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.

However, like many grant-giving Trusts, the income we have to distribute to charities has been reduced in the last year due to the impact of COVID-19. As a consequence we will have a particular focus to our grant giving in 2021 (see below) and will be making a smaller number of grants this year.  We anticipate that most of our grants will be under £10,000, with only one or two larger grants.

See our funding criteria below, or view our Grants Paid pages for more information on current and past projects we have funded.

Geographical Area
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.

Focus for 2021:
Applications are considered in the following categories:
  • The arts, museums and the built heritage (see BUILDINGS IMPROVEMENT section below);
  • The environment and natural heritage;
  • Community work;
  • Education, sport and recreation;
  • Vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors of society.
However, in 2021, the focus for our grant giving will be on:
  • Recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in Gloucestershire
  • Projects that improve our environment and/or address the impacts of the climate emergency

Applicants are asked to show they have considered:
The impact of your project on the environment;
  • 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.

Buildings Improvement 
For 2021 we are unlikely to support applications for routine repairs or for new capital projects unless there is a very strong argument that the project needs to happen this year.
 
If you still want to apply for funds for a new building, or to make alterations to an existing building, you need to note that SCT is supportive of measures which reduce running costs, improve a building's performance, and improve facilities for users/staff. Your application would need to give a full explanation of what measures you have considered on:
  • Sustainability;
  • Building design and management;
  • Ease of use.
In addition it is essential that you explain the ownership of the building and the nature of the agreement between the owner and the charity/organisation raising funds for the improvements.

Organisations we will fund:
  • Registered charities.
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisations.
  • Community Groups, Not-for-profit limited companies and Voluntary Groups:
    Applications will only be accepted 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.

Donations are NOT given 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 been in receipt of a grant should not re-apply for at least two years, unless they have specifically been asked to do so.
 
A note on 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.
Map of the geographical area we fund, including local authority boundaries:
Summerfield Trust geographical area of funding in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire county map (Click image to enlarge)

Apply for a Grant

If your organisation has a project that meets our funding criteria, you can submit a grant application online.

Need more information?

View our Grants Paid pages for a history of donations made and projects we have supported.
If you still need further clarification before proceeding with an application, please get in touch with us by telephone or email, using the 'Contact Us' link below.

Useful Links

A list of organisations working locally and nationally who may be able to offer funding or advice.

The Gloucestershire Gateway Trust supports community groups and charities in the GL10 postcode.  To see if you could apply, visit their website.

Contact us:

See our Contact Us page for contact details, or complete our online contact form.