Bowerman Charitable Trust

The Bowerman Charitable Trust, founded in 1984 by David Bowerman CBE and Mary Bowerman, advances classical music and art, supports the Christian faith, and aids wider community causes from its Champs Hill estate in West Sussex. Rooted in the founders' vision of cultural enrichment and spiritual development, it emphasizes education, artistic excellence, youth engagement, and faith-based values through stewardship of its heritage assets, including a significant British fine art collection and dedicated music facilities. Distinctive for its integrated arts-faith philanthropy, the Trust blends proactive programming—concerts, exhibitions, church gatherings, and youth camps—with targeted grant-making.

It prioritizes classical music via concerts, recordings, and artist support; British art through public exhibitions and conservation of the Bowerman Collection; Christian spiritual life with facilities for church groups and faith discussions; and youth development through campsite activities and grants. Beneficiaries include musicians, artists, church communities, young people, children, the elderly, and aligned charities, with a history of backing grassroots to established organizations serving public needs.

Eligible entities face no strict legal, income, or size restrictions, though the Trust operates invite-only, rejecting unsolicited applications and relying on referrals or networks for mission-aligned projects from West Sussex, East Sussex, or beyond if strongly relevant. Grants cover projects, core costs, capacity building, and occasional capital, with amounts varying per need amid substantial annual expenditure (e.g., £373,131 income in 2024); decisions roll year-round at trustees' discretion, sans deadlines or forms.

Exclusions target non-aligned causes outside music, art, faith, or youth. Uniquely, it offers national-caliber concert venues, public art access, and Christian-informed spaces rarely matched elsewhere, prioritizing Sussex impact and long-term legacy.