The Eric Twiname Trust is a modest grant-making charity whose objects are to assist in the organisation and provision of facilities which will enable and encourage young people in full time education at schools or universities in the United Kingdom (up to the age of 25 years) to sail or race.
One of the Trust’s aid criteria is that as many people as possible should benefit from a donation. In following its objectives, the Trust provides funding for deserving causes, helping young sailors who might otherwise be unable to fulfil their ambitions – whether it be assisting clubs to purchase boats or equipment.
The Trust’s emphasis is directed towards youth, for whom sailing can be prohibitively expensive, with sympathetic consideration always being given to applications that would not attract sponsorship or aid from other organisations such as the Sports Council or the Royal Yachting Association.
Particular regard is paid to those organisations that are unable to raise all the necessary funds for such equipment and notably to assist disadvantaged youngsters to access and benefit from the sport of sailing. Emphasis is placed on the ‘grassroots’ end of the sport and the need to provide encouragement to clubs to help youngsters on to the water. The Trust also provides financial support for the cost of two premier national annual sailing championship events.
The Trust’s policy on grant-making is firstly to ensure that, with any application, it will be pupils in full-time education that will benefit. Secondly, the Trust’s aim is to put such grants to optimum effect by maximising funding across as many worthy recipients as possible, whilst always ensuring that it provides a long-lasting benefit. As such, the trust does not provide grants to individuals - only to bone-fide sailing organisations. Where applicants cannot satisfy trust criteria for a grant, as far as possible, an explanation is given in response and advice offered as to what alternatives (including approaching other relevant charities) there are to help them pursue their aims and raise the necessary funds.
Major activities have included the funding of the purchase of training dinghies and equipment for sailing clubs and associations along with small grants.
There is no formal application form or application deadlines. Groups may send an e-mail or a 'simple handwritten letter' to the Trust at any time. The Trust will contact the applicant if further information about the project is required.
Further information is available on the Trust’s website.