The legacy of inspirational activities, extensive art collection and glorious buildings left to us by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst is truly wonderful... but it was a gift that brought with it substantial maintenance needs and virtually no endowment with which to sustain the fabric and activities. Visitors to the estate today could be forgiven for assuming that Dartington is rich and has deep pockets from which to fund its activities. This is not so!

The Trust grants what it can to support the charitable activities, whilst, at the same time, maintaining a commitment to sustaining the fabric of this historic place for all to enjoy. However, there is not a deep well of money on which to rely, and all activities - from the smallest to the most ambitious - are run on surprisingly small budgets. They are assisted by the constant efforts of enthusiastic and loyal volunteers, supporters, funders and friends.

In order to ensure the future of the estate and its activities, the Trust has reviewed its approach to fundraising and is introducing new ways for supporters of Dartington to contribute their gifts. The first step has been to establish a number of Action Funds, the purpose of which is to raise income for the infrastructure and charitable activities of Dartington.

Please click the Place Action Fund to contribute to all aspects of Dartington's heritage or click here to contribute to the Dartington Archive at High Cross House.