Fifteen short answers, written in plain English.
If your question is not here, please write to [email protected] and we will add it.
Where does the Estate Charity of Sir Christopher Nevile operate?
The ancient parish of Aubourn with Haddington in Lincolnshire, plus the immediately surrounding parishes of South Hykeham, Bassingham, Thurlby, Norton Disney, Stapleford, and (occasionally, at trustee discretion) Eagle. Our area of benefit is set out in our 1979 scheme of administration and is not at our discretion to widen.
Who is eligible for a Kitchen-Table Grant?
Any household resident in the area of benefit who is facing a sudden, unforeseen cost — a broken cooker, a vet bill, a funeral contribution, a bus fare to a hospital appointment. There is no formal income test; the trustees use judgement, in consultation with a churchwarden, head teacher, community nurse or parish councillor where helpful. One grant per household per twelve-month period, ordinarily.
How quickly will I hear back?
We aim to reply to every enquiry within seven days. For urgent matters please mark your letter or email 'urgent' and a trustee will telephone you. Two trustees can approve grants of up to £250 between meetings.
How do I apply for a Summers Bursary?
The application window opens on 5 September and closes on 31 October each year. The application form is a single side of A4 with three short questions. Decisions are made at the December trustee meeting. Awards are paid by bank transfer in January. The current guide is on our resources page.
Do you make grants to charities or organisations?
No. Our scheme of administration restricts us to grants to individuals. We make occasional small contributions to shared parish equipment (a hearing loop, large-print hymn books for the village hall) at our discretion, but these are not grants to organisations.
Do you have Gift Aid registration?
Not currently. We do not yet have Gift Aid recognition from HMRC. We are working on it. In the meantime, please give without making a Gift Aid declaration; you can keep your declaration on file with us for when we are registered.
How are trustees appointed?
By co-option and parish consultation under our 1979 scheme of administration. Vacancies are advertised in the parish magazine and on the village hall noticeboard. Disclosure and Barring Service checks are required for all trustees. The board may have up to seven members; we have run on five since 2023.
Who audits your accounts?
An independent examiner — a chartered accountant in Lincoln who has worked with us pro bono since 2018. We are below the audit threshold under the Charities Act 2011, so independent examination is sufficient. Accounts are filed annually with the Charity Commission.
Can I refer a household to you?
Yes, and please do — most of our referrals come this way. Churchwardens, head teachers, community nurses, parish councillors, GP practice managers and local clergy are all welcome to refer. There is no formal referral process. A short letter or email is enough.
Do you charge for grant decisions or applications?
No. There is no application fee. We never charge a beneficiary for any part of our process. We never ask for bank details before a grant is approved.
How do I donate?
Online via our donate page (which then asks you to confirm by reply or to set up a standing order), by cheque to The Old Vicarage, or by standing order to our bank account (details by reply to a donor enquiry). We do not use third-party fundraising platforms.
Can I leave a bequest in my will?
Yes, and we would be very grateful. Our solicitors recommend the wording: 'I give the sum of £— to the Estate Charity of Sir Christopher Nevile (registered charity number 219964) of c/o The Old Vicarage, Church Lane, Aubourn, Lincoln LN5 9DT, to be applied for the general purposes of the charity. The receipt of one of the trustees shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.'
Do you employ anyone?
No. All five trustees serve unpaid and we claim no expenses. We have no premises. Investment management and audit are provided externally and are paid out of investment income.
How do you handle a household's personal details?
Carefully and minimally. Grant records are kept on paper in a locked deed-box at the Old Vicarage and are retained for seven years for Gift Aid / audit purposes once we are registered with HMRC. We never share a beneficiary's details outside the trustees, except where required by safeguarding law. See our privacy notice for the full statement.
What if I have a complaint?
Please write first to the Chair at [email protected]. We aim to reply within fourteen days. If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may write to the Charity Commission for England and Wales (gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission). For data-protection matters you may also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk / 0303 123 1113).
Still have a question?
Write to a trustee directly — we read every message ourselves.