The Underwood Trust

Charity Number: 266164

Annual Expenditure: £0.7M
Geographic Focus: Antarctica, Haiti, India, Philippines, Ukraine, Throughout England

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £747,500 (2024/25 allocation)
  • Success Rate: Invitation-only (not publicly available)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies by category (£25,000 - £315,000 per category annually)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily UK (England, Scotland), also India, Lebanon, Haiti, Philippines, Antarctica, Ukraine

Contact Details

Address: 20 York Street, London, W1U 6PU

Website: www.theunderwoodtrust.org.uk

Email: michelej@taylorclark.co.uk

Phone: 020 7486 0100

Manager: Michele Judge ACMA

Overview

The Underwood Trust was established on 1 July 1973, named after Underwood Lane in Paisley, Scotland, the childhood home of founder Robert Clark. The Trust aims to fund a wide range of activities that positively impact individuals and the environment, awarding grants annually to organisations that share these aspirations and demonstrate the ability to deliver on their programmes. The Trust allocates approximately £747,500 annually across four charitable categories. Critical Note: The trustees proactively seek out specific projects and give annual support to a select number of charities, which significantly restricts funds available for general applications. As such, the Trust is closed to unsolicited applications and only accepts applications by invitation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust allocates funds across four categories with specific 2024/25 allocations:

  • Medicine and Health: £270,000 annually
  • Social Welfare: £315,000 annually
  • Education and The Arts: £137,500 annually
  • The Environment and Wildlife: £25,000 annually

Application Method: Invitation-only. Applications only accepted when specifically invited by trustees.

Priority Areas

  • Improving quality of life for individuals
  • Environmental protection and improvement
  • Health and medical initiatives
  • Social welfare projects
  • Educational and arts programmes
  • Wildlife and environmental conservation

The Trust supports both national initiatives and local projects in specific regions (Scotland, Wiltshire, and selected international locations).

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals directly
  • Political activities
  • Commercial ventures
  • Vehicle purchases
  • Overseas travel, holidays, or expeditions
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Richard Bennison FCA - Chairman

Briony Wilson - Trustee

Manager: Michele Judge ACMA

Background

The Trust was founded by Robert Clark and his wife Mary Black Lang Clark. Robert established Taylor Clark (Scotland) Ltd. in 1948. The Trust maintains connections with Taylor Clark, with correspondence handled through their offices.

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity has no trading subsidiaries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

CRITICAL: The Trust is closed to unsolicited applications.

  • Applications only accepted when invited by trustees
  • Trustees proactively identify and invite specific charities and projects
  • If invited to apply, complete the Trust's application form
  • Submit by post or email to the Trust's office
  • Application forms should be completed using Adobe Reader XI or above
  • The Trust maintains long-term relationships with established organisations

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Trustees meet regularly to review invited applications.

Notification Methods

Not publicly specified.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The invitation-only model means traditional success rate metrics do not apply.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable for unsolicited applications. The Trust operates on an invitation-only basis, proactively identifying organisations to support.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only model, traditional application success factors are not relevant. However, organisations should note:

  • Long-term relationships: The Trust maintains ongoing relationships with supported charities, suggesting they value sustained partnerships
  • Proven delivery capability: The Trust explicitly seeks organisations “that have the ability to deliver on their programmes”
  • Alignment with mission: Organisations must demonstrate how their work “positively impacts individuals and the environment”
  • Strategic fit: Projects must align with one of the four funding categories

Example of Funded Organisation: Dorothy House Hospice (palliative care provider in Bath, North East Somerset, and Wiltshire) received funding from the Trust for expansion of community care services.

Key Considerations

  • Do not submit unsolicited applications - the Trust explicitly requests applicants not waste time and resources applying unless invited
  • The Trust operates a proactive model, identifying and approaching organisations rather than responding to public applications
  • Focus on building visibility and reputation in sectors aligned with Trust priorities, as this may lead to invitation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only model: This Trust cannot be approached through standard application processes - do not submit unsolicited applications
  • Proactive identification: Trustees actively seek out projects and charities rather than responding to open applications
  • Category focus: Ensure any potential alignment falls clearly within one of four categories: Medicine & Health, Social Welfare, Education & Arts, or Environment & Wildlife
  • Long-term partnerships: The Trust favours ongoing relationships with established organisations over one-off grants
  • Delivery capability: Demonstrated ability to deliver programmes is essential - the Trust explicitly seeks this
  • Geographic considerations: While primarily UK-focused, the Trust does support international work in specific countries (India, Lebanon, Haiti, Philippines, Ukraine, Antarctica)
  • Alternative strategy: Rather than applying, organisations should focus on building sector visibility and reputation that might attract trustee attention

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