After the Trust’s recent policy review, it has decided to focus its funding on three core areas, reflecting the original wishes of its founders, the Norman Family.  Most of the types of projects we’ve been supporting in the past few years will still continue to be supported.  This page is to give more information and guidance on our funding categories and help you select the most appropriate when making an application.  Please don’t worry if you’re unsure, just select the closest match and we can re-categorise if necessary when processing your request.  If the project benefits both young people and adults, choose the main category which covers the majority of the beneficiaries.  If you feel your work doesn’t fit any of our categories, it is unlikely the Trust will be able to help and you may wish to approach alternative sources of support.

As before, applications which will benefit East Devon will be prioritised.  Otherwise, all applications must be for the benefit of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset (not Bath or Bristol).  The following three main categories are in order of priority, but sub categories are of equal priority within their main category.

1. Young People (aged up to 25)

Mental Health & Learning Difficulties

This covers all projects working to support the mental health of young people, or projects working with those with learning difficulties, neurodivergence etc.

Physical Health & Disability

If your project works with young people with physical or multiple disabilities, those with hearing or vision impairments, those with medical conditions including life limiting and end of life care, please select this sub category.

Sport

This is for all sports involving young people.  If the project is specifically for the benefit of young people with disabilities, please use one of the above sub categories.

Education & Training

For projects supporting young people’s education – pre-schools, state primary, secondary and special schools or their PTAs can apply for projects and equipment.  Also any other education or training project including those working with excluded young people and those needing extra support to find training or employment opportunities.

Community & Activities

This is a wide category which can include requests from uniformed groups, performing arts, outdoor activities, youth clubs etc.

Social Welfare

For projects helping young people and families in crisis or who are struggling, whether it be due to homelessness, domestic violence, abuse, poverty, victims of crime, those at risk of offending, young parents, young carers etc

2. Animals & Environment

Animals

All projects that benefit the welfare of animals, whether it be wild, livestock or domestic.

Environment

Projects seeking to improve or protect the natural environment in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

3. Adults (aged 25+)

Mental Health & Learning Difficulties

This covers all projects working to support the mental health of adults, or projects working with those with learning difficulties, neurodivergence etc.

Physical Health & Disability

If your project works with adults with physical or multiple disabilities, those with hearing or vision impairments, or those with medical conditions, please select this sub category.

Sport

This is for all sports involving adults.  If the project is specifically for the benefit of adults with disabilities, please use one of the above two sub categories.

Education & Training

For projects supporting adult education and training, including access to employment support and those providing training and support to other voluntary and community groups.  If specifically for adults with disabilities, please use one of the top two sub categories.

Community & Activities

This is a wide category which can include requests from voluntary and community groups – including requests for improvements to community facilities such as village halls, music groups, art groups, outdoor activities etc.

Projects specifically for older people can also apply under this category, e.g. community transport, memory cafes, activity clubs, respite, reminiscence etc.

Social Welfare

For projects helping adults in crisis, whether it be due to homelessness, domestic violence, abuse, poverty, victims of crime, those at risk of offending etc

End of Life

This covers the work of hospices and those other projects supporting people at the end of their lives.