The Sir James Knott Trust supports charitable activity across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Hartlepool, aiming to improve the lives of people living and working in the North East.
What the Trust Funds
The Trust offers a range of flexible grants, including small grants, capital funding, project support and longer‑term unrestricted core funding. Typical multi‑year grants include £5,000 per year for three years, with occasional larger awards up to £15,000 per year. Grants are designed to be light‑touch, trusting organisations to use the funding where it is most effective.
Special consideration is given to areas historically important to Sir James Knott, including employment, housing, community spaces, and military or maritime causes.
How the Grants Programme Works
The Trust operates a rolling programme with no deadlines. Trustees meet four times per year, so applicants should allow up to 18 weeks for a decision.
- Small grants of £2,000 and under are assessed outside scheduled meetings, with a typical turnaround of 6 weeks.
- Applications over £10,000 may involve a visit from an assessor or staff member.
Telephone and email enquiries are welcome for organisations wishing to discuss a potential application.
Who Can Apply
The Trust funds:
- Registered charities, community groups and social enterprises
- Organisations operating within the Trust’s area of benefit
Organisations with a turnover above £3m are only funded in exceptional circumstances and should discuss suitability in advance. National charities may apply only if they bring exceptional additional value to the region.
The Trust cannot fund individuals, research, retrospective activity, or work outside its area. The area of benefit does not include Darlington, Stockton, Redcar or Middlesbrough.
Read more and apply for a grant from Sir James Knott Trust here.