The Frank Litchfield Charitable Trust was established in 1994 to ensure Frank Litchfield’s estate was used to support charitable causes, with the main mission to enhance the lives of individuals in the counties of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, and to support organisations operating in those counties, or whose work may benefit the area or some of its residents. The Trustees are immensely proud to have disbursed over £4.5 million to support a diverse range of causes including many community projects, small group charitable initiatives, hospices, regional medical facilities and medical research.
Integral to our mission is the commitment to alleviate the challenges of rural life and to champion initiatives benefitting our target three counties. This focus guides our funding decisions and shapes the impact we seek to achieve in these communities, ensuring that our funds reach those who will benefit most in our area.
Our History
The Frank Litchfield Trust was established in 1994 by Frank Litchfield, who had spent his life living and farming in the counties of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. He chose to leave his entire estate to fund charitable causes benefitting those three counties and had a particular interest in enhancing the lives of those living in rural communities. The Trust aims to perpetuate Litchfield’s legacy by assisting with the unique challenges of these communities, and fostering advancements in social support, transport, health and education.
Our Current Trustees
Michael Womack Chair
Michael practised as a commercial solicitor in Cambridge. Since retirement he has been a trustee of a range of charitable trusts, ranging through learned societies, education at various levels and grant awarding.
Robert Law
Robert is a dedicated first generation farmer, starting his journey on a local farm. Since 1981, he has successfully managed and expanded Law Farming now encompassing three farms which spread over the borders of Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. He has a great passion for the countryside and rural community support
Gina Vivian-Neal
Gina has worked for one of the Cambridge colleges for over twenty years, supporting undergraduate students in their studies. When not at work, she enjoys looking after her house and dog!
Annie Sunderland
Annie practiced as a Solicitor in both Cambridgeshire and New Zealand, in both private practice and as an In-house lawyer for a major UK charity. She also spent several years running a family educational training business. She is very involved in community projects in her local area.
Jane Follows
Jane has spent over 30 years working for a global consulting company, primarily supporting public sector clients and latterly leading the company’s UK internal operations team. She has been involved with several local charities over the years, with particular focus on education and healthcare and those supporting children and families.
Our Philosophy
Our practice is to welcome applications from a wide variety of sources. Particularly in the case of small bodies we are happy to consider being part of wider fundraising, either by helping with the cost of a fundraising campaign or undertaking to match funds raised up to a limit. Applications may be made at any time, the Trustees make funding decisions quarterly.
Recent Grants Awarded
These have ranged in value from £1,000 to £25,000 and have included homelessness, museums, medical research, environmental, community, educational or disability support projects.
Geographical Areas Covered
The Trust focuses on initiatives benefitting the residents of the counties of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, aiming to make a tangible difference in those counties, but will also consider more regional/national projects provided the Trustees are satisfied the population of those target counties will benefit.