What we do

Financial support

 

We support Orbit Group Limited’s Care and Repair projects by helping clients (who are usually elderly or disabled) with home improvements or the installation of disabled facilities. We are also involved with the Group’s Supported Housing Projects which cater for residents with a variety of special needs. The client groups vary from people with mental health problems to older people and young homeless people or families in crisis.


As well as the monies given over the years by Orbit Group Limited, the Trust has other funds, built up through interest on investments and income from telephone alarms, which can be used for any purpose within its objects.

 

However, like a number of charities, the Trust's income from donations and investments is declining and the trustees reviewed the approach to grant-making at their December 2010 meeting. New criteria were introduced for 2011 and subsequent years  as follows:

 

  • Grants would be limited to a maximum of £500 (£1,000 for the Orbit Designated Fund)
  • Grants must be taken up and claimed within three months of approval
  • Applications must be received via a sponsoring body such as a community-based charity or organisation, with the beneficiary clearly identified
  • Applicants should show match funding or other bodies that have been approached for assistance
  • Full documentary evidence of the need for a grant and quotations must accompany the application
  • Applications must be for "added value" not renewals or replacements

 

In addition to awarding grants to applicants, the Trust also acts as Corporate Trustee for two almshouse properties in Kettering (Edmund Sawyer Almshouses) and provides community alarms to vulnerable people on a rental basis

 

Helping other trusts and charities

 

We are an established body run by experienced trustees who are able up to help other trusts in their work.

What are we aiming to do?

To act as an umbrella organisation for existing almshouse and other trusts by:

  • Providing legal, financial and management services to independent trusts
  • Acting as a Corporate Trustee to administer trusts where trustees no longer exist
  • Accepting transfers of engagement from trusts and exempt charitable housing associations not registered with the Housing Corporation


The trust’s purpose and powers have been widely drawn to give maximum flexibility in what it can do within charity law.

 

How would it work for you?

We would meet with your trustees at no cost to explore how we can customise our service to meet your needs. If you want to take matters forward, we would then:

  • Put forward a formal proposal that you can talk over with your professional advisors
  • Meet with your beneficiaries to explain what is happening
  • If required, make an approach on your behalf to the Charity Commissioners and see to all the necessary paperwork.