Ashburnham Thanksgiving Trust

The Ashburnham Thanksgiving Trust, established by trust deed in England and Wales and led by the Bickersteth family (with trustees including Chair Edward Richard Bickersteth), is a faith-driven funder rooted in Christian values, focusing on advancing charitable purposes through support for Christian missions, outreach, and community welfare. Its distinctive approach emphasizes long-term relationships with known organizations, personal trusteeship, and practical faith in action, prioritizing effective public benefit aligned with Christian service over open calls.

It funds Christian-led initiatives, including missionary work (UK and international), relief for vulnerable groups like the homeless, ex-offenders, and children without families, poverty alleviation, and community services—evidenced by grants to Homelessness UK (£18,000), Shelter (£15,000), and smaller entities like New Town CAB. Support covers projects, core costs, and ongoing work intersecting faith, poverty relief, and local strengthening, with a preference for charities motivated by Christian ethos.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (small to medium-sized preferred; large ones rare), with no geographic or income restrictions, though Christian origins and prior trustee acquaintance boost chances (unsolicited apps only 10-20% successful). Submit a brief project description and audited accounts by letter to the correspondent; deadlines are end-January (March meeting) and end-July (September meeting), biannual decisions.

Exclusions include individuals, non-registered groups, and capital projects like buildings. Uniquely discreet (no public website, info via Charity Commission), it differentiates through relationship-based funding, modest one-off grants (£1,000-£4,000 typical, up to £18,000 for partners), and unwavering Christian focus.