The Thistle Trust
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £383,134 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: Under £3,000
- Geographic Focus: England and Wales
- Registered Charity: 1091327
Contact Details
Address: Zedra UK Trusts, Booths Park 3, Chelford Road, Knutsford, Cheshire
Email: charities@zedra.com
Phone: 01565 748832
Note: The Thistle Trust does not have a website
Overview
The Thistle Trust was registered with the Charity Commission on 22 March 2002 (charity number 1091327, company number 4383182). With annual expenditure of £383,134 in 2024, the Trust makes small grants to UK registered charities for arts projects. The Trust operates with a specific focus on promoting young people's access to the arts from all backgrounds. Administered by Zedra UK Trusts, the charity is governed by 5 trustees who receive no remuneration. The Trust operates throughout England and Wales with a clear mission to promote study and research in the arts and develop all aspects of the arts for public benefit.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Arts Projects for Young People: Grants generally under £3,000 available on a rolling basis to UK registered charities
- Application Method: Written applications accepted at any time via post or email
Priority Areas
- Arts projects that help young people from all backgrounds access the arts
- Study and research in the arts
- Promotion and development of all aspects of the arts including lectures, courses, classes, and exhibitions
- Projects that benefit the public through arts engagement
What They Don't Fund
- Non-registered UK charities
- Individuals (grants are only made to registered charities)
- Projects outside England and Wales
- Non-arts related projects
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Governance and Leadership
The Thistle Trust is governed by 5 trustees. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity operates without trading subsidiaries and has no employees with benefits over £60,000.
The Trust is administered by Zedra UK Trusts, a professional trust administration company based in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications may be made at any time in writing to:
By Email: charities@zedra.com
By Post: Zedra UK Trusts, Booths Park 3, Chelford Road, Knutsford, Cheshire
The Trust's policy is to consider applications received on their individual merits. Applications should clearly outline the arts project, how it will help young people access the arts, and the amount of funding requested (noting the typical limit of under £3,000).
Decision Timeline
The Trust operates on a rolling application basis, meaning applications can be submitted at any time. However, specific decision timelines are not publicly stated.
Important Note: Only successful applicants are notified. Unsuccessful applicants may not receive a response, so organizations should not assume rejection if they do not hear back within a specific timeframe.
Success Rates
Success rate information is not publicly available. Given the Trust's annual expenditure of £383,134 and typical grants under £3,000, it can be estimated that the Trust makes approximately 125+ grants annually, though this is not confirmed.
Reapplication Policy
Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. As applications are considered on individual merits and can be submitted at any time, organizations may wish to contact the Trust directly regarding unsuccessful applications.
Application Success Factors
While the Trust does not publish detailed guidance on what makes applications successful, the following factors can be inferred from their stated priorities:
- Clear Arts Focus: Projects must have a clear arts component, as this is the Trust's exclusive funding area
- Youth Engagement: Strong preference for projects that help young people access the arts
- Inclusivity: Emphasis on helping young people “from all backgrounds” suggests projects should demonstrate accessibility and remove barriers to participation
- Registered Charity Status: Only UK registered charities are eligible
- Realistic Budget: Grant requests should be under £3,000 and proportionate to the project scope
- Public Benefit: Projects should demonstrate how they promote or develop the arts for public benefit
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Thistle Trust is a small, focused funder dedicated exclusively to arts access for young people
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis - no deadline pressure but also no guaranteed timeframe
- Keep grant requests under £3,000 and ensure your organization is a registered UK charity
- Only successful applicants receive notification, so prepare for potential silence on unsuccessful applications
- Emphasize how your project removes barriers and provides arts access to young people from diverse backgrounds
- The Trust values projects that promote study, research, and development of all art forms including lectures, courses, classes, and exhibitions
- With no website and administration through a professional trust company, this is a low-profile funder that may receive fewer applications than larger trusts
Similar Funders
These funders frequently fund the same charities:
- The Arts Council of England
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- The Kirby Laing Foundation
- The Idlewild Trust
- VAUGHAN WILLIAMS FOUNDATION
- The London Community Foundation
- THE BORIS KARLOFF CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
- The Garrick Charitable Trust
- Thriplow Charitable Trust
- THE BOLTINI TRUST
- The Victoria Wood Foundation
- John Ellerman Foundation
- OGLESBY CHARITABLE TRUST
- THE ZOCHONIS CHARITABLE TRUST
- The Reed Foundation
- Suffolk Community Foundation
- Jack Petchey Foundation
- Backstage Trust
- THE FOYLE FOUNDATION
- THE SAMUEL GARDNER MEMORIAL TRUST
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References
- Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1091327
- Find that Charity database: https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1091327
- Bath and North East Somerset Council Funder Directory: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/87594
- Charity Choice Directory: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-thistle-trust-65970
- Companies House: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04383182
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Thistle Trust fund?
Grant Programs Arts Projects for Young People: Grants generally under £3,000 available on a rolling basis to UK registered charities Application Method: Written applications accepted at any time via p
How much funding does The Thistle Trust provide?
The Thistle Trust provides grants ranging from Under £3,000, with total annual giving of approximately £383,134 (2024).
How do I contact The Thistle Trust?
Address: Zedra UK Trusts, Booths Park 3, Chelford Road, Knutsford, Cheshire Email: charities@zedra.
Is The Thistle Trust a registered charity?
Yes, The Thistle Trust is a registered charity with the Charity Commission (charity number 1091327). They primarily serve organisations in Throughout England And Wales.
How do I apply to The Thistle Trust?
How to Apply Applications may be made at any time in writing to: By Email: charities@zedra. com By Post: Zedra UK Trusts, Booths Park 3, Chelford Road, Knutsford, Cheshire The Trust's policy is to consider applications received on their individual merits. Applications should clearly outline the arts project, how it will help young people access the arts, and the amount of funding requested (noting the typical limit of under £3,000).
Where is The Thistle Trust based?
They fund organisations in Throughout England And Wales.