Banbury Charities

Charity Number: 201418

Annual Expenditure: £0.4M
Geographic Focus: Oxfordshire

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £437,864 (income 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: £25 - £2,500+ (based on available examples)
  • Geographic Focus: Five-mile radius of Banbury Cross (10 miles for Banbury Poor Trust)

Contact Details

Address: The Clerk to the Trustees, Banbury Charities, 36 West Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9RU

Phone: 01295 251234 / 01295 584453

Website: www.banburycharities.co.uk

Email: Not publicly listed

Overview

Banbury Charities (Charity Number 201418) is a historic group of eight registered charities with roots dating back to 1603, operating under schemes sealed in 1971 and amended in 1979, 1999, and 2003. With an annual income of £437,864 and expenditure of £463,932 (2024), the organization serves residents within a five-mile radius of Banbury Cross, or ten miles for the Banbury Poor Trust. The charities are administered by 11 unpaid volunteer trustees consisting of Nominative Trustees appointed by Cherwell District Council and Co-opted Trustees from the local community. The organization operates through a permanent part-time Legal Clerk and assistant, responding to applications for assistance rather than creating their own projects. According to Chairman Colin Clarke, “At Banbury Charities, we are committed to supporting initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities in Banbury.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Bridge Estate Charity - The largest trust supporting general charitable purposes for the community, including grants to other charities and religious organizations for property renovation.

Individual Welfare Grants - Three funds support individuals:

  • Banbury Poor Trust (established 1926): Relief for poor people within 10-mile radius
  • Banbury Welfare Trust: Assists those in “conditions of need, hardship or distress”
  • Sick Poor Fund (originated 1875): Supports sick and poor residents

Educational Support (Ages 18-24) - Application deadline October 31st annually:

  • Lady Arran's Charity & Arts & Educational Charity: Modest amounts for equipment or books
  • The Brodey Fund: Comprehensive support for STEM students including course fees, equipment, materials, study aids, and transport
  • Historical grants: £25 - £300 for students

Recreation Charity - Provides facilities for physical recreation in the interests of social welfare

Almshouse Charity - Maintains residential accommodation for poor persons

Priority Areas

  • Relief of poverty and hardship
  • Support for sick, elderly, and incapacitated individuals
  • Educational advancement for under 25s, particularly in arts, literature, science, and STEM fields
  • Community facilities and physical recreation
  • Religious organizations' property renovation
  • Professional training and career advancement (outfits, fees, travelling expenses)

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside the five-mile radius of Banbury Cross (ten miles for Banbury Poor Trust)
  • Relief of public funds
  • Periodical or recurrent benefit entitlements
  • Applications from individuals over 25 for educational grants
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Governance and Leadership

Chairman: Mr. C.G. Clarke

Trustees (11 members):

Mrs. J.M. Colegrave, Mrs. J.W. May, Miss A.M. Heritage, Mrs. S.J. Williams, Mr. M.A. Humphris, Mr. J.P. Briggs, Mr. C.G. Clarke (Chairman), Mr. I.A. Harwood, Mr. M.A.J. Recchia, Mr. R.E.P. Pattenden, Dr. K.D. Thornhill

Trustee Appointments:

  • Nominative Trustees: Appointed by Cherwell District Council for four-year terms
  • Co-opted Trustees: Local residents or business persons appointed by trustees for five-year terms

Leadership Philosophy: Colin Clarke states the charity is “committed to supporting initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities in Banbury.” Trustees operate in accordance with Charity Commission guidance and prioritize safeguarding and growing the charities' assets whilst utilizing income to further charitable objects.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Written Application Required: Applications should be submitted in writing to The Clerk to the Trustees at the address above.

Student Applications: Forms available in August; deadline October 31st for educational grants (ages 18-24).

Supporting Documentation: Individuals are strongly encouraged to obtain a letter of support from their support worker, carer, or other persons in authority to support and give credence to their application.

Key Safeguards:

  • Cheques are made payable to suppliers rather than individual applicants to ensure proper use of funds
  • For building works, monies are withheld until confirmation that remaining project costs are secured
  • Trustees frequently attend completed projects to verify proper application of funds

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. Contact the charity directly for information about typical decision timeframes.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not publicly stated. Contact the charity directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Critical: Ensure your residence or organization is within the five-mile radius of Banbury Cross (ten-mile radius for Banbury Poor Trust). This is a strict eligibility requirement.

Provide Strong Supporting Evidence: The charity explicitly encourages obtaining letters of support from support workers, carers, or other persons in authority. This third-party validation appears to be highly valued.

Demonstrate Financial Need: Applications should clearly show that provision is not being made from rates, taxes, or other public funds. The charity exists to fill gaps in public provision.

Be Specific About Costs: For building projects or equipment purchases, provide detailed costings and evidence that remaining funds are secured. The charity requires confirmation of complete project funding before releasing grants.

Recent Funded Project Example:

  • Banbury and Bicester College received £2,500 for a Breakfast Club providing free breakfast to all students (2023)
  • Home-Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton has received support

Student Applicants: Meet the October 31st deadline and provide written confirmation of university acceptance and course commencement. STEM students should note the Brodey Fund for more comprehensive support.

Responsive Rather Than Proactive: Trustees “respond to applications for assistance rather than create their own projects,” meaning they are open to diverse requests that align with their charitable purposes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic boundaries are absolute - verify eligibility within five-mile radius of Banbury Cross before applying
  • Third-party endorsement is essential - obtain letters of support from credible authorities or professionals
  • Emphasize community benefit - particularly for the Bridge Estate, which supports general charitable purposes
  • Students under 25 have dedicated pathways - applications open in August with October 31st deadline
  • Demonstrate financial accountability - be prepared for payments to go directly to suppliers rather than to you
  • Building/capital projects require full funding plan - show how remaining costs will be covered
  • Historic local charity with eight distinct funds - match your need to the appropriate charitable purpose
  • Trustees value site visits - they actively monitor completed projects, suggesting accountability and transparency are priorities

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