The Future
In 2023, the Summerfield Charitable Trust announced a new funding strategy. The value of the Trust’s investments was 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 its remaining capital working in partnership with the Gloucestershire VCS Alliance (GVCSA) to take forward a pioneering investment strategy in partnership with charitable organisations and communities across the county.
The initiatives for Children and Families, Ageing Well, Art, Sports and Culture and Connected Society have already been announced. You can read more about these on our News page.
These proposals are underpinned by five core themes:
Connected Society
Supporting communities, connecting people and minimising loneliness.
Children & Families
Supporting young people and families with children, reducing inequalities, and improving life chances.
Ageing Well
Developing locally based support that enables older people to live a ‘good life’.
Arts, Sports & Culture
Creativity, arts, recreation, heritage, culture – widening access and increasing participation
Nature & Climate
Supporting individuals and communities to take action for nature and the climate.
THE GOAL
Proposals that Foster Community Resilience and Cohesion.
Now that the proposals for each of the five core themes have been identified, the rest 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 were co-produced with GVCSA and as such were not open for applications.
The new 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”.
Other major impacts
In addition to these investments, the Trustees have been making a small number of large donations to innovative and significant projects in Gloucestershire, identified by Trustees. Three of these have already been announced. The most recent was to the Everyman Education Centre. You can view the Case Studies on both the Big Space Appeal and The Heavens Valley here.
The Summerfield Trust is now closed to new applications. 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will the Trust continue to give grants in the future?
In short, no. The Summerfield Trust is now closed to new applications and is 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.
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 have been developed in collaboration with the VCSE Alliance to ensure they address shared priorities across Gloucestershire.
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 know 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 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.
CONTACT US NOW
Please fill out this short form and a member of the Trusts administrative team will be in touch.