Blanchminster Trust

The Blanchminster Trust, believed to be Britain's oldest continuously operating charitable trust since its formal establishment in 1421 with 14th-century roots in the Blanchminster and Grenville families, endows community benefits exclusively in the hyper-local area of Bude, Stratton, and Poughill in north Cornwall. Regulated by a 1982 Charity Commission Order defining its benefit area as the former Bude-Stratton Urban District, it sustains itself through historic investments, managed by 13 trustees emphasizing prudent stewardship, local accountability, and complementarity to statutory services. Its enduring mission focuses on relieving personal hardship, advancing education, and supporting charitable public benefits, blending centuries-old tradition with practical responses to community needs.

It funds individuals facing financial hardship (via small allowances or urgent expenses), local students for university/college costs (£200-£400 typically per year), and community organizations including village/church halls, schools, and grassroots groups for project costs, capital refurbishments, running expenses, and social/cultural/educational initiatives—such as libraries, church maintenance, or community spaces—prioritizing tangible local impact.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, academic institutions, and residents with proven ties to Bude-Stratton-Poughill; no strict income limits apply, though preference favors smaller entities. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via postal letter to the Clerk (no online form), with rolling consideration for most grants but student/repeat awards requiring submission by 1 December 2025 for full amounts. Typical grants range £200-£10,000.

Exclusions encompass anything outside the defined area, statutory replacements, or unrelated causes; its distinctives—unbroken 600-year history, investment independence, and rigorous evidence requirements (e.g., financial proof, other aid sought)—set it apart as a pillar of localized, intergenerational support.