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

Email: info@venton-trust.org

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

Overview

The William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust was created by Patricia Venton to continue the philanthropic legacy of William and Patricia Venton. William was a Plymouth architect who emigrated to South Africa in the 1930s, found success in property development in South Africa and the Bahamas, and was a passionate conservationist. During her lifetime, Patricia Venton donated funds to construct centres for the elderly - now operated by Age UK in Plymouth and Northampton, and Age Concern in Eastbourne - as well as an RSPCA animal welfare centre in Cornwall. On her death, the residue of the charitable foundation and her estate passed to the newly created William and Patricia Venton Charitable Trust. 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 the four centres Patricia Venton created. Subject to these primary commitments, the trustees have discretion to make grants to other charities supporting the elderly or animal welfare.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Trust operates a dual funding structure:

• Primary Support: Ongoing funding for the William and Patricia Venton Centres (Age UK Plymouth, Age UK Northampton, Age Concern Eastbourne, 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
• Organisations 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
• Organisations supporting elderly people or animals
• Likely UK-based organisations 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 hours and increase your success rate.

Learn more >

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 honouring Patricia Venton's specific wishes while exercising discretion over additional grant-making.

How to Apply to The William And Patricia Venton Charitable Trust

How to Apply

The Trust references accepting “grant applications” on their website but does not provide a public application form or detailed process. Organisations 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 - organisations 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
• Organisations should emphasise alignment with the Ventons' original charitable vision of supporting the vulnerable

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Kenneth And Barbara Boardman-weston Charitable Trust
• The Norman Family Charitable Trust
• The Basil Samuel Charitable Trust
• The De Brye Charitable Trust
• The Northwick Trust
• The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust
• The Nani Huyu Charitable Trust
• Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust
• The Dmf Ellis Charitable Trust
• The Constance Travis 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/