The Annington Trust
The Annington Trust was set up in 1996, at the time of the
purchase of the Married Quarters Estate by Annington. It was one
of a number of measures taken by the company to demonstrate its
commitment to families living in Service accommodation. A capital
sum of £450,000 was contributed by those involved in the purchase of
the Estate, and the Trust was established to support various activities
and projects in Service Communities. Income from invested capital
is used bi-annually to make grants to successful applicants. In
addition, the Board of Annington Holdings Plc has committed a further
£25,000 per year for the next 3 years to the Trust, to ensure that its
work will not be affected by the present economic difficulties.
The Trustees include both executive and non-executive directors of
Annington, headed by the Deputy Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Sandy Hunter
(Trust Chairman), a retired airman. James Hopkins, Chief Executive of
Annington, who previously served in the Army, and Annington's Chairman,
Elizabeth Filkin, who has a long background in family matters and
housing, are also Trustees. The Chairpersons of the Army Families
Federation, Naval Families Federation and RAF Families Federation are
all valued Trustees, ensuring the important input of current Service
families.
The Annington Trust has made grants to a variety of projects for the
benefit of families living in Service Communities. These have
included support for contact houses, crèches, pre-schools, youth clubs,
community centres, libraries and music groups. These are
generally around £300 - £800 but, on occasion and given special
circumstances, they may be larger. Whatever their size, the Trustees
will only consider applications supported by full detail of costings
and by a letter of support from your unit. Even where applications have
been prepared by Community Development Workers, such a letter of
support from the chain of command must be provided. To ensure that
applications have a smooth passage through Trustees, they should be
copied to the Chairman of the appropriate Families Federation at the
time of submission. Their support for your project can make all the
difference when decisions are being made and they need the information!
The Trustees expect to see real evidence of self-help and fundraising
by those who benefit by a project. They are unlikely to support
applications where public funding is available, although they may
consider joint funding where public funds are restricted. Above all,
the Trustees are anxious to help projects and activities that make life
better for those living in Service Communities. The quality and detail
of your application will help them to help you. The more information
you provide on your application form, the more likely you are to
succeed!
Remember to use the Check List provided, before submitting your
application form.
N.B. The Annington Trust is governed by the rules of The Charities
Commission.
