The Truemark Trust

Charity Number: 265855

Annual Expenditure: £0.4M

Geographic Focus: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Throughout England And Wales

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Quick Stats

Annual Giving: £448,000 (2018/2019)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: 12 weeks (quarterly trustee meetings)
Grant Range: £1,000 - £11,000
Average Grant: £3,000-£4,110
Geographic Focus: UK-wide
Number of Grants: 109 grants awarded in 2018/2019

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 2, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 6YP

Email: applications@truelight.org.uk or truemark.trust01@ntlworld.com

Phone: 07970 540015

Website: No website available

Note: The Trust does not have a website. All applications must be made in writing.

Overview

The Truemark Trust was registered as a charity on 19 June 1973 (Charity Number 265855). The Trust's purpose is to make grants to other charitable bodies for the relief of all kinds of social distress and disadvantage. With annual giving of approximately £448,000 and awarding around 109-114 grants per year, the Trust focuses on supporting small, locally-based registered charities across the UK. The Trust has a particular preference for neighbourhood-based community projects and innovative work with 'less popular' groups—those facing disadvantage who may receive less attention from other funders. The Trust maintains a low profile, operating without a website or extensive public communications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme: £1,000 - £11,000 (average £3,000-£4,110)

One-off grants for specific projects or parts of projects
Rolling application process with quarterly decision-making
Applications considered at trustee meetings held every three months
Apply at any time in writing

Priority Areas

The Trust funds a wide range of activities addressing social distress and disadvantage, including:

Advice and information services
Befriending and mentoring programmes
Citizenship and community involvement
Education and training initiatives
Health education and promotion
Mental health care
Sport and physical activity
Recreation and social activities
Social care and welfare

Beneficiary Groups: Children, economically/socially disadvantaged people, people in poverty, those with ill-health or disabilities, local communities, women and girls, and young people.

Key Preferences:

Small, local charities
Neighbourhood-based community projects
Innovative work with less popular groups
Projects addressing all kinds of disadvantage

What They Don't Fund

Core funding: Rarely considered
Salaries: Rarely considered
Non-registered charities: Only UK registered charities are eligible

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Judy Hayward - Chair
Jane Ann Dunham - Trustee
Sharon Kelly Knight - Trustee
Shirley Vening - Trustee
Paul Summerfield - Trustee
Stephen George Ellis Collins - Trustee

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Method: Written application only
Address: The Truemark Trust, PO Box 2, Liss, Hampshire, GU33 6YP
Email: applications@truelight.org.uk or truemark.trust01@ntlworld.com
Timing: Rolling basis - apply at any time

Application Format: No website or application form available. Applications should be made in writing, including details of your charity, the project requiring funding, and the specific amount requested.

Decision Timeline

Trustee Meetings: Held quarterly (every three months)
Typical Decision Time: Approximately 12 weeks from submission to decision
Notification: By mail or email

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. However, with 109-114 grants awarded annually from an average of £448,000-£458,000 in total giving, the Trust maintains a consistent grant-making programme.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly available. Contact the Trust directly for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Given the Trust's focus and grant-making history, the following factors appear important for successful applications:

1. Small and Local: The Trust explicitly prioritizes small, local charities. Emphasize your organization's local roots and community connections.

2. Innovation with 'Less Popular' Groups: The Trust values innovative approaches to working with groups that may receive less attention from other funders. If your work serves marginalized or overlooked populations, highlight this clearly.

3. Project-Specific Funding: Grants are for specific projects or parts of projects, not general running costs. Be clear about what the grant will fund and what outcomes it will achieve.

4. Addressing Disadvantage: All funded work relates to relieving social distress and disadvantage. Articulate clearly how your project addresses these issues.

5. Neighbourhood-Based: Community projects rooted in specific neighbourhoods are preferred. Demonstrate local impact and community engagement.

6. Registered Charity Status: Only UK registered charities are eligible. Ensure your charity number is clearly stated.

7. Realistic Budget: With an average grant of £3,000-£4,110, applications should be realistic about the amount requested and what it will achieve.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Focus on the local and specific: This is a funder that values small-scale, neighbourhood-based work over large national programmes.

Highlight innovation with underserved groups: If you work with 'less popular' groups or take innovative approaches to disadvantage, make this central to your application.

Be project-focused: Don't apply for core costs or salaries—identify a specific project element that needs funding.

Keep it simple: Without an application form, a clear, concise written application is essential. Cover who you are, what you'll do, who will benefit, and what you need.

Be patient but persistent: With quarterly meetings, expect a 12-week turnaround. Plan applications well in advance of when funding is needed.

No website means direct contact: Use the phone number or email to ask preliminary questions if needed. The Trust operates personally despite its low profile.