The Valentine Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 1001782

Annual Expenditure: £1.2M
Dorset

Contact Info

Website:None

Phone:01202 292424

Email:Not

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,215,857 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis - no fixed timeline published
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £25,000
  • Average Grant: £7,800
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Dorset, some UK national and limited international

Contact Details

Address: Hinton House, Hinton Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2EN

Phone: 01202 292424

Email: Not available

Website: None

Note: The Trust does not maintain a website. Applications may be made at any time in writing to the address above.

Overview

Founded and registered with the Charity Commission on 4 February 1991, The Valentine Charitable Trust is a significant grant-maker for Dorset charities. With total assets generating investment income of over £1.3 million annually (2024), the Trust distributes approximately £1.2 million in grants each year to support charitable organizations. The Trust operates without paid trustees and has no employees, ensuring that all funds are directed toward charitable purposes. Its mission focuses on two core areas: providing public amenities and facilities not covered by public funds, and protecting the countryside, wildlife, and environment. The Trust takes a distinctive approach by making repeat grants to a core group of charities, often providing vital core funding support, while remaining open to new applications, particularly from local Dorset organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Main Grant Programme: £1,000 - £25,000 (applications accepted on a rolling basis in writing)
  • Average Grant Size: £7,800
  • Typical Range: Most grants fall between £5,000 - £10,000

In recent years (2021 data), the Trust made grants to 91 charities totaling £710,500, with a clear preference for established relationships while remaining open to new applicants.

Priority Areas

The Trust has two statutory charitable purposes:

  1. Community Amenities and Facilities: Provision of amenities and facilities for the benefit of the public that are not provided from public funds
  2. Environmental Protection: Protection and safeguarding of the countryside and wildlife, and the control and reduction of pollution

The Trustees particularly favor:

  • Projects offering sustainability to local communities
  • Organizations based in or serving Dorset
  • Core funding requests (the Trust explicitly supports core costs)
  • Charities seeking repeat/regular funding relationships

Geographic Scope

  • Primary Focus: Dorset and surrounding areas
  • Secondary: Other UK charities
  • Limited International: Small initiatives in developing countries have been supported

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not published, but the Trust's focus on community facilities and environmental protection suggests limited interest in areas outside these priorities.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees: 9 trustees oversee the Trust's operations

Governance Principles:

  • No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity
  • No employees
  • Decisions made at trustees' absolute discretion
  • Income derived entirely from investments

The Trust operates with minimal overhead, directing maximum resources to charitable grants.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Written applications only

Address:

The Valentine Charitable Trust

Hinton House

Hinton Road

Bournemouth

BH1 2EN

Telephone Enquiries: 01202 292424

Application Schedule: Rolling basis - applications may be made at any time

No Online Portal: The Trust does not have a website or online application system

Decision Timeline

No published information about trustees' meeting schedules or typical decision timeframes. As applications are accepted on a rolling basis, decision times may vary.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not published. However, the Trust's approach suggests:

  • Core group of regular recipients receive ongoing support
  • Approximately 91 grants made in 2021 from total applications (number not disclosed)
  • Local Dorset applicants may have enhanced prospects

Reapplication Policy

The Trust explicitly welcomes repeat applications and has a stated policy of making grants “on a repeat basis” to organizations. This suggests:

  • Unsuccessful applicants can likely reapply
  • Successful grantees are encouraged to apply again
  • The Trust values long-term relationships with charities

Application Success Factors

Key Success Indicators

  1. Geographic Connection: Strong preference for Dorset-based charities or projects serving Dorset communities
  1. Sustainability Focus: The Trustees explicitly state they “particularly look for projects which offer sustainability to local communities”
  1. Core Funding: Unlike many trusts, The Valentine Charitable Trust is “prepared to make donations towards the core funding of charities” - clearly state if seeking core costs
  • Community amenities/facilities not provided by public funds, OR
  • Environmental protection, countryside/wildlife conservation, pollution control
  1. Repeat Funding Potential: The Trust favors ongoing relationships - demonstrate how your organization could benefit from sustained support
  1. Registered Charity Status: UK registered charities may apply

Application Tips

  • Be Local: Emphasize Dorset connections and community impact
  • Demonstrate Sustainability: Show how your project will create lasting benefit for local communities
  • Don't Shy from Core Funding: This is one of the few trusts that welcomes core funding requests - be clear if this is what you need
  • Think Long-term: Position your application as the potential start of an ongoing relationship
  • Be Specific: With no application form, your written application must clearly address the Trust's priorities
  • Keep it Professional: As applications are by letter only, ensure your written communication is clear, well-structured, and compelling

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Strong Dorset Preference: This is fundamentally a Dorset trust - local applicants have a significant advantage
  • Sustainability is Key: Trustees specifically seek projects offering sustainability to local communities - make this explicit in your application
  • Core Funding Welcome: One of the trust's distinguishing features is willingness to fund core costs - don't disguise operational needs as project costs
  • Relationship-Based: The trust makes repeat grants to a core group while remaining open to new applicants - successful first applications can lead to ongoing support
  • Two Clear Priorities: Focus tightly on either community amenities/facilities or environmental protection - don't try to stretch into other areas
  • Simple Application Process: No forms, no online portal, no complex requirements - but your written application must be comprehensive and compelling
  • Patient Approach Required: With rolling applications and no published timelines, be prepared for an uncertain wait period

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

  • Lanyado Fund
  • Lucille Graham Trust Limited
  • Mrs Pat Ripley'S Charitable Trust
  • Northbrook Community Trust
  • The Cherry Family Foundation
  • The St Hilda'S Trust
  • Arts & Business Cymru
  • David Solomons Charitable Trust
  • Hays Travel Foundation
  • Hendy Foundation

References