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.