The Clare Milne Trust – a small charity, with big impact.

Nationally about 24% of the population live with a disability. The challenges are real and for many significant, over and above the tough and uncertain times of the current economic climate.

Facing this overwhelming and daunting prospect, all support is important. Through purely personal, historical reasons The Clare Milne Trust is west country based, supporting solely those  living with disabilities in Devon and Cornwall. Grants are not available to individuals but given to a variety of organisations, widening the support and impact. The trustees are keen to particularly encourage applications from organisations who have not approached The Clare Milne Trust in the past; does your organisation meet our criteria? Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations who support those with disabilities, not merely restricted purely to disability charities.

Clare Milne has a huge character but perhaps not well known. Understanding that her grandfather was the famous and highly respected children’s author A A Milne, creator of Winnie the Pooh, helps put things into perspective.  Clare Milne lived with cerebral palsy and was known for her vivacious spirit and love of socialising, loved by everyone she met. She adored Devon and the westcountry, but cruelly she passed away in 2012, prematurely at the age of only 56.

Her mother Lesley saw the potential of the significant financial legacy she had received from her grandfather and perceptively established The Clare Milne Trust in 1999. “My dream is to know that my girl will be remembered for something that brings happiness where it is most needed.”

The Trust continues to honour this vision, providing grants to charities and not-for-profit organisations that support individuals with disabilities, striving to make a positive impact in their lives. Since awarding its first grants in 2002, The Clare Milne Trust has distributed well over £12 million to various initiatives, including capital projects, core costs, and specific programs aimed at enhancing the lives of disabled individuals.

The trustees are passionate to continue to ensure the benefit of Clare’s legacy continues. Applications are welcomed and if you think your organisation might quality please visit our website or contact us on 01395 270418 or [email protected].

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