John Jackson Charitable Trust

The John Jackson Charitable Trust, established in 2011 through the will of lifelong Eastbourne resident John Alan Jackson, is a permanent endowment dedicated to benefiting the people and community of Eastbourne, East Sussex. Its core mission emphasizes tangible, lasting improvements in local civic and social life, guided by values of stewardship, inclusion, respect for heritage, and prudent philanthropy for current and future generations. With a pragmatic, accessible approach, the Trust supports diverse local initiatives through careful investment of its endowed funds, prioritizing education, heritage preservation, social welfare, disability inclusion, animal welfare, community sports, and arts—evidenced by grants for school facilities, disability support, unemployment projects, animal groups, sports teams, and heritage efforts.

It funds a broad spectrum of activities, including capital projects, equipment, revenue costs, and small enhancements for charities, community groups, clubs, and academic institutions delivering direct benefits to Eastbourne residents across all ages. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, or academic institutions operating exclusively in Eastbourne; no income thresholds or religious restrictions apply, welcoming small grassroots organizations to larger local entities.

Grants typically range from £1,000 to £10,000, occasionally smaller or larger for high-impact projects. Applications are unsolicited via email using the website form (info@johnjacksoncharitabletrust.org.uk), reviewed on a rolling basis at periodic trustee meetings with no fixed deadlines. Distinctively, the Trust's hyper-local focus excludes non-Eastbourne activities, statutory bodies, or misaligned projects, setting it apart as a reliable, flexible mainstay for Eastbourne's social fabric without preliminary enquiries or complex portals.