What We Fund
We encourage a diverse range of applicants, and we are keen to be involved in projects, both large and small, that are imaginative and to which we can make a significant contribution.
We anticipate that most of our grants will be under £10,000, with a small number of larger grants.
What we Fund
We have five focused themes for our grant giving, these are:
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.
View our ‘Grants Paid’ page for more information on current and past projects we have funded.
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA
Where We Fund
Charities and organisations applying to the Trust must be based in the six district councils of Gloucestershire (i.e. Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cotswolds or Forest of Dean); or they must be engaged in a project that is of specific benefit to residents within the county.
If you are applying from a charity based outside Gloucestershire, we will want to see evidence of strong engagement with people and organisations in the county.
Key Considerations
Applicant are asked to shown that they have considered:
Planning for long term self-sufficiency
The potential to work in partnership* with other statutory and non-statutory funders
Their active involvement with the people who will benefit
The outcomes of the project or service
Where charities can enter into collaborative arrangements/partnerships to work together, particularly when seeking funds for capital expenditure, we would suggest advice is taken on the potential to benefit from VAT relief on transactions between the collaborators.
Organisations we will fund
The Summerfield Trust will only make donations to the following types of organisations:
Registered charities
Charitable Incorporated Organisations
Community Groups, Not-for-profit limited companies and Voluntary Groups
Applications will only be accepted if supported by a letter of endorsement from a registered charity.
Community Interest Companies
Applications must include a letter of endorsement from a registered charity, and a copy of audited accounts, including a breakdown of salary costs.
Specific areas that we will not fund
There are a small number of very specific areas that will not give donations to:
Medical research
Private education
Animal welfare appeals
Fund trips abroad
Projects that have already taken place
Individuals
Applications from individuals are not accepted
Repeat grants
Charities which have received a grant should not reapply for at least two years, unless they have specifically been asked to do so.
STAFF COSTS
Your application may include staff costs where they are required to deliver your project, but applicants will need to demonstrate how staff and core costs will be maintained beyond the grant funding.
For full details of how to make an application, including dates when applications are being accepted click on the How To Apply button