Notgrove Trust

The Notgrove Trust, founded in 1979 by Mr and Mrs David Acland in Notgrove, Cotswolds, is a grant-making charity dedicated to bolstering small and medium-sized organisations in Gloucestershire—rarely extending elsewhere without trustee connections—through local philanthropy that strengthens community fabric and sustains underfunded groups. Rooted in grassroots causes, localism, discretion, and trust-based giving, it prioritises long-term relationships, offering flexible, non-restrictive, and often multi-year funding to enhance grantee stability and impact, distinguishing itself as a personal, low-bureaucracy family foundation.

It supports practical initiatives for children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other voluntary bodies, focusing on social welfare, vulnerable/marginalised groups, and community-level services like family support (e.g., Home Start Cotswolds) and reading programmes (e.g., Read for Good). Funding typically covers core/operating costs, general purposes, or occasional capital for local facilities, emphasising unrestricted aid over project-specific or outcome-tied grants.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (excluding CICs) with strong Gloucestershire operations and preferably under £1M annual income; small, grassroots entities with deep local roots are favoured. Applications are unsolicited via simple email or letter to Mrs Diana Acland (diana@notgrove.com), accepted rolling with no deadlines or forms—decisions via unpublished trustee meetings.

Grants range from £2,000–£10,000 annually, occasionally larger for multi-year commitments. It excludes medical research, individuals, large national charities, and lacks religious restrictions, standing out for its unwavering Gloucestershire focus, relational flexibility, and empowerment of local charities through reliable, personalised support.