Bowerman Charitable Trust

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Applications
Not accepted
Decisions
As needed

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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thebct.org.uk

About Bowerman Charitable Trust

The Bowerman Charitable Trust was established in 1984 by David Bowerman CBE and Mary Bowerman. Based at the Champs Hill estate in West Sussex, the Trust advances classical music and art, supports the Christian faith, and aids wider community causes. Its mission is rooted in cultural enrichment and spiritual development, with an emphasis on education, artistic excellence, youth engagement, and faith-based values. The Trust stewards a significant British fine art collection and dedicated music facilities. Distinctively, it blends proactive programming—concerts, exhibitions, church gatherings, and youth camps—with targeted grant-making, reflecting an integrated arts-faith philanthropy.

What Bowerman Charitable Trust funds

The Trust prioritises classical music through concerts, recordings, and artist support; British art via public exhibitions and conservation of the Bowerman Collection; Christian spiritual life by providing facilities for church groups and faith discussions; and youth development through campsite activities and grants. Wider community causes also receive support. Grants can fund projects, core costs, capacity building, and occasional capital expenditure. Geographically, the Trust focuses on West Sussex and East Sussex, but will consider strongly relevant projects beyond these areas.

Who can apply

UK-registered charities are eligible, with no strict legal, income, or size restrictions. The Trust prioritises musicians, artists, church communities, young people, children, the elderly, and aligned charities serving public needs. However, the Trust operates by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited applications. It relies on referrals and networks to identify mission-aligned organisations, particularly those with local roots in Sussex or a strong connection to the Trust's focus areas.

What Bowerman Charitable Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not support causes outside its core areas of classical music, British art, Christian faith, and youth development. Non-aligned activities or organisations that do not fit within these themes are unlikely to be considered.

How they like to fund

The Trust makes grants that cover a range of costs, including project expenses, core running costs, capacity building, and occasional capital items. It operates by invitation only, relying on referrals and networks rather than open applications. The Trust also runs its own programmes—concerts, exhibitions, and youth camps—as part of its integrated approach to philanthropy.

How much does Bowerman Charitable Trust give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Bowerman Charitable Trust’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
Arts & cultureFaithChildren & youth

How to apply to Bowerman Charitable Trust

Bowerman Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

  • A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
  • If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
  • Decisions are typically as needed.

What you can do here

  1. 1
    Check fit. See if your project aligns with Bowerman Charitable Trust.
  2. 2
    Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
  3. 3
    Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Bowerman Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Bowerman Charitable Trust provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Bowerman Charitable Trust directly for current funding levels.

Where does Bowerman Charitable Trust fund charities?

Bowerman Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Bowerman Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Bowerman Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Bowerman Charitable Trust?

Bowerman Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.

Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.

Could Bowerman Charitable Trust be a fit?

Check free — then find open funders like them.