The Sylvia And Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £426,021 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: £500 - £1,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: 25-mile radius of York

Contact Details

• Website: sylviaandcolinshepherdcharitabletrust.org
• Email: admin@scsctrust.co.uk
• Phone: 01904 619740
• Address: PO Box 730, York, YO1 0HT

Overview

Founded in 1973 by Sylvia and Colin Shepherd, this York-based charitable trust has been supporting local communities for over 50 years. With total annual expenditure of approximately £426,000 and income of £481,000 (2024), the trust focuses exclusively on organizations within a 25-mile radius of York. The trust maintains a straightforward approach to grant-making, prioritizing local charitable organizations that demonstrate clear community impact. Their funding philosophy emphasizes supporting a diverse range of causes that strengthen the Yorkshire community, from social welfare to environmental conservation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Small Grants: £500 - £1,000 (standard award range)
• Larger Awards: Occasionally available for exceptional projects
• Total Annual Distribution: Approximately £200,000 in grants

Priority Areas

• Social Welfare
• Community Activities
• Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Disability, Health and Well-being
• Environment and Conservation

What They Don't Fund

The trust exclusively funds organizations within 25 miles of York. Organizations outside this geographic area are not eligible.

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by 5 trustees who serve without remuneration. The trust maintains a lean operational structure with no employees earning over £60,000 and no trading subsidiaries. All trustees volunteer their time to assess applications and distribute funds.

How to Apply to The Sylvia And Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through multiple channels:

• Online application form via the trust's website
• PDF form download for email submission to admin@scsctrust.co.uk
• Postal submission to PO Box 730, York, YO1 0HT

Applications should include:

1. Clear statement of the purpose for which funds would be used
2. Total amount required for the project
3. Details of other sources of finance available or secured
4. Explanation of how the project benefits the local community
5. Specific details about regional activities if organization operates more broadly

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. Applicants should contact the trust directly for current timelines.

Success Rates

Not published

Reapplication Policy

Not specified - unsuccessful applicants should contact the trust directly regarding reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's stated priorities and requirements:

• Geographic eligibility is paramount: Clearly demonstrate how your work directly benefits communities within 25 miles of York
• Local delivery focus: If your organization operates regionally or nationally, explain specifically what you deliver in the York area
• Clear budget presentation: Provide transparent information about total project costs and other funding sources
• Community impact: Articulate how your project addresses local needs
• Alignment with priority areas: Frame your application within one or more of their five focus areas

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute - only organizations benefiting the York area within a 25-mile radius are eligible
• Small grants (£500-£1,000) are the norm, though larger awards are occasionally possible
• The trust values straightforward applications that clearly explain local impact
• With approximately £200,000 distributed annually across multiple organizations, competition is likely significant
• Multiple application methods provide flexibility for different organizational preferences
• The trust has been operating for over 50 years, suggesting stable, consistent funding availability
• Focus on demonstrating specific, measurable benefits to the local York community

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Brelms Trust Cio
• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
• The Purey Cust Trust Cio
• Ed De Nunzio Charitable Trust
• Normanby Charitable Trust
• Sir George Martin Trust
• Lga Foundation
• The Hull And East Riding Charitable Trust
• The Joseph And Annie Cattle Trust
• West Riding Masonic Charities Limited

References

• The Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust Official Website: https://sylviaandcolinshepherdcharitabletrust.org
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=272788&subid=0
• Financial information from Charity Commission filing for year ending 05 April 2024