A couple of questions, if anyone has a moment to spare

You pretty much confirmed what I was thinking, but I had to ask. Thanks again :)

I'd generally be more tempted to stick with applying to trusts that there's a better criteria fit with, the ones that state they want to do their own research more than likely have their own pet causes if you'll pardon the pun, and really aren't interested in unsolicited donations at all. Though there may be exceptions to that rule out there...

As for getting funding from trusts who don't want to give to animal charities, again time would be better spent on applications to trusts with a better criteria fit than trying to dream up creative spin to get them to bend their own rules, such applications tend to be more of a fruitless uphill struggle than their worth... :o)

First: never ever rely on "hearsay" evidence before making an application to any trust. No matter how good the directory. If the trust has its own website, check it - you may get some clarification on what they will and won't fund.

If the Trust does not have a website, but does publish a telephone number, call them.

Honestly, do. Independent trusts vary so wildly.

If no website AND no telephone number:

"We normally refuse animal charities ..." - definitely means "No". Many trusts use 'normally' to cover their backsides in the unusual event of them funding something that they don't, well, normally fund. Exceptions usually happen because a trustee has identified a need which fits within the trust's legal remit, but is, er, normally excluded so they don't get inundated with applications from similar organisations (for example, we fund youth projects in London, but are not legally restricted from funding projects outside London or for the benefit of a wider group - very occasionally, we fund something a bit different - but until we made the "London only, unless a trustee has invited you to apply" absolutely crystal clear, my life - and postbag - were pure hell).

Introductory letters: don't bother. Many smaller independent trusts have no paid staff and/or very limited space (often someone's home office). We'd rather be spending money on beneficiaries than overheads so our resources are limited too - in terms of time as well. If you don't ask, you won't get - it is incredibly rare for a trust to follow up on an introductory letter (yeah yeah, I know, someone out there will have some incredible success story from a trust calling them after they sent an introductory letter - but trust me, these are *very* much the exception). Just apply - 2 pages should be sufficient and is not that much to read.

Community angle: *incredibly* long shot, especially given your organisation's name, which clearly indicates that your focus is on the cats - the community benefits aren't your mission but a bonus. Don't allow your vision to be side-tracked for the sake of funding :)

Sandre
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