Tower Hill Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £184,220 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks (from deadline to decision)
• Grant Range: £100 - £2,000 (Biodiversity Programme); Main Grant Programme range not specified
• Geographic Focus: Tower Hamlets, London

Contact Details

• Website: www.towerhilltrust.org.uk
• Email: enquiries@towerhilltrust.org.uk
• Phone: 07926 927861
• Registered Charity Number: 206225

Overview

Founded in December 1933 as the Tower Hill Improvement Fund and renamed the Tower Hill Trust in 2006, this independent charitable trust has been serving the Tower Hamlets community for over 90 years. Originally inspired by Rev. P B “Tubby” Clayton, founder of Toc H, the Trust's early achievements included creating Tower Beach in 1934, which brought sand to London for East End children and was used by over half a million people before World War II. With total income of £279,870 and expenditure of £184,220 in the year ending April 2024, the Trust operates primarily as a grant-making charity focused on improving quality of life for residents and workers in Tower Hamlets. The Trust's mission has evolved from its original focus on creating public spaces to a broader mandate addressing community needs through recreation, education, and poverty relief.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme

• Grant amounts not publicly specified
• Three annual deadlines (March, June, September)
• Decision expected 4-6 weeks after deadline
• Applications for 2025 are currently closed; guidance to be uploaded in February 2026

Biodiversity Grant Programme

• £100 to £2,000
• Supports schools, charities, and community groups
• Requires 50% of project to contribute to Local Biodiversity Action Plan
• Currently on hold until further notice

Priority Areas

Primary Priority:

• Development and provision of gardens and open spaces in Tower Hamlets

Secondary Priorities:

• Recreation and leisure facilities
• Educational facilities
• Relief of poverty and disadvantage
• Projects addressing community distress and health needs

Preferred Projects:

• Those meeting multiple Trust Objects
• Projects with a focus on gardens and open spaces
• Projects involving equipment or capital costs
• Projects with connection to the Tower Hill, St. Katharine's, and Wapping area

What They Don't Fund

• Unlikely to fund salary costs
• Projects outside Tower Hamlets

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (7 total):

• Ken Clunie (Chair)
• Colonel Richard Edward Harrold
• Edward William Walter
• Les Chapman
• Jonathan Daniel Solomon
• Susan Mary Wood
• Davina Jane Walter

The Trust operates with strong governance practices: no trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity; it has no trading subsidiaries; and it maintains policies on financial controls, risk management, and conflicts of interest. The charity consistently submits its annual returns and accounts on time.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the Trust's online system for the Main Grant Programme with three annual deadlines. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a registered charity or constituted community group
• Have a bank account with multi-person authorization
• Provide annual accounts or recent bank statements
• Demonstrate that the project will directly benefit people who live or work in Tower Hamlets

If unsure about eligibility, applicants are advised to contact the office for advice before applying.

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines for 2026:

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:30 PM (Decision expected beginning of May)
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM (Decision expected beginning of August)
• Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM (Decision expected beginning of November)

Applications are assessed at approximately 4-6 week intervals following each deadline.

Success Rates

The Trust acknowledges they receive more proposals than they can fund, indicating competitive application processes. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's published priorities, applications are more likely to succeed when they:

Focus on Primary Objects: The Trust explicitly states that applications are prioritized based on how well they meet the Trust's objectives, with gardens and open spaces being the primary priority. Projects addressing multiple objectives simultaneously are preferred.

Emphasize Capital and Equipment: The Trust shows preference for projects involving equipment or capital costs rather than ongoing salary expenses. Applications should clearly articulate how funding will support tangible, lasting assets.

Demonstrate Local Connection: Projects with specific connections to the Tower Hill, St. Katharine's, and Wapping areas receive preference, reflecting the Trust's historical roots and geographic focus.

Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure your organization is a registered charity or properly constituted community group with appropriate financial controls (multi-person bank account authorization). Have annual accounts or recent bank statements ready to submit.

Benefit Local Residents or Workers: Projects must directly benefit people who live or work in Tower Hamlets. Be prepared to demonstrate this connection clearly in your application.

Consider Timing: The Trust notes that the 2025 Main Grant Programme is closed for open applications, with new guidance to be uploaded in February 2026. Plan applications well in advance of deadlines.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Primary focus on green spaces: Gardens and open spaces are the Trust's top priority—applications addressing this objective have the strongest chance of success
• Capital over revenue: The Trust prefers funding equipment and capital costs rather than salary expenses—structure requests accordingly
• Multi-objective projects preferred: Applications that address multiple Trust objectives (e.g., a community garden that also provides educational programming for disadvantaged youth) are prioritized
• Geographic proximity matters: Projects in or near Tower Hill, St. Katharine's, and Wapping areas receive preference over other parts of Tower Hamlets
• Competitive funding: The Trust openly states they receive more proposals than they can fund—ensure applications are compelling and well-aligned with stated priorities
• Plan ahead: With only three annual deadlines and a 4-6 week decision window, factor this timeline into your funding pipeline
• Contact before applying: If uncertain about eligibility, the Trust encourages potential applicants to contact the office—use this opportunity to build rapport and clarify fit

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Jack Petchey Foundation
• BBC Children in Need
• THE VEOLIA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
• THE CHILDHOOD TRUST
• East End Community Foundation
• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• The Street Foundation
• The Charities Aid Foundation
• Greater London Authority
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• National Lottery
• Livery Companies
• Salesforce
• Bloomberg

References

• Tower Hill Trust official website. “How applications will be prioritised.” www.towerhilltrust.org.uk/fund-details.php
• Tower Hill Trust official website. “When To Apply.” www.towerhilltrust.org.uk/fund-whenapply.php
• Tower Hill Trust official website. “History of the Trust.” www.towerhilltrust.org.uk/about-history.php
• Tower Hill Trust official website. “Our Area of Benefit.” www.towerhilltrust.org.uk/fund-area.php
• UK Charity Commission. “TOWER HILL TRUST - Charity 206225.” Register of Charities. register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=206225
• Tower Hill Trust official website. Main page. www.towerhilltrust.org.uk