Grateful Society

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £130,000-£140,000 (estimated based on expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 1-2 months (March decision for February applications)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £10,000 (average £5,000)
• Geographic Focus: Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire

Contact Details

• Website: gratefulsociety.org
• Email: robert.drewett@wbd-uk.com
• Phone: 01179896682
• Address: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, 3 Temple Quay, Temple Back East, Bristol BS1 6DZ

Overview

The Grateful Society (Charity Number 202349) is a Bristol-based charity focused on improving the wellbeing and independence of older people in Bristol and surrounding areas. With annual expenditure of approximately £140,000, the charity operates both independently and as part of the Bristol Older People's Funding Alliance (BOPFA). The Society provides grants to organizations serving elderly, isolated, and marginalized populations, with a particular focus on alleviating loneliness, social isolation, and financial hardship among older people. While historically linked to the Edith Gardner Charity which provided annuities to middle-class women aged 55+ in reduced circumstances, the modern Grateful Society primarily functions as an organizational grant-maker supporting community groups and charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Direct Organizational Grants: £1,000 - £10,000 (average £5,000) for specific projects or services
• Application window: 1st to 28th February annually
• Multi-year support possible (typically 3 years) subject to impact delivery

• BOPFA Collaborative Funding: Joint funding with alliance partners for larger projects
• Enables grants exceeding £10,000 through pooled resources
• Coordinated through Bristol Older People's Funding Alliance

Priority Areas

• Programs combating loneliness and social isolation among elderly people
• Health and wellbeing initiatives for older populations
• Support services for marginalized elderly communities
• Community activities promoting social connections
• Services maintaining dignity and independence for older people

What They Don't Fund

• Direct grants to individuals (organizational grants only)
• Programs outside their geographic area of benefit
• General organizational running costs without specific elderly-focused programs

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 6 trustees who receive no remuneration. Robert Drewett, formerly President of the Society (2014), serves as a key contact through Womble Bond Dickinson LLP, where the charity's correspondence is managed. The Society maintains policies for financial controls, safeguarding, and conflict of interest management.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Annual Application Window: 1st to 28th February each year
• Submit applications for direct grants during this period only
• Applications reviewed by Trustees in March
• Contact via email (robert.drewett@wbd-uk.com) for application details

Decision Timeline

• Submission deadline: 28th February
• Review period: March (Trustee meeting)
• Notification: Shortly after March trustee meeting
• Grant agreement: Successful applicants must sign Letter of Grant before funds transfer

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can receive multi-year support (typically 3 years) provided they deliver desired impact. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Based on their funding patterns and supported organizations:

• Demonstrate direct impact on older people: Show clear benefits for elderly beneficiaries in the Bristol area
• Focus on reducing isolation: Programs that create social connections are particularly favored
• Serve marginalized communities: Projects supporting elderly from ethnic minorities or disadvantaged backgrounds align well
• Collaborative approach: Willingness to work with other BOPFA members strengthens applications
• Measurable outcomes: Ability to demonstrate impact essential for multi-year support
• Local knowledge: Understanding of specific needs in Bristol's older population

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Limited application window: Only one month annually (February) - plan accordingly
• Organizational grants only: No direct support to individuals
• Multi-year potential: Initial grants often lead to 3-year support relationships
• BOPFA membership advantage: Larger projects can access pooled funding through alliance
• Impact focus: Emphasis on demonstrable improvements in elderly wellbeing and independence
• Geographic restriction: Must serve Bristol and immediate surrounding areas
• Relationship building: Consider connecting through BOPFA network for collaborative opportunities

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• The Dolphin Society
• CITY HARVEST
• THE JEWISH DEAF ASSOCIATION
• HOLBECK TOGETHER
• HANLEY CROUCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LIMITED
• THE RESPITE ASSOCIATION
• THE MATTHEW TRUST

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - Grateful Society (202349)
• Grateful Society website (gratefulsociety.org)
• St Monica Trust - Bristol Older People's Funding Alliance Case Study
• The Dolphin Society - BOPFA Partnership Information
• Womble Bond Dickinson - Robert Drewett Profile