The T. S. Eliot Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £250,000 (via Old Possum's Practical Trust)
• Total Income: £2,138,736 (Foundation overall, 2023)
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000
• Decision Time: Not specified (rolling basis, no acknowledgment sent)
• Geographic Focus: UK and Republic of Ireland
• Application Method: Rolling

Contact Details

Website: www.tseliot.com

Email: liz.newell@mha.co.uk

Phone: 01908 662255

Grant Applications: Via contact form at https://tseliot.com/foundation/old-possums-trust/

Overview

The T. S. Eliot Foundation (registered charity 1159129) was established in November 2014 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to further the education of the general public in relation to the works of T. S. Eliot and to promote art, culture and heritage, particularly poetry. The Foundation operates primarily through Old Possum's Practical Trust, founded by Valerie Eliot in 1990 using proceeds from the musical Cats. With over £7 million distributed to date, the Trust gives away approximately £250,000 annually to support artistic, literary, musical, and theatrical projects. In 2016, the Foundation took over administration of the prestigious T. S. Eliot Prize (worth £25,000), and in 2015 acquired T. S. Eliot House, which now operates as a Writer's Retreat. The Foundation is not limited to literary causes and has previously funded diverse organizations including the Refugee Council, arts colonies, and foodbanks.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Old Possum's Practical Trust

• Grant Amount: £500 - £5,000
• Annual Distribution: Approximately £250,000
• Application Method: Rolling basis via online contact form
• Acknowledgment: Applications are not acknowledged; contact only if decision made or more information needed

Priority Areas

The Trust gives preference to projects that:

• Fall within artistic, literary, musical, and theatrical criteria
• Support organizations devoted to upholding the right to freedom of speech
• Demonstrate high levels of sustainability and contextual impact
• Have an impact on future literary work
• Display enterprise in their artistic endeavor
• Promote arts and culture
• Support young talent and encourage creative development
• Increase knowledge and appreciation of matters of historic, artistic, architectural, literary, musical or theatrical interest

Past Recipients Include:

• Sandy Hill Arts (£2,000 for Poetry Weekend + Comedy event)
• Newnham College (£1.1M for Valerie Eliot Fellow in English Studies)
• London Library (capital donation)
• Royal College of Music
• Old Vic Theatre (US/UK exchange program)
• Refugee Council
• Arts colonies
• Foodbanks

What They Don't Fund

• Completed activities
• Capital building projects
• Personal training or education costs
• Medical care or resources
• Feasibility studies

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (all appointed 07 November 2014):

• Jackie Bodley
• Philip Durrance
• Clare Mary Reihill

Structure: 3 trustees, 10 volunteers, no paid employees with benefits over £60,000. No trustees receive remuneration.

Foundation Financial Overview (2023):

• Total Income: £2,138,736 (primarily from investments £1.16m and charitable activities £974,329)
• Total Expenditure: £2,603,438

Old Possum's Practical Trust (separate charity, 328558):

• Total Income (2024): £150,096
• Total Expenditure (2024): £332,437

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Email address
• Name
• Organization details
• Project description
• Grant amount requested (within £500-£5,000 range)

Important: Use the specific grant application form on the Old Possum's Practical Trust page, NOT the general Estate contact form.

Decision Timeline

• Application Schedule: Rolling basis
• Acknowledgment: Applications are not acknowledged upon receipt
• Contact: The Trust will only contact applicants if a decision has been made or if further information is needed
• Specific Timeframe: Not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's guidance and funding priorities:

1. Demonstrate Sustainability: All applications must demonstrate a high level of sustainability and contextual impact
2. Show Future Impact: Priority given to projects that have an impact on future literary work
3. Display Enterprise: Projects should display enterprise in their artistic endeavor
4. Align with Core Criteria: Strong alignment with artistic, literary, musical, or theatrical interests increases likelihood of success
5. Freedom of Speech: Organizations supporting freedom of speech rights are particularly encouraged
6. Clear Project Description: Provide specific, concrete details about the project and its outcomes
7. Avoid Excluded Categories: Do not apply for personal training, capital projects, or completed activities
8. Be Patient: The Trust operates on its own timeline and does not acknowledge applications

Specific Guidance from the Trust:

• “Do not send further emails” after submitting application
• “We do not acknowledge applications”
• The Trust will contact you only when a decision is made or more information is needed

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Grant Size: Keep requests within £500-£5,000 range; larger capital grants (£1M+) have been made but are exceptional
2. Rolling Basis: No fixed deadlines; submit applications when project is ready
3. Patience Required: No acknowledgment of applications; wait for the Trust to contact you
4. Broad Interpretation: While literary focus is strong, the Foundation is “not limited to these objectives” and considers all worthwhile causes
5. Literary Heritage: Strong connection to T. S. Eliot's legacy and poetry helps but is not required
6. Sustainability Matters: Demonstrate long-term impact and sustainability of your project
7. No Follow-Up: Do not send additional emails after submission; trust the process

References

1. The T. S. Eliot Foundation Charity Commission Register (1159129) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1159129 -
2. Old Possum's Practical Trust Charity Commission Register (328558) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=328558 -
3. Old Possum's Practical Trust Grant Information - https://tseliot.com/foundation/old-possums-trust/ -
4. T. S. Eliot Foundation About Page - https://tseliot.com/foundation/about/ -
5. Bath and North East Somerset Council Funder Profile - https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/88183 -
6. Sandy Hill Arts Grant Announcement - https://sandyhillarts.co.uk/news/t-s-eliot-foundation-old-possums-practical-trust-grant/ -
7. Making Music Funding Opportunity Profile - https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/funding-opportunity/old-possum's-practical-trust -