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.

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.

Viewed especially favourably are:
  • The arts, museums and the built heritage (see BUILDINGS IMPROVEMENT section below);
  • The environment and natural heritage (see ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS section below);
  • Community work;
  • Education, sport and recreation;
  • Vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors of society.

Applicants are asked to show they have considered:
  • The impact of their projects upon the environment;
  • Planning for long term self sufficiency, including training of staff or volunteers;
  • 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
If you are applying 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS
If you are applying for funds for an environmental application, please note that SCT is supportive of measures which improve energy efficiency and/or which establish/improve habitats, conservation management, education about environmental matters and community engagement projects.

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.
  • STAFF COSTS: Recurring staff costs will NOT be supported. The Trustees will only occasionally consider funding staff/salary costs for limited periods.  Bids for such funding should indicate clearly how, at the earliest opportunity, it is intended that such staff costs will be sustainably supported. We may also, in some circumstances, agree to fund a one-off project that has a proportion of staff costs in the overall budget.
  • INDIVIDUALS: Applications from individuals are no longer accepted. Should an individual resident of Gloucestershire require financial support for educational needs, they are recommended to contact the Lumb's Education Trust. SCT awards an annual grant to Lumbs to enable it to support local residents on SCT's behalf. Write to: Mrs Margaret Wanless, Lumbs Education Trust, 4 Manor View, Cold Pool Lane, Up Hatherley, Cheltenham, GL51 6HZ.
  • CHURCHES: Appeals from churches for renovation are not currently accepted. SCT awards an annual grant to Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust to enable it to support the repair and improvements of buildings used for Christian worship throughout Gloucestershire. You are advised to contact GHCT via their website: Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust.
  • 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.
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.