Sunrise (Sidmouth) Charitable Trust

The Sunrise (Sidmouth) Charitable Trust is a grant-making charity established by settlement deed, administered by Rathbone Trust Company Limited under trustees including Marguerite Rosemary Bould, who holds appointing powers. Its core mission is to apply capital and income at absolute trustee discretion to support diverse charitable purposes, guided by its founding documents rather than thematic strategies. Emphasizing flexible, responsible philanthropy, the trust balances current giving with long-term sustainability through a medium-risk investment approach, fostering enduring support for established charities via a generalist remit that prioritizes proven impact.

It funds a broad spectrum of causes, including children and families, people with disabilities, medical research and hospices, armed forces and veterans (e.g., Royal British Legion, Royal Star & Garter), religious organizations, animal welfare (e.g., Woodland Trust), and community projects (e.g., Sidmouth Lifeboat, St Petrocks Exeter). While unrestricted geographically, grants often favor Sidmouth, Devon, and South West England charities alongside national ones, providing core costs, project delivery, capital, and unrestricted support to align with trustee priorities in welfare, health, and community resilience.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities—typically medium-to-large established organizations with incomes over £100,000 and track records—excluding individuals. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding occurs via trustee-selected partners without open calls or guidelines.

Grants range from £2,000 to £50,000 (commonly £5,000–£15,000), awarded adhoc through internal reviews with no deadlines. Distinctive for its trustee-driven discretion, lack of restrictions, and blend of local Devon ties with national scope—especially armed forces—it avoids proactive programs, favoring familiar, high-performing charities for sustained, flexible aid.