South Street Trust
The Farnham School of Science and Art was established as a Trust in 1880; the deed provided that the School should be “for the instruction of children and adults in drawing, painting, modelling, designing for architecture, manufacture and decoration, and for no other purpose.”
When the school premises were sold, in 1986/7, the proceeds were invested to provide an annual income for distribution. The modified terms of the original trust specified that the Trustee should use the income “in promoting in such ways as it thinks fit the education in art and allied subjects of persons residing or studying in Farnham in the County of Surrey”. The Trustee is Farnham Town Council.
The Charity Commission has given the following advice:
1. Any projects assisted should involve creative input from, and be of educational value to, the students concerned.
2. The eligibility of institutions where there are young people other than those from the Farnham area will depend on the proportion of Farnham residents who would benefit from a grant if it were awarded.
3. In interpreting the phrase, “art and allied subjects”, the Trustee should read the phrase in the context of the description of subjects used by the 1880 Deed. Further the Trustee should distinguish between “art and allied subjects” and the performing arts such as dance, drama and music which, the Commission has advised, do not fall within the ambit of the trust. However, the fact that some projects might be used in connection with a work of a performing art (e.g. a stage prop) would not prevent it receiving grant aid providing that the work involved in its production fitted the criteria given in the third paragraph of this letter.
How do I apply?
Applications for funding from the Trust funds for the year 2012 should be received no later than Friday 20 January 2012 and will be considered by the Town Council in a separate meeting as Trustees of the Farnham (South Street) Trust on 15 March 2012. The beneficiaries will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.
Applications should be made using the application form which can be sent to the Town Council Offices, South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RN or emailed to info(at)farnham.gov.uk.
If you are unable to meet the deadline of 20 January or have any other queries please contact the Town Council Offices on 01252 712667.
