WHO WE ARE
Who we are
The H&S Davidson Trust (HSDT) is an entrepreneurial not-for-profit started in 2004 by Hugh and Sandra Davidson. It is registered in the Isle of Man (Charity No. 908), where Hugh & Sandra live.
The Trust's primary objective is to transform the lives of very low income families, especially women and girls, by helping them to reach their full potential on a sustainable basis and thereby dramatically increasing their income, empowerment and capability.
It started making grants in 2008 and has since donated over £2m. 85% of funding has gone to programs in the developing world. 15% of funds have gone to the Isle of Man, (mainly on school programs connected with international development).
The Trust is self funding and was launched with funds from the sale of Oxford Strategic Marketing, a company Hugh co-founded.
We are small by most standards, but take more risks than most funders. We make fast decisions, avoid bureaucracy and listen, listen, listen to those with whom we work. We also try to be honest, acknowledge our failures and learn fast.
A Period of Reflection
After completing our first 8 programmes the Trust began a period of reflection and we reviewed successes and failures.
To help understand why apparently successful programmes were not scaled up, we realised we needed to understand the sector better and in 2020 we commissioned the award-winning Jigsaw Research to complete a global research study.
This research focused on “Increasing Impact within International Development” and was completed in collaboration with Alliance Magazine and international development consultant, Barry Knight, both of whom added great value.
The results changed the Trust's approach and based on our new learnings, we formed and funded a team, comprising Barry Knight, Rebecca Hanshaw (former CEO of the Global Fund For Women (UK)) and David Drewery (Alliance Magazine).
The team co-created the #RID programme to share the insights and identify pathways to positively change the international development sector - a bold goal!
We hope that #RID will provide fresh direction and inspiration for funders, INGOs and community organisations who want to increase their impact.
