The Trust aims is to contribute to and promote the excellent work which is being undertaken across the charitable sector. It provides long-term core funding to small charities and run an Awards programme for individuals and groups committed to social, cultural and environmental causes. It supports around 350 charities every year through its grants programme and gives around 80 different awards to individuals and groups from across the charity sector. It maintains a policy of making a comparatively large number of modest grants each year.

Grants are unrestricted and range from £300-£2,000. Successful new applicants can expect to receive a grant at the lower end of this scale.

Applications are considered on the basis of the organisation’s financial position, performance against charitable aims and objectives and the ratio of voluntary income against fundraising expenses

The Trust aims to build long-standing relationships with successful applicants and, subject to an annual review, continue its support over time.