Paul Bassham Charitable Trust

The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, established in February 1974 and administered by Howes Percival LLP in Norwich, is a discretionary grant-making trust dedicated to supporting legally charitable organisations across England and Wales, with a strong preference for those connected to or benefiting Norfolk. Its core mission emphasises quiet, responsive philanthropy for broad charitable purposes under UK charity law, guided by autonomous trustees who prioritise local needs without paid staff, public fundraising, or a website. Values of organisational resilience, community impact, and unobtrusive giving define its lean, professional structure, drawing on investment reserves to sustain consistent grant-making beyond annual income.

The trust funds a generalist range of activities in health, education, disability support, social welfare, and youth development, backing established charities serving disadvantaged groups—examples include Break for vulnerable children, Norwich Sea Scouts, Nurture UK education projects, Family Holiday Charity, and The Respite Association. It supports projects, capital grants, and core costs for well-run organisations delivering lasting regional benefits, particularly in Norfolk.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (no individuals), with no formal income thresholds but a preference for small to medium-sized entities showing capacity and Norfolk ties; applications from anywhere in England and Wales are welcome if linked to the region. Submit a detailed letter outlining the project, request amount, organisational background, and Norfolk benefits to the Norwich administrators anytime—decisions occur at quarterly trustee meetings, with several months' lead time expected. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £20,000.

Distinctives include high trustee discretion, rolling applications without guidance or deadlines, and exclusive organisational focus; it avoids individuals and non-charitable activities, standing out for its regional emphasis and support for resilient, impactful nonprofits in the East of England.