Francis Scott Trust
Every child and young person deserves the chance to thrive but not all have equal access to the support and resources they need to do so. That's why we work tirelessly with, and through, others to ensure young people in Cumbria and the District of Lancaster can fulfil their potential. We’re one of the largest independent grant funders in the area that's solely focused on children and young people (up to the age of 24).
Overview
Total reviews: 9
Median 10 hours
Latest Reviews
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Oct 4, 2025
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2025 - Main Grants
This funder takes the time to understand the organisations and communities they support. They value meaningful, long-term relationships built on mutual trust and shared purpose. It’s worth investing time in helping them see the real impact of your work, particularly how it supports young people to thrive and develop their potential. Their approach is thoughtful and relational rather than transactional, so openness and clarity about your goals, challenges, and ambitions are appreciated.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2025
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They excel at building enduring partnerships that go beyond financial support. Their commitment to understanding the context and people behind each funding request ensures their funding has lasting impact.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Sep 29, 2025
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2025 - Main Grants
Give them a call. The team are lovely and very approachable. Prepare any questions you have. Make sure your safeguarding policy is robust and up to date.
Pros
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2025
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They will come and meet you to talk through your application and clarify any queries with you. this is reassuring and makes you feel like your application won't be tossed on the no pile for something small.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Pulling together all the required numbers for the end of grant report took a huge amount of time. If that could be simplified in order to reduce the amount of time required to complete the report, that would be helpful.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Sep 10, 2025
applied in 2025 - Main Grants
Read the applications information and work out how your project / work fits with the aims of the chairty. Use the opportunities for contact and feedback as part of the application process.
Pros
Insightful
Friendly
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2025
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Very easy to get in contact, offered opprtunities to have a draft application reviewed which was really helpful. Came to the office to meet with staff and a trustee. Offered cotrsutive feedback after an unsuccessful application which is very rare; this was really helpful and will give us information what we can use for future applications.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Communication and feedback
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
In general a very positive experience even though we weren't successful
Sep 3, 2025
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2025 - Main Grants
Check out the website and then ring and speak to the grant officers to discuss the application.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2025
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Supporting children and young people and youth work in particular
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Continue with the way your going in all honesty
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Sep 2, 2025
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2024 - Main Grants
Just contact them and tell them about your organisation. They are very receptive to first approaches and will quickly advise you whether or not your work is something that they are currently looking to fund
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2024
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
The funding has been granted as about £20k per year for 3 years but with their expressed intent to continue funding our organisation with a simplified application process for the indefinite future
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
They talk to us and listen to what we say and therefore have a real understanding of what we are doing and what we are aiming to achieve.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
To me they are the definition of what a good grantmaker should be so my only advice would be to continue as they are doing.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent