Whitley Animal Protection Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £312,545 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Reviewed twice yearly by trustees
• Grant Range: £250 - £25,000 (typically up to £10,000)
• Geographic Focus: England, Wales, and Scotland (supports UK and overseas work)

Contact Details

Address:

Mrs S Smith, Secretary

9 Corve Street

Ludlow

Shropshire

SY8 1DE

Phone: 01952 641651

Website: The Trust does not maintain a website. Information is available via the Charity Commission register (Charity Number 236746).

Overview

The Whitley Animal Protection Trust was established in 1964 as a grant-making charity dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals and promoting animal welfare. With an annual expenditure of approximately £312,545 (2023) and income of £337,202, the Trust focuses on providing essential core funding to smaller animal welfare charities. The Trust is distinctive in its approach, with a majority of grants being repeat donations rather than one-off awards, enabling beneficiary organizations to maintain their activities with reliable, ongoing support. The Trust operates throughout England, Wales, and Scotland, and supports UK registered charities working both domestically and internationally.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Animal Welfare Grants: £250 - £25,000 (most grants are up to £10,000, with some higher amounts awarded)
• Rolling application basis - applications accepted at any time in writing
• Trustees meet twice yearly to review applications
• Majority of grants are repeat donations providing core funding

Priority Areas

• Prevention of cruelty to animals
• Promotion of animal welfare
• Support for UK registered charities working in the UK and/or overseas
• Core funding for smaller animal welfare charities
• Both one-off grants and longer-term funding commitments

What They Don't Fund

• Non-charitable organizations
• Organizations without UK charitable registration
• No specific exclusions stated beyond the requirement for animal welfare/protection focus

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Governance and Leadership

The Whitley Animal Protection Trust operates as a registered trust under the governance of trustees who meet twice annually to review grant applications.

Governance Policies: The Trust maintains comprehensive governance procedures including financial reserves policy, internal charity financial controls, investing charity funds policy, investment policy, risk management policy, trustee conflicts of interest policy, and trustee expenses policy.

Trustee Remuneration: No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Property: The Trust does not own or lease any land or property.

Recognition: The Trust is recognized by HMRC for gift aid purposes.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications may be made at any time in writing to:

Mrs S Smith, Secretary

Whitley Animal Protection Trust

9 Corve Street

Ludlow

Shropshire

SY8 1DE

There is no online application portal or website. All applications must be submitted by post.

Decision Timeline

• Applications are reviewed twice per year by trustees
• Specific meeting dates are not published
• Successful applicants are required to report back to the Trust on how their grant was used

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The Trust makes a “limited number of grants” annually.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust favors repeat donations and longer-term commitments, suggesting that previous beneficiaries are encouraged to reapply. Specific policies for unsuccessful applicants are not stated.

Application Success Factors

The Whitley Animal Protection Trust demonstrates a clear preference for:

• Smaller charities: The Trust explicitly states it provides “essential core funding to smaller charities without which they would find it hard to maintain their activities”
• Long-term relationships: A majority of grants are repeat donations rather than one-off awards
• Core funding needs: The Trust recognizes the importance of unrestricted core funding for organizational sustainability
• Reporting accountability: Successful applicants must report back on grant usage, indicating the Trust values transparency and impact demonstration
• UK registered charities: Only UK registered charitable organizations are eligible, though work can be UK-based or international
• Animal welfare focus: All work must relate to preventing cruelty to animals or promoting animal welfare

Given the twice-yearly review cycle and limited number of grants, applications should clearly demonstrate:

• The applicant's status as a smaller charity with core funding needs
• Specific animal welfare outcomes
• Track record and organizational stability (particularly relevant for those seeking repeat funding)
• Clear plans for grant utilization and reporting

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Target audience: This funder is particularly suited to smaller animal welfare charities seeking reliable core funding rather than project-specific grants
• Application simplicity: Written applications only - no complex online portals or extensive form-filling
• Relationship-building potential: The Trust's preference for repeat grants suggests establishing an initial relationship could lead to ongoing support
• Timing considerations: With only two trustee meetings per year, plan application timing carefully and expect potentially lengthy decision periods
• Grant size expectations: While grants can reach £25,000, most are up to £10,000 - tailor requests appropriately
• Reporting requirement: Be prepared to provide accountability reports on grant usage
• No website presence: All information must be gathered from third-party sources or direct contact; this suggests a more traditional, relationship-based approach to grant-making

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales. “WHITLEY ANIMAL PROTECTION TRUST - 236746.” Register of Charities. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=236746&subid=0
• Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum. “The Whitley Animal Protection Trust.” https://cornwallvsf.org/supporting/funding/the-whitley-animal-protection-trust/
• Bath and North East Somerset Council. “The Whitley Animal Protection Trust.” https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/91017
• Charity Choice. “Whitley Animal Protection Trust.” https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/whitley-animal-protection-trust-145138
• Charity Commission Register - Governance Information for Charity 236746