The Vernon N Ely Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £369,202 (2024)
• Income: £30,960 (2024)
• Decision Time: Applications considered once annually in September (tennis grants)
• Grant Range: £500 (typical tennis grant, but trustees have discretion to award more or less)
• Geographic Focus: London Borough of Merton and Surrey (tennis-related)

Contact Details

Email: derek.howorth@lta.org.uk

Phone: 07971141316

Address: c/o BGM Helmores Ltd, 114a Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4AG

Alternative Address: 02074027444

Overview

The Vernon N Ely Charitable Trust is a long-established grant-making trust founded in 1962 and registered as a charity in 1964. The trust operates with dual focus areas: supporting tennis-related causes (particularly junior tennis players in Surrey) and funding charitable organizations in the London Borough of Merton. With annual expenditure of approximately £369,202 (2024), the trust significantly exceeds its income of £30,960, drawing on established capital to support its charitable activities. The trust's governing document gives trustees broad discretion to select beneficiaries “for such charity or charities as the trustees shall in their discretion select.” The trust has supported organizations including Polka Theatre in Merton and maintains a structured grant program for aspiring junior tennis players who represent Surrey at county level.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Surrey Junior Tennis Grants

• Amount: £500 (typical grant, but trustees may award more or less based on circumstances)
• Total Available: Approximately £28,000 annually for tennis grants
• Application Method: Annual application cycle with decisions in September
• Eligibility: Players aged 9-18 who have represented Surrey in a Junior County Cup Team
• Priority: Given to those from disadvantaged backgrounds or demonstrating greater need

Merton Charitable Organizations

• Application Method: Trustee discretion - no public application process
• Focus: General charitable purposes in the London Borough of Merton
• Known Beneficiaries: Polka Theatre (children's theatre)

Priority Areas

• Youth sports development (specifically tennis)
• Charitable organizations serving the London Borough of Merton
• Supporting young people to achieve their potential
• Cultural and community organizations in Merton

What They Don't Fund

The trust's exclusions are not explicitly documented, but given its focused mandate:

• Organizations outside Surrey (for tennis grants) or Merton (for general grants)
• Junior tennis players who have not represented Surrey in County Cup competition
• Players outside the 9-18 age range (for tennis grants)
• Multiple grants to the same player within one year

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Derek Paul Howorth FCA (contact trustee with LTA connection)
• John Sidney Moyle
• Richard Seymour Main

The trust has three trustees, and notably, one or more trustees receive payments or benefits from the charity for their role as trustee. Derek Howorth's connection to the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) reflects the trust's tennis focus, stemming from the original settlor Vernon Ely's interest in the sport.

The trust was established through a settlement dated 30 October 1962 by the late Vernon Ely, specifically to support junior tennis development and charitable causes.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Surrey Junior Tennis Grants:

• Application form must be submitted by a parent or guardian
• Forms available through Surrey Tennis website
• Applications accepted annually for consideration in September
• Each player can only receive one grant per year
• Must demonstrate representation of Surrey in Junior County Cup Team

For Merton Charitable Organizations:

This aspect of the trust does not have a public application process. Grants to Merton-based charities appear to be awarded at the trustees' discretion, likely based on their knowledge of local organizations and needs.

Decision Timeline

Tennis Grants: Applications are considered by trustees once per year, with grants awarded in September.

Merton Grants: No published timeline - decisions made at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However, with approximately £28,000 available annually for tennis grants at a typical £500 per grant, the trust can support approximately 50-60 junior tennis players per year, depending on individual circumstances and trustee decisions.

Reapplication Policy

For tennis grants: Players can apply annually, but can only receive one grant per year. There is no restriction on reapplication in subsequent years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria (age 9-18 and Surrey County Cup representation).

Application Success Factors

For Tennis Grant Applicants:

• Representation Matters: You must have represented Surrey in a Junior County Cup Team during the summer preceding your application. This is a fundamental requirement.

• Demonstrate Need: While all eligible players will be considered on merit, the trustees explicitly prioritize those from disadvantaged backgrounds or those demonstrating greater financial need for tennis development.

• Age Window: Apply while you're between 9 and 18 years old. Once you're beyond this age range, you're no longer eligible.

• Parental Involvement: Applications must be submitted by a parent or guardian, not by the player directly.

• Timing: Submit your application in time for the September consideration period. Missing this window means waiting another full year.

• Clear Purpose: The grant is intended to help you “achieve your potential” in tennis - be clear about how the funding will support your development.

For Merton Organizations:

Since there is no public application process, building relationships with the trustees or being active and visible in the Merton charitable sector appears to be the pathway to potential funding.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Tennis grants are highly specific: You must meet strict eligibility criteria including Surrey County Cup representation and age requirements. Don't apply if you don't meet these fundamental criteria.

• Structured annual cycle: Tennis grant applications are only considered once per year in September, so timing is critical.

• Typical grant is modest but flexible: £500 is the standard amount, but trustees can adjust based on circumstances and demonstrated need.

• Need-based prioritization: If you can demonstrate financial disadvantage or greater need, you'll be prioritized in funding decisions.

• Merton grants are closed process: For Merton-based charitable organizations, there's no public application route - funding appears to come from trustee initiative and local knowledge.

• Parent/guardian submission required: For junior tennis grants, ensure the application is submitted by a parent or guardian as required.

• One grant per year limit: Don't expect multiple grants in a single year, but you can reapply annually if you continue to meet criteria.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Betty Riseley Trust for Children
• The Hussey Trust
• Community Foundation for Surrey
• St Faith's Trust
• E F AND M G HALL CHARITABLE TRUST
• Guildford Poyle Charities
• The Wisley Foundation
• Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust
• The Tantum Trust
• Guildford Lions Club (CIO)

References

• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 230033: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/230033
• Surrey Tennis - Junior Support Grant: https://www.surrey.tennis/junior-support-grant
• Polka Theatre - Our Supporters: https://polkatheatre.com/join-and-support/our-supporters/
• OpenCharities - The Vernon N Ely Charitable Trust: http://opencharities.org/charities/230033
• Charity Commission financial data for years ending April 2020, 2024