Whitstable Non-ecclesiastical Charities

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £191,018 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £205,866 (2024)
• Total Assets: £3,399,670 (2022)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Former urban district of Whitstable, Kent
• Established: Registered 1 June 1966

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

• Email: woottonchar63@gmail.com
• Phone: 07784476512
• Alternative Phone: 01227863179

Registered Address:

c/o Furley Page LLP

52-54 High Street

Whitstable

Kent

CT5 1BG

Charity Registration Number: 248134

Overview

Whitstable Non-Ecclesiastical Charities is a local relief charity that has been serving the Whitstable community since its registration in 1966, operating under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 25 August 1978 (as amended 15 October 2004). The charity provides financial assistance to individuals residing in the former urban district of Whitstable who are experiencing need, hardship, or distress. With assets exceeding £3.3 million and annual income of approximately £191,000, the charity is funded primarily through rental income from properties it owns in Whitstable and the surrounding area, along with investment returns. The charity operates with 9 trustees who serve voluntarily without remuneration, making grants of money or providing items, services, and facilities to alleviate hardship among local residents.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates a single relief program focused on individuals in need within the Whitstable area. Specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed, but the charity distributes funds through trustee-directed grants rather than formal application rounds.

Priority Areas

• Individual Relief: Direct financial assistance to residents experiencing hardship or distress
• Poverty Relief: Supporting individuals in conditions of need
• Welfare Support: Providing or paying for items, services, or facilities that reduce need or hardship
• Geographic Focus: Former urban district of Whitstable only

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations or individuals outside the former urban district of Whitstable
• Ecclesiastical purposes (as indicated by the charity's name - “Non-Ecclesiastical”)

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 9 trustees who serve without remuneration or benefits. Key trustees include:

Current Trustees:

• Sharron Sonnex - Chair (appointed 2018)
• Robert Sonnex - Trustee (appointed 2019)
• Paulette Joanne Stubbings - Trustee

The charity operates under a formal scheme established by the Charity Commissioners, ensuring structured governance. No employees receive benefits exceeding £60,000, indicating a lean operational structure focused on maximizing charitable distribution.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This charity does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than open application rounds. The charity identifies and supports individuals in need within the Whitstable community through the trustees' local knowledge and networks.

The nature of the charity's work suggests that:

• Trustees identify beneficiaries through local community connections
• Referrals may come from local agencies, social services, or community organizations
• Direct contact with the charity may be possible for residents experiencing genuine hardship

For Residents in Need:

Contact the charity directly using the email (woottonchar63@gmail.com) or phone number (07784476512) provided to inquire about potential support. Given the charity's specific focus on relieving hardship among Whitstable residents, genuine cases of need may be considered.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As grants are awarded through trustee discretion, timelines likely vary depending on individual circumstances and trustee meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The charity does not publish statistics on application numbers or success rates.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Given the charity's trustee-directed approach and focus on local relief:

• Geographic Eligibility: Applicants must reside in the former urban district of Whitstable - this is a strict requirement
• Genuine Need: The charity exists specifically to relieve hardship and distress, so demonstrating genuine financial or material need is essential
• Local Connection: As trustees operate within the community, having established local roots and connections may be beneficial
• Clear Communication: When contacting the charity, clearly articulate the specific hardship being experienced and how assistance would alleviate it
• Appropriateness: Requests should align with the charity's purpose of providing grants, items, services, or facilities that reduce need or distress

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not a traditional grant-making organization - it primarily serves individuals in hardship rather than funding organizational projects
• No public application process exists - support is provided through trustee discretion and local knowledge
• Geographic restriction is absolute - only residents of the former urban district of Whitstable are eligible
• Focus is on individual relief - the charity makes grants to people experiencing need, hardship, or distress, not typically to organizations
• Substantial assets support the mission - with over £3.3 million in assets and nearly £200,000 in annual income, the charity has meaningful capacity to support local residents
• Contact directly if in genuine need - Whitstable residents experiencing hardship should reach out using the provided contact details
• Volunteer governance - the 9 trustees serve without payment, indicating a community-focused approach to local relief

References

• Charity Commission - Whitstable Non-Ecclesiastical Charities Overview
• Charity Commission - Full Charity Details 248134
• Giving is Great - Charity Factsheet 248134
• OpenCharities - Whitstable Non-Ecclesiastical Charities
• Charity Choice - Whitstable Non-Ecclesiastical Charities Directory
• Information accessed: December 27, 2025