Thomas Hickman's Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £877,551 (charitable activities expenditure, 2024)
• Total Income: £876,092 (2024)
• Decision Time: Monthly trustee meetings (typically within 4-5 weeks)
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Aylesbury town only

Contact Details

Address: Rickford House, 12 Rickfords Hill, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2RZ

Phone: 01296 318500

Email: doudjag@pandcllp.co.uk

Alternative Email: info@thomashickmancharity.co.uk

Website: thomashickmancharity.co.uk

Charity Number: 202973

Overview

Thomas Hickman's Charity, established in 1698, is Aylesbury's first and only independent privately-endowed charity. Founded when Thomas Hickman (b. ~1637, d. 1698) bequeathed five cottages to be converted into almshouses for poor Aylesbury residents, the charity has grown to become the largest freeholder in Aylesbury Old Town, now owning 49 properties. With an income of £876,092 (2024), primarily generated through investments (£665,075), the charity maintains a strong endowment fund. The organization operates under two main charitable objectives: providing almshouse accommodation for elderly Aylesbury residents in financial need, and offering “Relief in Need” grants to individuals and organizations serving Aylesbury residents experiencing hardship or distress. The charity's scheme was sealed on 22nd June 1979 and amended on 1st October 2024.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Relief in Need Grants (Individual Hardship Grants)

• Target Group: Individual Aylesbury residents experiencing financial hardship
• Typical Coverage: Aids for living such as carpets, washing machines, cookers, fridges, and school uniforms
• Application Method: Application form submitted to the clerk; reviewed at monthly trustee meetings

2. Charitable Organization Grants

• Target Group: Organizations wholly or partly benefiting Aylesbury residents
• Application Method: Letter to "the Clerk to the Trustees of The Thomas Hickman's Charity"
• Review Schedule: Monthly trustee meetings (no meeting in August)

Priority Areas

• Relief of poverty and hardship for Aylesbury residents
• Support for elderly residents in financial need (through almshouses)
• Essential household items for individuals in distress
• School uniforms and educational support
• Organizations serving vulnerable Aylesbury residents (e.g., youth charities)

What They Don't Fund

The charity's geographic restriction is absolute: only residents of Aylesbury town are eligible. Organizations based outside Aylesbury must demonstrate significant service to Aylesbury residents with specific numbers or percentages.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The charity is governed by five trustees who meet monthly except in August:

1. Janet Mary Taylor - Trustee (appointed 13 September 2018)
2. Rev Douglas Lee Zimmerman - Trustee (appointed 13 November 2014)
3. Roger Basil Harwood - Trustee (appointed 7 April 2011)
4. Mr Tim Voss - Trustee
5. Elizabeth Mossford - Trustee

The governance structure includes a chairperson and the rector of St Mary's Church among the trustees. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The organization works under informal guidance from the Almshouse Association and is registered with the Charity Commission.

Staff

The charity employs 3 staff members, with no employee benefits exceeding £60,000.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Organizations:

• Submit a formal letter addressed to "the Clerk to the Trustees of The Thomas Hickman's Charity"
• Required documentation:
• Clear details of the nature of the application and exact amount requested
• Itemized breakdown of how funds will be expended
• Number or percentage of Aylesbury residents served (if based outside Aylesbury)
• Latest audited accounts or bank statement showing monies held
• Details of other funding applications (e.g., BCC, AVDC) and results
• Email address and telephone number

For Individuals:

• Complete the Relief in Need application form
• Submit to the clerk by mail or in person
• Applications can be submitted by the individual, family member, third party (social worker, school), or organizations (Citizens Advice, schools)

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet monthly (except August)
• Applications are considered at the next available trustee meeting
• Typical timeline: 4-5 weeks from submission to decision
• Applications may be considered as they arise depending on urgency

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not specified in public documents. Contact the clerk for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements for Organizations

1. Geographic specificity: Demonstrate clear benefit to Aylesbury town residents with concrete numbers or percentages
2. Financial transparency: Provide detailed itemized budgets and current financial statements
3. Due diligence: Show evidence of exploring other funding sources
4. Clear need: Articulate specific hardship or need being addressed
5. Local connection: Organizations based in Aylesbury or with strong Aylesbury service delivery

For Individual Applicants

• Focus on essential household items and basic living needs
• Applications can be made through trusted intermediaries (social workers, Citizens Advice)
• School uniform grants are available for families in need

Recent Funding Example

Youth Concern, a local youth charity supporting vulnerable young people in Aylesbury, has been listed as a recipient of support from Thomas Hickman's Charity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Hyperlocal focus: This charity exclusively serves Aylesbury town residents—geographic eligibility is non-negotiable
• Monthly decision cycle: Plan submissions around monthly trustee meetings; avoid August when no meetings occur
• Endowment-funded stability: With investment income of £665,075 annually, the charity has a sustainable funding model
• Dual mission: Understanding both the almshouse heritage and relief-in-need functions demonstrates respect for the charity's 300+ year history
• Documentation matters: Detailed financial information and itemized budgets are mandatory; applications lacking specificity will not be considered
• Show broader due diligence: Trustees want to know you've explored other local funding sources (BCC, AVDC)
• Third-party referrals welcomed: For individual hardship cases, referrals from social workers, schools, or Citizens Advice carry weight

References

1. Thomas Hickman's Charity Official Website - Charity Application Page. https://thomashickmancharity.co.uk/charity-application/
2. Thomas Hickman's Charity - About Us. https://thomashickmancharity.co.uk/about-us/
3. Thomas Hickman's Charity - Relief in Need Application. https://thomashickmancharity.co.uk/relief-in-need-application/
4. Charity Commission Register - Thomas Hickman's Charity (202973). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/202973
5. Charity Commission - Thomas Hickman's Charity Trustees. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/202973/trustees
6. Charity Commission - Thomas Hickman's Charity Financial Information (Year Ending 31 December 2024). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/202973
7. Youth Concern - Funders Page. https://www.youthconcern.org.uk/support-us/funders/