The Future

In 2023, the Summerfield Charitable Trust announced a new funding strategy. The value of the Trust’s investments is declining and rather than continue to distribute diminishing sums to county charities, the Trustees have decided to invest its capital in innovative, game-changing projects that enable charities to make a lasting difference to Gloucestershire.

OUR INVESTMENT

Over the next few years, the Trust will spend out most of its capital working in partnership with Gloucestershire VCS Alliance (GVCSA) to take forward a pioneering investment strategy in partnership with charitable organisations and communities across the county.

These proposals will be underpinned by five core themes:

Connected Society

Supporting communities, connecting people and minimising loneliness.

FIND OUT MORE

Children & Families

Supporting young people and families with children, reducing inequalities, and improving life chances.

FIND OUT MORE

Ageing Well

Developing locally based support that enables older people to live a ‘good life’.

FIND OUT MORE

Arts, Sports & Culture

Creativity, arts, recreation, heritage, culture – widening access and increasing participation

FIND OUT MORE

Nature & Climate

Supporting individuals and communities to take action for nature and the climate.

FIND OUT MORE

THE GOAL

Proposals that Foster Community Resilience and Cohesion.

Once proposals have been identified through this process for each of the five core themes, a the majority of the Summerfield Charitable Trust capital will be invested in community-led projects across the county before completing the work of the Trust. These proposals are being co-produced with GVCSA and as such are not open for applications.

The approach includes a commitment to increasing capacity within the charitable sector in the county and developing new ways of thinking and working. It also emphasises a commitment to placing the people of Gloucestershire at the heart of decision-making and ensuring that any proposals developed foster community resilience and cohesion.

David Owen, Chair of The Summerfield Charitable Trust, said:

“We fundamentally believe in this progressive and highly innovative investment strategy for The Summerfield Charitable Trust that will improve the lives of many thousands of people in Gloucestershire. This new approach to community investment will enable the Trust to distribute its assets in the most impactful way, while also leaving a lasting legacy within local communities”.

Matt Lennard Chief Executive of the GVCSA commented:

“The Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance is proud to be working in partnership with The Summerfield Trust to help identify and support projects that address some of the county’s most pressing strategic challenges. We believe that the knowledge held within communities is the key to addressing the core themes. We hope that working with The Summerfield Charitable Trust to develop this project opens a door to new ways of working which give autonomy to the people who live in our communities, truly listening and shaping services around what people say they need”.

What Happens Next?

In addition to these investments, the Trustees will be making a small number of large donations to innovative and significant projects in Gloucestershire, identified by Trustees. Two of these have already been made, and you can view the Case Studies on both the Big Space Appeal and The Heavens Valley case studies here. Talks are ongoing regarding a small additional number of these donations, and they are not open to applications.

We expect that The Summerfield Trust will cease to accept new applications within the next few years. We will shape this process with care and responsibility, especially for those whose work and insights have allowed us to understand the need for this innovative approach. Through this website, we will highlight the profound and long-lasting impact that the Trust has had and celebrate its legacy. This Strategy will enable the Trust to provide a fitting legacy for Ron Summerfield, whose incredible collection of antiques led to the formation of the Trust over thirty years ago.

Grants for the foreseeable future will continue to be made as normal under the five themes outlined above. View our “What we fund” page, which includes details of how to apply.

WHAT WE FUND

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will the Trust continue to give grants in the future?

In short, no. The Summerfield Trust will be spending out its remaining funds over the coming years, after which we will no longer be awarding grants. This approach enables us to make a deeper, more lasting impact in key areas rather than spreading funding more thinly over time.

When will the Trust stop giving grants?

A final date has not yet been confirmed. However, we anticipate that grant-making will conclude by the end of 2027. We will announce the final grant window ahead of time, so please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.

Can charities apply for one of the large projects under your main themes or the other major grants you refer to?

No, individual applications for these strategic projects will not be accepted. The projects are being developed in collaboration with the VCSE Alliance to ensure they address shared priorities across Gloucestershire. Anyone wishing to contribute to these discussions is encouraged to do so through VCSE Alliance engagement activities.

What does this mean for the small charities that previously applied to the Trust?

We understand that smaller organisations have been an important part of our grant-making legacy. While we will no longer be able to support them financially in the future, there remain many other local, regional, and national funding opportunities available. Many of our past grants have created long-lasting impact, and we believe their benefits will continue to support Gloucestershire’s communities well into the future.

Why has the Trust decided to spend out its funds now?

The decision reflects our belief that now is a pivotal moment for investment in Gloucestershire’s voluntary and community sector and the diminishing impact of our investments. By focusing our resources on strategic, high-impact projects, we can help address key challenges and create meaningful, sustainable improvements for local people and communities.

What will happen to The Summerfield Trust after the funds are spent?

Once all funds have been distributed and the remaining commitments fulfilled, the Trust will wind down its operations. This will be managed carefully and responsibly, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and governance requirements. The legacy of the Trust will live on through the ongoing benefits of the grants we have previously given.

Will you still be working with partners?

Yes. Partnership remains central to our approach during this final phase. We are working closely with organisations such as the VCSE Alliance and other key stakeholders to ensure that our remaining funds are directed where they can make the greatest difference.

I’ve received funding previously — will my organisation be supported through this transition?

While we will not be able to provide future grants, we are committed to communicating clearly and giving previous grantees ample notice of changes. We also remain available during this transition period to offer guidance and signposting to alternative sources of support where possible.

Where can I find other funding opportunities?

There are various organisations that support charities and community groups at local, regional, and national levels. Local infrastructure organisations, national grant-making directories, and Gloucestershire-based funders offer a wide range of support. We encourage organisations to explore these routes and make use of local funding networks and advisory services.