Evelyn Norris Trust

The Evelyn Norris Trust, established in 1968 through a bequest from Evelyn Norris, originally funded convalescent homes for concert, performing, and theatrical professionals but pivoted to direct grants after selling the properties. Its core mission is to advance welfare by providing financial support for rest, recovery, recreation, and recuperative holidays to established members of these professions facing illness, convalescence, or poor health. Rooted in compassion, confidentiality, and sector-specific benevolence, the Trust emphasises dignity, individualised consideration, and equitable access, maintaining a tightly focused remit without broadening to other arts or general welfare.

It funds exclusively one-off grants for therapeutic breaks, such as holidays post-illness or injury, targeting actors, musicians, and performers needing respite. Support prioritises acute recovery needs over ongoing aid, with no funding for projects, training, career development, or organisational costs—always to individuals, not groups.

Eligible applicants are UK-based established professionals in concert, performing, or theatrical fields, with no income, size, or religious restrictions; organisations are ineligible. Applications are unsolicited, submitted via email (ent@equitycharitabletrust.org) using a form from the Equity Charitable Trust website, plus CV and supporting documents. Trustees review monthly at month-end, notifying decisions early the next month (4-5 weeks total), favouring first-time applicants.

Distinctively narrow in scope, the Trust avoids repeat grants due to limited funds, excludes general hardship or non-performing arts, and stands out for its confidential, recovery-only model addressing a unique wellbeing gap in UK performing arts, differentiating it from broader artist support funders. Typical grants range up to £1,000.