for the North West.

Reapplication Policy

No public information available. Given the relationship-based nature of the trust's funding, unsuccessful applicants should seek feedback before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment

Projects most likely to succeed demonstrate:

  1. Strong North West connection, particularly to Oldham and Greater Manchester
  2. Transformational impact rather than incremental improvements
  3. Focus on infrastructure and sustainability - the trust favours capital projects that create lasting change
  4. Youth development outcomes - projects helping young people “reach the height of their ability”
  5. Healthcare innovation - particularly cancer research and support

Recent Funding Examples

  • Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre (University of Manchester): Multi-million pound facility for cancer research, now one of Europe's largest clinical proteomics centres
  • Mahdlo Youth Centre (Oldham, 2012): Flagship youth facility providing activities, support and guidance
  • Maggie's Centres: Cancer support centres in Manchester and Oldham
  • Oldham Heritage & Arts Centre: £4 million donation (25% of total project cost)
  • Oldham Enterprise Fund: £1 million launch donation for young entrepreneur support
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust helipad: Strategic healthcare infrastructure

Language and Terminology

The trust uses aspirational language focused on:

  • “Raising aspirations”
  • “Reaching the height of their ability”
  • “Providing a helping hand”
  • “The next generation”
  • “Transforming lives”

Standing Out

Based on Sir Norman's philosophy and the trust's track record:

  1. Demonstrate local impact: Show deep roots in Oldham or the North West
  2. Think big: The trust favours landmark projects over small interventions
  3. Show sustainability: Projects should create lasting infrastructure or capability
  4. Personal connection: Sir Norman is personally involved in funding decisions; compelling human stories matter
  5. Collaborative approach: Many successful projects involve partnerships with established institutions
  6. Evidence innovation: Particularly in healthcare, show how the project advances the field

Common Challenges

  • The trust does not operate open application rounds, making access difficult
  • Very high bar for funding - most grants are substantial and transformational
  • Strong preference for Oldham-based projects; other North West projects must demonstrate exceptional merit
  • Limited public information about application processes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Relationship-driven funding: This is not an open grant programme. Success requires building relationships with the trust or applying through established partner programmes like Oldham Enterprise Trust.
  1. Think capital, not revenue: The trust strongly favours infrastructure projects - buildings, research centres, facilities - over operational funding.
  1. North West focus is non-negotiable: If your project isn't in the North West (especially Oldham), don't apply unless you have exceptional circumstances.
  1. Scale matters: Small grants (£1,000-£3,000) are only available through specific programmes for young entrepreneurs. Otherwise, the trust focuses on transformational six- and seven-figure commitments.
  1. Align with Sir Norman's personal vision: The founder remains actively involved. Projects that resonate with his experiences (cancer survivor, Oldham businessman, youth development advocate) have the best chance.
  1. Be patient and persistent: Major grants appear to emerge from long-term relationships and strategic discussions rather than quick application processes.
  1. For young entrepreneurs: The Oldham Enterprise Trust route is your best entry point. Ensure you're eligible (16-30, Oldham resident, business <2 years old) and prepare a compelling pitch.

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