Registered Charity Number 900073
About Us
About Our Charity
The Shaftesbury Charitable Trust is dedicated to serving the Shaftesbury community by providing financial support for cultural enhancement through arts & crafts, sports, and tourism. We also focus on preserving the rich history and landmarks of Shaftesbury. Our mission extends to offering relief against poverty, supporting mental and physical health, resolving environmental issues, and addressing educational needs.
The famous Shaftesbury Loaf at the top of Gold Hill also serves as a collection box with all monies raised paid out to worthwhile Shaftesbury causes
Our story
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The Hovis loaf was made as part of a successful campaign to help raise money to restore the ancient cobbled surface of Gold Hill. Through generous donations by Rank Hovis and North Dorset District Council and public support through the Mayor’s Gold Hill Restoration Appeal the necessary funds were raise and the works completed. This led to the establishment of Shaftesbury Charitable Trust in June 1988 to succeed the Mayor’s Restoration Appeal with a view to maintaining and growing a fund which could be applied for a wide range of charitable purposes for the benefit of Shaftesbury.
Ridley Scott's iconic "Boy on the bike" advert for Hovis was filmed on Gold Hill Shaftesbury
How we help
for the benefit of Shaftesbury
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Administration
​The Shaftesbury Charitable Trust is guided by a dedicated team of trustees, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Shaftesbury during their terms of office. Together, we oversee the administration of the Trust with a commitment to transparency and community-driven decision-making. The Trustees meet quarterly to consider grant requests but do meet more frequently when a need arises.
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Grants
We're keen to share our grant application process with you. It's designed to be accessible and supportive for all. If your organisation or project aligns with our funding priorities, we warmly invite you to apply using our user-friendly application form, available via the button below or upon request. We truly value initiatives that create a meaningful impact, utilise resources effectively, and provide lasting benefits to the community!
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Finances
At Shaftesbury Charitable Trust, we are committed to responsible stewardship of our funds. Through prudent investment strategies and the support of generous donors, we aim for sustained growth to ensure the long-term sustainability of our charitable endeavors.
Our investments are managed by reputable stockbrokers, ensuring the utmost integrity and professionalism in our financial management.
We gratefully receive gifts and legacies from benefactors who share our passion for supporting the Shaftesbury community. Every donation, whether large or small, makes a meaningful difference in enriching the lives of those we serve.
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The future
We are always striving to enhance our charity's efforts and connect with the community to discover and support impactful projects that will benefit Shaftesbury! We wholeheartedly invite your ideas and insights on how we make a difference together. Additionally, if you're passionate about sharing your skills and becoming a trustee, we would love to hear from you! Let's join forces to create positive change!
