The Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately £200,000 in grants
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: £500 - £1,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Prioritises organisations within 25-mile radius of York; also considers charities delivering in Yorkshire

Contact Details

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

Overview

Established by trust deed in 1973 by Sylvia and Colin Shepherd, this York-based charitable trust has been supporting local communities for over 50 years. The trust prioritises organisations within a 25-mile radius of York, though it also considers applications from charities delivering in and around Yorkshire. The trust maintains a straightforward approach to grant-making, prioritising local charitable organisations that demonstrate clear community impact. Their funding philosophy emphasises supporting a diverse range of causes that strengthen the Yorkshire community, from social welfare to environmental conservation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• 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 prioritises organisations within 25 miles of York. Charities based outside of Yorkshire must clearly explain what specific activities are being undertaken within the region. General national appeals will not be considered.

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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 organisation 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, or if based elsewhere in Yorkshire, explain specific local delivery
• Local delivery focus: If your organisation 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 focus on York area (25-mile radius) is the priority, though Yorkshire organisations with local delivery may also be considered
• 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 organisations, competition is likely significant
• Multiple application methods provide flexibility for different organisational 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
• National appeals and organisations without clear Yorkshire delivery will not be considered

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
• Normanby Charitable Trust
• The Joseph And Annie Cattle Trust
• The Cheridan Raithby Charitable Trust
• The Hull And East Riding Charitable Trust
• Ed De Nunzio Charitable Trust
• The Dashlight Foundation
• 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
• Charity Choice Directory: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-sylvia-and-colin-shepherd-charitable-trust-159179