Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 204958

Annual Expenditure: £0.6M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £572,226 (2023-24)
  • Decision Time: 2 months
  • Grant Range: Variable (no fixed amounts)
  • Geographic Focus: Devon (with some Cornwall coverage)
  • Founded: 1962

Contact Details

Website: www.vact.org.uk

Email: office@vact.org.uk (for queries only, not applications)

Phone: 01884 254899

Address: Mrs S Curtis, Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust, The Island, Lowman Green, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4LA

Overview

Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust was established in 1962 by Viscount Amory, Member of Parliament for Tiverton and Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1958 to 1960. The trust is an endowment-based grant-giving body that does not seek public funding. In the financial year ending April 2024, the trust had a total income of £473,145 and distributed £572,226 in grants to support charitable organizations across Devon. The trust's founding mission was to “support the people of Devon through their communal activities,” with particular emphasis on education, religious expression, poverty relief, and youth development. The trustees follow a policy of distributing the trust's income whilst maintaining investment capital to enhance future grant-giving potential.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates a single grant program without fixed application deadlines or specified grant amounts. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, with trustees meeting monthly to review submissions. Both one-off and recurring grants are available, awarded proportionately to need.

Priority Areas

  • Education: Educational initiatives and training programs
  • Religious Expression: Support for faith-based activities and organizations
  • Relief of Poverty: Projects addressing poverty and economic hardship
  • Youth Development: Character building and physical wellbeing programs for young people in Devon
  • Elderly Support: Organizations assisting elderly residents

The trust prioritizes Devon-based appeals, though it may consider applications from Cornwall.

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual Applications: The trustees do not consider applications from individuals unless as part of an activity sponsored or promoted by an organization
  • Personal Needs: Grants or short-term loans for individuals' immediate needs or wants
  • Organizations Outside Geographic Area: Projects without clear Devon (or occasionally Cornwall) connections
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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by two trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. All administrative and decision-making work is conducted on a voluntary basis. The trust administrator is Mrs S Curtis, who manages correspondence and application processing from the Tiverton office.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The trust does not use application forms. All applications must be submitted by letter (not email) to the address above.

Required Information in Application Letter:

  • Your email address (if available, as they may reply by email)
  • General background information about your appeal
  • Details about the sponsoring or associated organization
  • Total amount you are seeking to raise
  • How much has been raised to date
  • Plans for covering any shortfall
  • Relevant supporting information

Important Note: The trust explicitly states that “applications or images sent by e-mail will have to be converted to paper anyway,” so postal applications are strongly preferred.

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet on a monthly basis and "expect to inform applicants of the Trustees' decision either way.“ Applicants should ”normally expect to receive a response within 2 months of applying."

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2023-24, the trust distributed £572,226 in grants, compared to £422,718 in 2020, indicating steady annual grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

The trust does not publish specific information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants. Given the rolling application process and monthly trustee meetings, organizations should contact the trust directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Key Alignment Factors

  • Geographic Connection: Strong ties to Devon communities are essential. The trust prioritizes “Devon appeals” and requires that “the activity or residence of the applicant should be in Devon.”
  • Organizational Backing: Individual applicants will not be considered unless part of an organization-sponsored activity
  • Clear Charitable Purpose: Projects must align with one or more of the trust's core areas: education, religious expression, poverty relief, or youth development
  • Financial Planning: Applications should demonstrate realistic fundraising plans and explain how any funding shortfall will be addressed

Application Best Practices

  • Use Postal Mail: Follow the trust's preference for postal applications over email
  • Include Email Contact: While applying by letter, include your email address for potentially faster responses
  • Show Community Benefit: Emphasize how your project serves Devon communities
  • Demonstrate Need: The trust awards grants “proportionately to need,” so clearly articulate the level of need your project addresses
  • Be Patient: With monthly trustee meetings and a two-month response timeframe, allow adequate time for decision-making

Terminology and Language

The trust uses traditional charitable terminology reflecting its 1962 founding mission. Applications should emphasize “communal activities” and community benefit rather than individual outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Devon Focus is Non-Negotiable: This trust exclusively serves Devon (with occasional Cornwall consideration). Applications from outside these areas will not succeed.
  • Organizations Only: Individual applicants need organizational sponsorship. Ensure your application clearly identifies the backing organization.
  • No Forms Means Flexibility: The absence of application forms allows you to present your case comprehensively. Use this opportunity to tell your story effectively.
  • Monthly Decision Cycle: With trustees meeting monthly, timing your application doesn't require hitting specific deadlines, but allow the full 2-month response window.
  • Traditional Application Method: The trust's preference for postal applications reflects its established approach. Respect this by submitting a well-crafted letter.
  • Proportionate Funding: Without fixed grant amounts, the trust assesses each application individually. Be realistic and specific about your funding needs.
  • Long-Standing Mission: Founded over 60 years ago, the trust maintains consistent funding priorities. Align your application with their established charitable objectives.

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