The Gooch Charitable Fund

The Gooch Charitable Fund supports good causes benefiting people living in and around Ilminster, Somerset. The fund offers both smaller capital and project grants up to £5,000, and larger capital grants between £5,000 and £50,000 (usually paid over 2-3 years). The programme is interested in supporting a wide range of groups including sports clubs, community transport schemes, arts, culture and heritage venues, youth groups, community buildings, schools and preschools (excluding statutory duties), and events and other activities. The Gooch Charitable Trust was set up by Archie Gooch MBE and his daughter Heather Virgin in 1998, with Archie wanting to show appreciation to the town where he set up his business Gooch and Housego after the war. In 2024, the Trust was transferred to Somerset Community Foundation, with former Trustees continuing to be actively involved with the Fund. In line with Archie's wishes, money is set aside for the repair and upkeep of St. Mary's Church, Ilminster, each year, with all other funds then made available for wider use in Ilminster.