Ford Britain Trust

Charity Number: 269410

Annual Expenditure: £0.1M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £132,000-£141,000 (based on recent financial years)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 1-3 months from application deadline
  • Grant Range: £1 - £3,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK-wide with preference for Essex, Southampton, Daventry, Manchester, Liverpool, and Bridgend (South Wales)

Contact Details

Email: fbtrust@ford.com

Phone: 01268 402790

Website: www.ford.co.uk/fbtrust

Applications must be submitted via email using the appropriate application form available from the Ford UK website.

Overview

Established in April 1975, the Ford Britain Trust is a grant-making charity formed and funded by Ford Motor Company Limited to support local communities where Ford and its employees live and work. To date, the Trust has awarded more than £4 million in grant donations to various organisations and good causes across the UK. The charity focuses on supporting the advancement of education and other charitable purposes beneficial to the community, with particular attention to projects that provide clear benefits to local communities close to Ford's UK locations. Based on recent Charity Commission data (financial year ending March 2024), the Trust had total income of £127,202 and total expenditure of £132,465, demonstrating consistent annual giving to grassroots community projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants (£1 - £250)

  • Application periods: April 1 - June 30 (reviewed in July), August 1 - October 31 (reviewed in November), December 1 - February 28 (reviewed in April)
  • Three cycles per year
  • Email application to fbtrust@ford.com

Large Grants (£251 - £3,000)

  • Application periods: March 1 - July 31 (reviewed September/October), September 1 - January 31 (reviewed in March)
  • Two cycles per year
  • Must include latest annual accounts (not required for schools)
  • Email application to fbtrust@ford.com

Priority Areas

The Trust pays special attention to projects focusing on:

  • Education and advancement of learning
  • Environment and environmental conservation
  • Children and young people
  • People with disabilities and special needs education
  • Youth activities and development
  • Projects providing clear benefits to local communities

Geographic Priorities

Applications are accepted from all UK postcodes, but preference is given to areas close to Ford Motor Company Limited/FCE Bank plc UK operations:

  • Essex (including East London)
  • Southampton
  • Daventry
  • Manchester
  • Liverpool
  • Bridgend (South Wales)

What They Don't Fund

  • Independent/private fee-paying schools (only state sector schools and PTAs eligible)
  • Third-party fundraising initiatives (exceptions made for Ford employees and retirees)
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Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Email completed application and supporting documents to fbtrust@ford.com
  2. Read the Guidance Notes for Grant Applications before submitting

Decision Timeline

Applications are assessed for compliance with Trustee guidelines, eligible applications are acknowledged, and accepted applications are considered at Trustee meetings. The typical timeline is:

  • Small Grants: 1-2 months from application deadline to review
  • Large Grants: 1-3 months from application deadline to Trustee meeting review

Once Trustees make their decision, successful applicants are notified in writing. All applicants are informed of the outcome after the relevant review.

Reapplication Policy

  • Small Grant Recipients: Can reapply 12 calendar months following receipt of the grant award
  • Large Grant Recipients: Can reapply 3 calendar years following receipt of the grant award
  • Important: Failure to confirm receipt of a grant cheque within three months may result in the organisation becoming ineligible to receive further grants for up to five years

Application Success Factors

Ford Employee Connection

The Trust “particularly encourages applications supported by Ford employees, but is open to all, provided that qualifying organisations meet our selection criteria.” Consider highlighting any connections to Ford employees or the Ford community in your application.

Geographic Alignment

Applications from areas close to Ford's UK facilities receive higher weighting in the assessment process. If your project is located in or serves communities in Essex, Southampton, Daventry, Manchester, Liverpool, or Bridgend, emphasize this connection.

Community Benefit Focus

The Trust prioritizes projects that “provide clear benefits to the local communities close to our UK locations.” Be specific about how your project will benefit the local community and demonstrate tangible outcomes.

Priority Area Alignment

Projects focusing on education, environment, children, people with disabilities, and youth activities receive special attention. Use language and terminology that clearly aligns your project with these priority areas.

Complete Documentation

Submit all required supporting documents with your application. Applications are assessed for compliance with Trustee guidelines, so incomplete applications may delay or jeopardize your chances of success.

Appropriate Grant Level

Ensure you apply for the correct grant type (small or large) based on your funding need and that your request falls within the £1-£3,000 range.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic priority matters: Projects near Ford's UK facilities (Essex, Southampton, Daventry, Manchester, Liverpool, Bridgend) receive higher weighting—emphasize local community connections
  • Ford employee links help: The Trust encourages applications supported by Ford employees or retirees—highlight any connections to the Ford community
  • Small grants move faster: Small grants (up to £250) have three annual cycles versus two for large grants, offering more frequent opportunities
  • Plan for reapplication limits: Small grant recipients must wait 12 months to reapply; large grant recipients must wait 3 years—choose your grant level strategically
  • Focus on priority areas: Education, environment, children, disabilities, and youth activities receive special attention—frame your project within these themes
  • Complete applications only: Ensure all supporting documents are included and all form questions are answered to avoid assessment delays
  • Confirm receipt promptly: Failing to confirm receipt of a grant cheque within three months can make you ineligible for 5 years—maintain good communication

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