The William And Patricia Venton Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £92,919 (2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: England (primarily Plymouth, Eastbourne, Northampton, Cornwall)

Contact Details

Website: www.venton-trust.org

Phone: 01536414102 / 07785542582

Email: info@venton-trust.org

Address: Southlands, 9 Southlands, Kettering, Northants, NN15 7QG

Overview

The William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust was established following the death of Patricia Venton to continue the philanthropic legacy of William and Patricia Venton. William was a Plymouth architect who found success in South African property development and was a passionate conservationist. The Trust's income derives entirely from investment performance, with annual expenditure varying between £22,000 and £113,000 in recent years. The trustees are primarily charged with supporting four centres Patricia Venton created - three Age UK centres for the elderly in Plymouth, Eastbourne, and Northampton, and an RSPCA animal welfare centre in Cornwall. Subject to these primary commitments, the trustees have discretion to make grants to other charities supporting the elderly or animal welfare.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates a dual funding structure:

• Primary Support: Ongoing funding for the William and Patricia Venton Centres (Age UK Plymouth, Eastbourne, Northampton, and RSPCA Cornwall)
• Discretionary Grants: Additional grants to charities supporting elderly people or animals in need

Priority Areas

• Support and comfort for elderly people
• Animal welfare and care
• Organizations aligned with the Ventons' original charitable vision

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust's charter limits funding to:

• Registered charities only
• Organizations supporting elderly people or animals
• Likely UK-based organizations given their geographic focus

Ready to write a winning application for The William And Patricia Venton Charitable Trust?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

The Trust is managed by three trustees who receive no remuneration. The Trust operates with minimal overhead, employing no staff and maintaining a lean administrative structure. Trustee names are not publicly disclosed, but they are charged with honoring Patricia Venton's specific wishes while exercising discretion over additional grant-making.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Trust references accepting “grant applications” on their website but does not provide a public application form or detailed process. Organizations must contact the Trust directly via email (info@venton-trust.org) or phone (01536414102) to inquire about the application process. The trustees note that their ability to support grant applications is restricted during times of market uncertainty, as their income depends entirely on investment performance.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified - organizations should inquire directly when contacting the Trust.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's structure and priorities, successful applications likely demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with supporting elderly people or animal welfare
• Geographic proximity to the Trust's existing commitments (Plymouth, Eastbourne, Northampton, Cornwall)
• Understanding that funding availability depends on investment performance
• Recognition that the Trust's primary obligation is to their established centres
• Direct, measurable impact on beneficiaries that aligns with the Ventons' original charitable vision

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Trust has limited discretionary funding after supporting their four primary centres
• Funding availability fluctuates with investment performance - timing matters
• Focus on elderly support or animal welfare is essential for eligibility
• Geographic proximity to existing centres may be advantageous
• Direct contact is necessary as there's no public application portal
• The Trust operates lean with just three trustees making decisions
• Organizations should emphasize alignment with the Ventons' original charitable vision of supporting the vulnerable

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE BASIL SAMUEL CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE NORMAN FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Constance Travis Charitable Trust
• THE IVO TRUST
• The Wyfold Charitable Trust
• THE DR SHEILA MILLAR-DANKS CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Balney Charitable Trust
• The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust
• Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust
• The Thompson Family Charitable Trust

References

• The William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust Official Website. www.venton-trust.org
• The William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust About Us Page. www.venton-trust.org/about_us
• Charity Commission Register Entry for The William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust (1103884). register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1103884
• Charity Choice Profile. www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-william-and-patricia-venton-charitable-trust-50498
• Age UK Northamptonshire General Information. www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire/about-us/general-information/
• RSPCA Cornwall Branch About Us. www.rspcacornwall.org.uk/about-us/