Norman Family Charitable Trust

The Norman Family Charitable Trust, established in 1979 by Mr W K Norman after retiring from his Westcountry business, is a grant-making charity based in Budleigh Salterton, East Devon. Its mission is to repay the loyalty of local communities by supporting charitable causes in the South West of England, with a strong preference for Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Rooted in values of community benefit, local impact, and sustainable support, the Trust operates with trustee discretion, family involvement since inception, and a flexible, responsive approach, relying on endowed funds to aid non-profits without fundraising.

It funds a broad spectrum of activities, including capital projects, operational costs, and specific initiatives in areas like housing, amateur sport, animal welfare, arts, heritage, science, disability support, economic and community development, education, environment, health, and poverty relief. Beneficiaries encompass children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, other charities/voluntary groups, and the general public, with emphasis on enhancing quality of life and community resilience through local youth services, disability organisations, community centres, environmental efforts, and educational programmes.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and state schools (including academic institutions) operating in Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset (TA postcodes only), prioritising small to medium-sized grassroots organisations with strong local benefit; national charities must demonstrate clear impact in these areas. Applications are unsolicited via online form, limited to once per financial year, requiring project details, accounts, budgets, and bank proof; incomplete ones are deferred. The Grants Sub-Committee meets bi-monthly (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov), with next deadline 23 December 2025; grants of £1,000–£5,000 (rarely larger) are one-off, restricted, and paid promptly, sometimes with monitoring.

Exclusions cover overseas projects, live animal research/experimentation, and religious building maintenance; ongoing core costs are not supported long-term. Distinctive for its unwavering Westcountry focus, broad thematic remit, and commitment to local charities, it stands out as a key, accessible funder for South West community needs.