We don't have a formal application form. Initially, we ask for an outline of the project - of around 2 pages - including the project aims, impact, cost and methods of evaluation. Details such as how many children will be reached by the project, the ages of the children concerned, and as full a breakdown of costs as possible would be helpful. Please refer to the Projects we have funded section to get an idea of the sort of projects we fund, and to the Application guidelines.

When is it best to apply?

There are no deadlines for applications. Our Trustees meet throughout the year. However, when considering your project timetable, please ensure that we receive your application in good time, as decisions can take months rather than weeks.

Can I discuss my project with you before submitting a bid for a grant?

Yes, please Contact us if you would like to discuss an idea or a project outline.

Do you fund individuals?

No, the Sutton Trust has a strict policy of not funding individuals. This includes any type of fees, including school/university fees, money for musical instruments, books or other materials for your child's education, post-graduate study, gap year or holiday activities and medical sabbaticals.

However, the following books may help you to identify suitable organisations to approach:

'The Directory of Grant Making Trusts''

'The Educational Grants Directory 2002/3'

Both are published by the Directory of Social Change
The Directory of Social Change
24 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2DP
info@dsc.org.uk

The Educational Grants Advisory Service can also offer advice:
Family Welfare Association
501-505 Kingsland Road
London
E8 4AU
Tel: 020 7249 6636

I have a gifted child. Can you help?

The Sutton Trust is involved with projects which benefit able children. These are projects with organisations, and not on an individual basis. However, although The Sutton Trust is not an advisory body for gifted young people, we are interested in their wellbeing. The following are useful contacts if you have a talented child, and would like advice on their future education:

LEAs

Your Local Education Authority should have a gifted and talented coordinator who may offer you some advice on local provision. For more information, please refer to the Department for Education and Skills website.

National Association for Gifted Children - NAGC
Suite 14, Challenge House
Sherwood Drive
Bletchley, Milton Keynes
MK3 6DP
Tel: 0845 450 0221 (local rate call)
Email: amazingchildren@nagcbritain.org.uk

National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth - NAGTY
The University of Warwick
Coventry
CV4 7AL
Tel: 024 7657 4213
Fax: 024 7657 4221
Email: gifted@warwick.ac.uk

National Association for Able Children in Higher Education - NACE
NACE National Office
P.O. Box 242
Arnolds Way
Oxford, OX2 9FR
Tel: 01865 861879
Email: info@nace.co.uk

Do you only fund projects in certain types of schools?

The Sutton Trust has funded projects involving many different types of school.

Generally, we will not fund projects at independent schools, unless they are in partnership with local maintained schools, and then we generally fund only the maintained school's costs.

We encourage applications from maintained comprehensive schools. Projects from schools in areas of deprivation - rural and inner city - are particularly welcome.

Do you fund Specialist Schools?

Yes. The Sutton Trust has undertaken to sponsor four specialist schools a year. We do not fund sports or arts colleges, but we do have a particular interest in science, technology, language, business and maths & ICT specialisms.

Geographically, we generally only consider funding a specialist school in the London area. This is because we take a serious interest in the schools we sponsor, and like to provide a local sponsor and/or governor where possible. Please note that this geographical limit only applies to our specialist school sponsorship, and not to any other project areas.

For further information, please refer to the Specialist Schools Trust

Do you pay for extra curricular activities?

The Sutton Trust tends to fund projects in a formal education setting. We do not fund arts or sports projects, including outward bound schemes, Duke of Edinburgh awards, bands and orchestras, art and theatre productions, or school trips in the UK or abroad. However, we may fund activities related to academic study or university applications, for example: extra preparation for interviews; enrichment or extension work (eg science clubs/masterclasses); sixth form conferences. We do not, however, fund general school trips, even subject-specific, or pay costs towards students attending university open days.

Do you only fund projects of a certain size?

Our grants have ranged from £200 to £50,000, but most fall within the £10,000 to £25,000 range. We like to see value for money, and projects reaching as many children as possible. This may mean only a handful, or hundreds of children in a region. We are very keen to receive a detailed budget, and will expect each item to be broken down as far as possible in order to ensure that the application is as economical as possible.

Do you only fund projects in certain areas?

The Sutton Trust will fund projects across the UK, in any area where there is need, including rural and inner city areas.

Before approaching the Trust for a grant, it is worth checking there are no similar schemes nearby. We may not fund a scheme if we feel it would be duplicating work already going on in your area.

The only exception is for specialist schools - we only fund these schools in the London area.

Will you give money for refurbishing buildings or upgrading facilities?

We do not fund capital projects or general appeals. This includes building work, equipment costs e.g. IT equipment, minibuses, books or other materials. The Sutton Trust tends to fund projects which are carried out in addition to your core costs.

Do you give grants covering staff costs?

The Sutton Trust does not fund staff or day to day running costs, unless they are related to a specific scheme we are funding.

Does the Trust pay for community work?

The Sutton Trust is an educational charity rather than a children's charity. This means that we will not pay for day trips, youth centres, drug or health advice, or other related outreach work.

However, we may consider funding careers advice or community-based work aiming to raise young people's aspirations within an educational context.

Do you fund projects based outside the UK or involving overseas students?

The Sutton Trust will only fund projects based in the UK. Young people naturalised to the UK, or with refugee status can be included in any projects which fall under our guidelines, but we do not fund projects for students visiting from abroad.

Useful links:
Directory of Social Change.
Educational Grants Advisory Service
Department for Education and Skills
National Association for Gifted Children
National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth
Specialist Schools Trust



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