Our History

The trust fund was established in May 1989 following a desire from the Devon and Cornwall and Western YMCA regions to seek ways of generating funds in order to promote the general purposes of the YMCA Movement in the South West of England.

In the early days the main source of income was from a small trading company called Tri-Activ UK, which assisted local YMCAs in their merchandising requests.

The revenue generated from this company; plus individual donations enabled the trustees to collaborate with the national YMCA in developing a Charity Shops network.

An agreement was established that all YMCA charity shops operating within the two regions would come under this informal partnership between the national YMCA and the trustees of the trust fund.

By 1996 the original target of a capital base of £100,000k had been achieved. The trust remains a registered charity and is managed by a small board of trustees which meets twice a year, normally in May and November.

From 1st April 2013 the trust fund had no further involvement with the YMCA charity shop operation in the South West area. From that date onwards all local associations with charity shops related directly to the YMCA National Shops Department.

The current trustees would welcome any financial support given towards the work of the South West YMCA Trust Fund. For further information on how you can donate or to set up a regular standing order click the link below to e-mail the trust secretary.
Click here to email the secretary
Our History
What We Fund
Application Form
Impact
Donations
Contact

In addition to assisting those YMCAs in need of financial help, the Trustees share that the South West YMCA Trust Fund works to give support to the South West area of England.

We support the work of YMCAs in the South West region of England working to develop opportunities for the spiritual growth and wellbeing of young people.

Find out about us on the Charity Commission.

© The South West YMCA Trust Fund 2024 | Charity Number 801715

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The South West YMCA Trust Fund (Registered Charity no. 801715)

Grant Application Form

Please note: In order to be considered at a trustees’ meeting, please ensure your application is received by the Secretary by 20th April or 20th October annually.

If you have questions about completing this form, please contact the SW YMCA Trust Fund Secretary: secretary@swymcatrust.co.uk

Value of grants awarded: Grants awarded are usually between £700 and £1,200 For a larger project, the Trust will award a grant up to £3,500, as long as the YMCA can demonstrate:
  • That over 50% of the funding is in place or pledged for a project.
  • That over 80% of the funding is in place or pledged for training costs.
  • That over 80% of the funding is in place or pledged for youth participation events, such as National, European or World YMCA events.
  • And that the YMCA is making a contribution themselves.
    • Please note:
    1. Each application must be approved by the Chief Executive or equivalent and the Treasurer, and by ticking the boxes within the application you are confirming their approval has been given.
    2. Each grant awarded must be acknowledged on receipt of approval notification.
    3. Each grant awarded must be thanked when the funds are received.
    4. If the grant awarded is to provide training, and any attendee is unable to attend, then this part of the grant should be returned to the SWTF. If work is not carried out as applied for in the grant application, then this grant should be returned to the SWTF.
    5. The trustees require a short report or photos with captions saying how the grant benefited a YMCA or an individual. There is a section on the application form to tell us about past grants.
    This application is authorised and approved by both:
    If your application is successful, the grant will be paid directly into your bank account. Please provide bank details: Sort code: