John Higgs, founder of The Arkleton Trust, worked in The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations with David Moore before becoming Secretary of The Duchy of Cornwall until his death. Arkleton is the name of his Scottish home which, in the early days, was used for seminars. The John Higgs Fund seeks to identify groups doing specific development, community or educational work in rural areas [not within the schooling system], which are either struggling to start, having trouble in maintaining valuable activities, wishing to develop in new or unfamiliar areas, or seeking to evaluate their work. In addition, the fund tries to assist these groups to find the right person to help and guide their efforts.
From 2008, the John Higgs fund concentrated its efforts on working in an advisory capacity to the Arkleton Trust and enhancing capacity alongside the Arkleton Trust Awards. This is an invitation only fund and is not open to applications.