Northbrook Community Trust

The Northbrook Community Trust, a Devon-based charity originally founded in 1966 as Northbrook Community Home, has evolved into a grant-making body dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and young people under 25. Its mission focuses on providing financial grants to not-for-profit organisations delivering care, education, training, and opportunities outside statutory support, emphasising innovative interventions that enhance wellbeing, inclusion, and access for those in greatest need across Devon. Core values prioritise tangible impact through targeted projects like rural retreats, outdoor learning, disabled access improvements, arts and culture workshops, mentoring, wellbeing programmes, and essential building repairs.

The Trust funds projects benefiting young people under 25 in Devon, including residential programmes, therapeutic activities such as horsemanship, performing arts, and diversionary school initiatives for disadvantaged pupils. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups operating in Devon, with a preference for small to medium-sized grassroots organisations; no strict income thresholds apply, but it favours local entities over large nationals.

Grants typically range from £2,000 to £25,000 (most £5,000–£15,000), supporting one-off or short-term (1-3 year) project costs like capital items, programme delivery, and linked running expenses. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via an online form after an optional 13-question eligibility test; submit at least 14 working days before quarterly trustee meetings (check website for dates), with sub-committee approval up to £7,500 and Board for higher amounts.

It excludes statutory-required posts, general overheads, and grants over £25,000, distinguishing itself through Devon exclusivity, rolling access, responsiveness to innovative local ideas, and commitment to maximising reach without long-term ties.