Whitaker Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £290,584 (2023-24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-6 months (dependent on trustee meeting schedule)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide, with particular interest in Nottinghamshire, East Midlands, and Scotland

Contact Details

Registered Office:

33 Queen Anne Street

London, W1G 9HY

Tel: 020 7802 2700

Administrative Contact:

Jones & Co. Solicitors

5 Churchgate, Cannon Square

Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6PB

Tel: 01777 703827

Email: info@jonessolicitors.co.uk

Overview

The Whitaker Charitable Trust (Charity No. 234491) was established in 1964 and operates as a general grant-making charity. With an annual expenditure of £290,584 (financial year ending March 2024) and total income of £328,472, the Trust supports a range of charitable causes across the UK. The Trust is governed by three trustees who receive no remuneration and meets twice annually to consider applications. The Trust maintains a focused approach to grant-making with particular interests in Scottish charities, music, countryside conservation, and agricultural education, whilst also supporting local charities in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Trust has specific interests in:

• Scottish charities - General charitable work across Scotland
• Music - Music education, performance organizations, and access to music
• Countryside conservation - Environmental protection and rural conservation projects
• Agricultural and silvicultural education - Training and education in agriculture and forestry
• Local charities in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands - General charitable purposes in these regions

Beneficiaries

The Trust supports causes benefiting:

• The general public
• Offenders and ex-offenders
• Rural communities
• Music students and performers

Previous Grant Recipients

Examples of organizations previously supported include:

• Outward Bound Trust
• Brain Research Trust
• Leith School of Art

What They Don't Fund

The Trust only funds registered charities. Specific exclusions are not publicly documented.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Mr Edward Roland Haslewood Perks
• Lady Elizabeth Jane Ravenscroft Whitaker
• Mr Jack Whitaker

The Trust operates under governing documents dated 17 February 1964 and 18 March 1975. All three trustees serve without remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The Trust has no employees receiving benefits over £60,000 and operates without trading subsidiaries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing to the Trust at either the London or Retford address.

Important application requirements:

• Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year
• Written applications only - telephone applications are not accepted
• Keep applications concise - large amounts of supporting papers are not welcome
• Applications must be from registered charities only

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet twice a year, typically in July and February, though these dates are not fixed. This means:

• Applications may wait 2-6 months for consideration depending on submission timing
• Applicants should submit well in advance of when funding is needed
• Notification methods are not publicly documented

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not publicly disclose its reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated priorities and approach, grant writers should consider:

Alignment with Priority Areas:

• Clearly demonstrate how your organization aligns with one or more of the Trust's specific interests (Scottish charities, music, countryside conservation, agricultural/silvicultural education, or Nottinghamshire/East Midlands focus)
• Organizations working in multiple priority areas may have stronger applications

Application Quality:

• Keep applications concise and well-structured - the Trust explicitly states that large amounts of supporting papers are not welcome
• Focus on clear, compelling content rather than volume of documentation
• Ensure your charity registration number is clearly stated

Geographic Considerations:

• Scottish charities and Nottinghamshire/East Midlands organizations appear to receive particular attention
• UK-wide registered charities are eligible, but geographic alignment with priorities strengthens applications

Timing:

• Submit applications well in advance of when funding is needed, given the biannual trustee meeting schedule
• Consider submitting early in the year to be considered at the July meeting, or mid-year for the February meeting

Evidence of Impact:

• Given the Trust's long history (established 1964), they likely value organizations with proven track records
• Previous recipients include well-established organizations, suggesting the Trust supports sustainable, impactful work

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Keep it concise - The Trust explicitly discourages lengthy supporting documentation; focus on a clear, well-written application letter
• No public application form - This is a traditional trust requiring written applications; tailor each letter individually
• Geographic alignment matters - Scottish charities and Nottinghamshire/East Midlands organizations receive particular attention
• Plan ahead - With biannual trustee meetings, allow 2-6 months from application to decision
• No telephone applications - All contact must be in writing; respect this preference
• Priority alignment is key - Clearly articulate how your work connects to music, conservation, agricultural education, or their geographic priorities
• Registered charities only - Ensure you include your charity registration number and meet this fundamental eligibility requirement

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• The Henry Smith Foundation
• THE A B CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE ASDA FOUNDATION
• The Constance Travis Charitable Trust
• THE NANCY BATEMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
• Cheshire Community Foundation Limited
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Evan Cornish Foundation
• THE FULMER CHARITABLE TRUST
• David Lister Charitable Trust
• The Lister Charitable Trust
• J N Derbyshire Trust
• Awards for All
• THE FOYLE FOUNDATION
• SPURRELL CHARITABLE TRUST
• HENRY SMITH
• National Lottery

References

• UK Charity Commission Register of Charities, Charity No. 234491. Accessed via https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/234491
• Funding Scotland, “Whitaker Charitable Trust,” https://funding.scot/funds/a0Rb0000000Ng9zEAC/whitaker-charitable-trust
• Making Music, “Whitaker Charitable Trust,” https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/funding-opportunity/whitaker-charitable-trust
• OpenCharities, “Whitaker Charitable Trust,” http://opencharities.org/charities/234491
• Jones & Co. Solicitors contact information, https://www.jonessolicitors.co.uk/contact-us/