British Humane Association

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £165,000 (2022)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed twice yearly
• Grant Range: £1,500 - £15,000
• Typical Grant: £5,000
• Geographic Focus: UK registered charities working in the UK and/or overseas

Contact Details

Address: Mrs S E Fox, Company Secretary, The British Humane Association, C/O FoxSE Consultancy, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2AW

Email: secretary@britishhumaneassociation.co.uk

Phone: 2920022143

Note: The Association does not have a website

Overview

The British Humane Association was established in 1920 by Louis Campbell-Johnston (1861-1929) and registered with the Charity Commission in 1962 as charity number 207120. The charity has been directed by Ben Campbell-Johnston since May 1988, demonstrating long-term family continuity in leadership. With headquarters at 4 Charterhouse Mews in Clerkenwell, London, the Association operates as a grant-making foundation with a specific mission: “the promotion of benevolence for the good of humanity, through grant making.” In 2022, the Association made 34 grants totalling £165,000, with income of £136,040 and expenditure of £217,778 in 2024. The charity operates with 8 unpaid trustees and maintains transparent governance with no trading subsidiaries or paid employees receiving benefits exceeding £60,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Program: £1,500 - £15,000 (typically £5,000)

• Rolling application basis - no specific deadlines
• Applications reviewed twice yearly
• Written applications only (no online portal)

Priority Areas

The Association supports three types of UK registered charities:

1. Relief of Inhumane Activities: Charities directly involved in addressing and preventing inhumane treatment or conditions affecting people and communities
2. Grant Distribution to Individuals: Charities that provide grants or direct financial assistance to individuals in need
3. Relief of Poverty and Sickness: Charities providing relief of poverty, sickness, or general benefit to the community

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the Association focuses exclusively on UK registered charities. Organizations working in areas unrelated to humaneness, poverty relief, sickness, or community benefit are unlikely to be considered.

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Governance and Leadership

The Association is governed by 8 trustees, none of whom receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The organization has been directed by Ben Campbell-Johnston since May 1988, maintaining continuity with the founding family - Louis Campbell-Johnston established the charity in 1920.

Mrs S E Fox serves as Company Secretary and is the primary contact for all grant applications and enquiries.

The charity demonstrates strong financial governance, maintaining operations through its endowment and investment income while continuing to make grants even when expenditure exceeds income in some years.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted in writing to:

Mrs S E Fox, Company Secretary

The British Humane Association

C/O FoxSE Consultancy

Cardiff House, Cardiff Road

Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2AW

Alternatively, you may email: secretary@britishhumaneassociation.co.uk

Application Requirements:

• Applications may be made at any time - there are no fixed deadlines
• Written applications only (the Association does not have a website or online portal)
• Applicants must be UK registered charities

Application Review: Applications are considered twice a year by the trustees.

Decision Timeline

The Association reviews applications twice yearly, but specific timeframes between application submission and decision are not publicly disclosed. Given the twice-yearly review cycle, applicants should anticipate potentially waiting several months depending on when their application is submitted relative to the review meetings.

Success Rates

In 2022, the Association made 34 grants totalling £165,000. However, the total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, so a specific success rate percentage cannot be calculated. The fact that 34 grants were made in a single year suggests the Association maintains an active grant-making program.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants are advised to enquire directly with Mrs S E Fox if their initial application is unsuccessful.

Application Success Factors

While the British Humane Association does not publish detailed guidance on what makes applications successful, the following factors emerge from their stated priorities:

Alignment with Core Mission:

• The Association seeks projects and activities that “promote humaneness for the benefit of humanity and communities”
• Clear demonstration of how your work addresses inhumane conditions, distributes aid to individuals, or relieves poverty/sickness will be critical

Organizational Eligibility:

• You must be a UK registered charity - this is non-negotiable
• International work is acceptable, but you must be UK-registered

Grant Size Expectations:

• While grants range from £1,500 to £15,000, the majority are around £5,000
• Requesting amounts within the typical range may improve chances of success

Details of Recent Beneficiaries:

• The Association maintains transparency by listing all grant recipients in pages 11-12 of their annual accounts, available through the Charity Commission website (charity number 207120)
• Reviewing recent beneficiaries can provide insight into the types of organizations and projects currently being funded

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No website means traditional approach: Be prepared to submit written applications by post or email - there is no online application system
• Twice-yearly reviews require patience: With only two review periods per year, plan your application timing carefully and expect potentially lengthy decision periods
• Typical grants are £5,000: While the range extends up to £15,000, most grants cluster around £5,000 - calibrate your request accordingly
• Humaneness is the key concept: Your work must demonstrably promote humaneness - addressing inhumane conditions, relieving suffering, or supporting vulnerable individuals
• Research recent grants: Review pages 11-12 of the Association's annual accounts (available via the Charity Commission) to see which charities have recently been funded and identify successful precedents
• UK registration essential: Only UK registered charities are eligible, though international work is acceptable
• Long-standing family leadership: The Campbell-Johnston family has led this charity since 1920, suggesting traditional values and potentially conservative approach to grant-making

References

• PAVO - The British Humane Association - Primary source for grant program details
• Bath and North East Somerset Council - The British Humane Association - Grant program information
• Charity Commission - British Humane Association, Charity 207120 - Official charity registration, financial data, and governance information
• Wikipedia - British Humane Association - Historical background and leadership information
• Companies House - British Humane Association, Company 00185577 - Corporate registration and filing history