Grimmitt Trust

The Grimmitt Trust, established in 1989, is a grant-making charitable trust dedicated to encouraging and strengthening grassroots community activities in the West Midlands, with a primary focus on Birmingham, Dudley, Wolverhampton, and Walsall postcode areas, occasionally extending to Solihull. Rooted in a community-first philosophy, it empowers small to medium-sized local charities and voluntary bodies to address immediate needs, emphasizing social inclusion, holistic wellbeing, and resilience through trustee-led discretionary funding. Its non-bureaucratic ethos prioritizes local knowledge and frontline impact over formal strategies, setting it apart as a steadfast supporter of embedded, regionally active organizations.

The Trust funds a broad array of community-focused initiatives, including healthcare, support for young people and older adults, education, bereavement and mental health services, social welfare, and capacity-building projects. Beneficiaries encompass children, families, the bereaved, those facing hardship or disadvantage, and broader local communities tackling isolation, health challenges, and inequality. Supported activities range from practical services and core costs to community infrastructure and occasional capital projects, with a track record of backing groups like Edward’s Trust for bereavement support and the Muslim Women’s Network Helpline for vulnerable counseling.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based and operating exclusively in the specified areas, with a preference for modest-income grassroots organizations; national charities, social enterprises, and CICs are excluded. Typical grants range from £500 to £4,000 (up to £15,000 occasionally). Unsolicited applications are welcomed via letter to the Secretary—phone or email for guidance on required details like project proposals and accounts—with rolling submissions considered at quarterly trustee meetings (typically May/June, November/December, and one other), allowing several months for decisions.