Corton Hill Trust

The Corton Hill Trust is an independent grant-making charity established in December 2019, dedicated to advancing general charitable purposes by enhancing the capacity and sustainability of voluntary organisations, with a strong emphasis on Somerset, Dorset, and East Devon, while considering projects across England and Wales. Governed by three trustees with robust financial, risk management, and governance policies, it draws from substantial endowment assets—enabling over £1 million in annual grants—to promote public benefit, social welfare, community health, wellbeing, education, inclusion, and environmental improvements. Its distinctive approach blends strategic investment for long-term impact with support for locally rooted groups addressing community needs in deprived areas.

The Trust funds a broad spectrum of initiatives, prioritising disadvantaged children and young people, efforts to combat loneliness and isolation among older people, health and wellbeing projects, accessible sports fostering cohesion, and community-led environmental or conservation work. Grant types include project funding, core costs, capacity building, unrestricted support, and occasional capital grants, awarded to grassroots organisations, community groups, and established local charities like conservation societies, sports clubs, and community foundations.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups of any size, with a preference for small and medium-sized, locally focused entities delivering clear benefits in priority regions; no strict income thresholds or religious restrictions apply. Applications are welcomed unsolicited via the online portal at https://funding.ludlowtrust.com, processed on a rolling basis with trustee meetings at least quarterly—expect 8-12 weeks for decisions. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, most commonly £10,000-£25,000, without major exclusions beyond a focus on proven community impact.