Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust

Viscount Amory's Charitable Trust, established in 1962 by Derick Heathcoat-Amory, 1st Viscount Amory—former MP for Tiverton and Chancellor of the Exchequer—is an endowed grant-giving body with a profound commitment to enhancing the welfare, opportunities, and cohesion of Devon's communities. Governed by a small board chaired by Sir Ian Heathcoat Amory, it stewards its endowment for sustainable grant-making, prioritizing communal activities in education at all levels, religious life (especially parishes and churches), poverty alleviation for vulnerable groups, and the character and physical development of young people. Its traditional, discreet approach favors deep-rooted local impact over publicity.

The Trust funds projects, core costs, capital needs, and capacity-building for Devon-based charities delivering education, faith-based initiatives, community poverty relief, and youth programs promoting social or physical wellbeing. Beneficiaries are organizations like schools, youth groups, rural churches, and support services for the homeless or marginalized, such as Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship (equine therapy for youth) and St Petrock’s Exeter.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions operating strictly in Devon, with a preference for small- to medium-sized entities showing local roots and communal benefit; no formal income thresholds apply. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via formal letter by post (no email or forms), considered at quarterly trustee meetings in April, July, October, and January—submit weeks ahead for 1-4 month decisions. Grants typically range £1,000-£5,000.

It excludes individuals, direct personal relief, and commercial activities, standing out for its hyper-local Devon focus, postal-only process, and enduring alignment with the founder's vision of fortifying the county's social fabric through education, faith, and youth empowerment.