Tottenham District Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £150,000 (approx.)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Within 1 month
• Grant Range: Up to £400 per individual
• Geographic Focus: Tottenham (London Borough of Haringey)

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 806, Northwich, CW9 9WQ

Email: carolyn@tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk or charities@tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk

Phone: +447758730078

Website: www.tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk

Secretary: Carolyn Banks

Overview

Tottenham District Charity (Registered Charity 207490) has been supporting disadvantaged residents of Tottenham for over 500 years. The charity originated from multiple local charities set up by wealthy philanthropists and aristocrats dating back to the 16th Century, which were amalgamated under the control of Tottenham Urban District Council in 1896.

With an annual income of approximately £205,908 (year ending March 2024) and expenditure of around £149,643, the charity provides grants and pensions to Tottenham's most vulnerable residents. The charity's grants and pensions are financed from investment interest, built from donations made over centuries. The charity focuses specifically on “the provision of assistance in the form of grants to the poorer residents in Tottenham and those who are house bound due to sickness, particularly old people.”

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from the Tottenham community and operates within the historic boundaries of the urban district of Tottenham as constituted on 28 February 1896.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Grants: Up to £400 maximum per applicant (rolling basis)

The charity provides small grants to help individuals with essential household items and expenses that will improve their quality of life and living conditions.

Priority Areas

The charity funds assistance for:

• Basic household furniture and items: beds, bedding, wardrobes, carpets
• White goods: fridges, freezers, washing machines
• Essential clothing
• Hospital visit payments
• Educational expenses: books, fees, travel costs
• Recuperative holiday costs
• Home decoration and repair costs

Target Beneficiaries

• Poorer residents in Tottenham
• People who are housebound due to sickness
• Elderly residents in particular need
• Individuals in demonstrable financial need

What They Don't Fund

Explicitly excluded:

• Bills or debts

Ready to write a winning application for Tottenham District Charity?

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

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from the Tottenham community, including both nominative and co-optative trustees.

Nominative Trustees:

• Cllr Sheila Peacock
• Cllr Ibrahim Ali
• Cllr Ahmed Mahbub
• Cllr Kaushika Amin
• Cllr Lorna Reith
• Cllr Reg Rice

Co-optative Trustees:

• Dr Stephen Whittle
• Rev'd Jess Swift
• Ms Toni Mallett
• Cllr Mark Grosskopf

The trustees include local councillors and faith community leaders with long-standing connections to Tottenham. None of the trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be made on the charity's official grant application form, available on their website.

Submission methods:

• By post: Tottenham District Charity, PO Box 365, Loughton, IG10 9EU
• By email: carolyn@tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk or charities@virginmedia.com

Application requirements:

• Applications should (if possible) be supported by a professional organisation such as a Social Worker, the Citizen Advice Bureau, welfare rights charity or similar
• Provide specific details about requested items
• Demonstrate financial need
• Proof of Tottenham residency for 3 consecutive years

Decision Timeline

Applications are processed by the Secretary and sent to the Charity Trustees appointed to the Grants-Sub Committee for consideration.

Timeline: You should receive a decision within one month of submitting your application.

Notification: The Clerk will notify the decision to the organisation or individual that submitted the application.

Success Rates

The charity does not publicly disclose success rates or the number of applications received versus approved. Contact the charity directly if this information is needed for planning purposes.

Reapplication Policy

One application only may be made per person in a three-year period.

This is a strict limitation - applicants who have received a grant must wait three years before applying again.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's stated requirements and process, successful applications will:

1. Demonstrate clear financial need: The charity specifically serves “poorer residents” and those in “demonstrable financial need.” Your application should clearly show why you cannot afford the items yourself.

1. Have professional support: While not always required, the charity explicitly states applications “should (if possible) be supported by a professional organisation such as a Social Worker, the Citizen Advice Bureau, welfare rights charity or similar.” This third-party endorsement significantly strengthens applications.

1. Request specific, essential items: The charity funds practical household essentials, not luxuries. Be specific about what you need (e.g., “a single bed and mattress” rather than “furniture”).

1. Meet residency requirements: You must have lived in Tottenham for three consecutive years. Be prepared to demonstrate this.

1. Request appropriate amounts: With a maximum grant of £400, ensure your request is realistic. The charity indicates they have “standard amounts” for common items and work with approved vendors like Barnet Furniture Centre.

1. Provide complete information: Use the charity's official application form and provide all requested details. Incomplete applications may delay decisions.

1. Understand the purchasing process: The charity's preferred method is purchasing through approved vendors rather than reimbursement, though proof of purchase can be provided. This ensures funds are used as intended.

1. Focus on improvement of living conditions: The charity's mission emphasizes helping residents improve their quality of life - frame requests around this goal.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strict geographic limitation: Only residents who have lived in Tottenham for 3+ consecutive years are eligible - no exceptions
• Small grants with long reapplication period: Maximum £400 per grant with a mandatory 3-year waiting period between applications means this is truly for essential one-time needs
• Professional support matters: While not absolutely required, applications supported by social workers, CAB, or similar organisations are strongly preferred
• Quick turnaround: One-month decision timeline is faster than many funders - ideal for urgent needs
• Practical essentials only: This is not a funder for aspirational projects; they fund beds, fridges, and carpets for people in genuine hardship
• Historical charity with modern focus: Over 500 years of service to Tottenham, funded by centuries of accumulated donations, with a clear commitment to the area's most vulnerable residents
• Bills and debts explicitly excluded: Do not apply for help with utility bills, rent arrears, or any debt-related expenses

References

1. Tottenham District Charity official website - https://www.tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk/
2. Tottenham District Charity Grants page - https://www.tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk/applications/grants/
3. Tottenham District Charity About page - https://www.tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk/about/
4. Tottenham District Charity Trustees page - https://www.tottenhamdistrictcharity.org.uk/about/trustees/
5. Charity Commission Register - TOTTENHAM DISTRICT CHARITY (207490) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/207490
6. Tottenham District Charity WordPress site - https://tottenhamdistrictcharity.wordpress.com/