Clingan's Trust

Clingan's Trust, an independent charitable trust established by the 1716 will of John Clingan from Christchurch and formally registered with the Charity Commission in 1967, is dedicated to empowering children and young people under 25 facing financial need who are resident or educated in the former borough of Christchurch and its immediate neighbourhood. Rooted in a vision of educational inclusion, equity, and social mobility, the trust promotes personal development, attainment, and access to opportunities through a non-bureaucratic, locally responsive approach, guided by nine engaged trustees who prioritise demonstrable need, local impact, and potential—often considering parental income.

It funds education and training expenses such as tuition, maintenance, travel, uniforms, clothing, tools, instruments, computers, and books, alongside music, arts, amateur sport, social activities, and physical training. Grants support individuals directly (e.g., university costs, apprenticeships, sports kit) or organisations like schools and youth groups for trips and projects benefiting disadvantaged local youth, emphasising holistic enrichment beyond academics.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups—preferring small to medium-sized local entities—with no strict income thresholds or unsolicited application barriers. Youth must have clear Christchurch links; geographic focus is exclusive to this area.

Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000, awarded discretionarily at quarterly trustee meetings (submit official form from website at least one month prior for consideration). It excludes core costs, unrestricted funding, or activities without direct ties to age, location, or themes, distinguishing itself through historical community heritage, flexible individual/group support, and rigorous local stewardship.