Clare Milne Trust

The Clare Milne Trust, founded in 1999 by Clare Milne—granddaughter of A.A. Milne, author of Winnie-the-Pooh—champions the quality of life for people of all ages with physical or learning disabilities in Devon and Cornwall. Rooted in Clare's personal experiences and commitment to tackling social inequities, the Trust funds small, effective local charities and non-profits that deliver tangible improvements in independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. It prioritizes organizations with strong volunteer engagement, low administrative costs, and evidence of community support, embodying values of prudence, local impact, and stewardship through rigorous governance and needs-based assessments.

Funding supports capital projects like building adaptations and equipment, core costs, one-off initiatives, bursaries, and activities such as accessible transport, supported housing, independence programs, social opportunities, and advocacy for disabled people's rights. Beneficiaries include groups like Independence at Home, Plymouth Highbury Trust, and Devon Disability Collective, focusing on direct benefits rather than emergency relief or national-scale efforts.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or CICs with incomes under £1 million, modest reserves, and operations strictly serving Devon and Cornwall; match funding is expected for larger grants, and re-applications require a two-year wait. Grants typically range from £2,500 to £30,000 (up to £50,000 for major builds; CICs capped at £14,999). Unsolicited applications via online form are reviewed quarterly (January, April, July, October), with the next deadline 15 December 2025; decisions follow within 10-12 weeks, requiring full documentation and post-grant reports. Distinctively, it avoids large nationals, individuals, full project funding, and unrestricted grants, favoring agile local charities aligned with Clare Milne's legacy of "making a difference where it counts most."