Herefordshire Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £748,110 (2023/24)
• Grants Awarded: 592 community grants (2023/24)
• Decision Time: 4-6 weeks
• Grant Range: £100 - £5,000 (average £3,000-£5,000)
• Geographic Focus: Herefordshire (some funds support neighbouring counties)
• Total Given Since 2002: Over £7.5 million

Contact Details

Website: www.herefordshirecf.org

Email: grants@herefordshirecf.org (or ceo@herefordshirecf.org)

Phone: 01432 272550

Pre-Application Support: The foundation welcomes calls and emails to discuss proposals before submitting an application. Many groups find it helpful to chat through their proposals with the grants team before submission.

Overview

Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) was established in 2002 as an independent, local grant-making charity that develops philanthropic giving to support activities across Herefordshire. Over 22 years of operation, the foundation has distributed over £7.5 million in grants to local charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, and individuals. In 2023/24 alone, HCF awarded 592 community grants totaling £748,110. The foundation administers numerous named funds created by local residents, families, and businesses, and also manages grant-making programmes on behalf of Herefordshire Council, the government, and other funding bodies. Led by CEO Bridie Sullivan since November 2020, HCF prioritises small, local organisations whose work benefits vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged people in Herefordshire. In October 2024, the foundation was recognised as Charity of the Year at the Herefordshire Business Awards, acknowledging its significant contribution to the county.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

HCF administers multiple named funds, each with specific focuses. Applicants submit one main application, and the foundation matches it to the most appropriate fund. Key funds include:

• Iron Fund: Rolling basis; average £5,000 for organisations, £500 for individuals. Supports broad community needs.
• High Sheriff's Fund: Annual awards; grants ranging £1,500-£5,000 for community projects.
• Andrew Basnett Fund: Supports next generation of artisans; online application.
• Becket Bulmer Fund: Cultural advancement, youth education, environment, disability support; online application.
• Bulmer Gilmour Fund: Supporting older people, vulnerable individuals, and families with young children; online application.
• Small Sparks Fund: £50,000 available; up to £1,000 microgrants for grassroots initiatives; rolling basis.
• Charlotte Ballard Fund: Supporting children in Ledbury; education and hardship relief.
• Coneygree Ledbury Community Fund: Broad community support in Ledbury area.
• CPRE Herefordshire: Protecting Herefordshire countryside; environmental focus.
• Randal Charitable Foundation Fund: Up to £3,000 for healthcare, mental health, poverty alleviation, prisoner rehabilitation, and education.
• Household Support Fund: Individual support for energy bills and essentials.
• Business for Good Fund: New 2025 fund enabling businesses to manage charitable giving.

Application methods vary by fund—some are rolling, others have specific decision points throughout the year.

Priority Areas

The foundation funds projects that benefit people who are disadvantaged due to poverty, disability, age, location, or culture. Specific themes include:

• Children & Young People
• Older People
• Disabled People
• Education & Training
• Health & Wellbeing
• Community Cohesion
• Culture and Arts (with community benefit)
• Environment and Rural Issues
• Relief of Hardship
• Refugees
• Sports (with community benefit)

What They Don't Fund

• Arts projects with no community or charitable element
• Medical research
• Promotion of any religion (faith-based organisations can apply if benefiting wider community without influencing religious choices)
• General appeals
• Retrospective activities (already completed)
• Statutory funding replacement (school activities must be outside statutory provision)
• Political groups
• Sports projects without community benefit

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Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive Officer: Bridie Sullivan (joined November 2020)

Chairman: Frank Myers MBE (served for nine years, recently stepped down)

Trustees/Directors: The foundation has approximately 16 trustees including Nell Pearce-Higgins, Jeremy John Edwin Wilding, Elizabeth Anne Read, Shelagh Jean Macsorley Wynn, Alex Davies, Laura Hughes (joined June 2020), and Geoff (joined January 2019). No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Leadership Quotes

Bridie Sullivan on receiving Charity of the Year 2024: "After 22 years supporting local community projects, it's fantastic to receive this recognition for our work."

Bridie Sullivan on the Iron Fund: “The Iron Fund is an inspiring example of how we enable local giving. We connect people who care with causes that matter.”

Bridie Sullivan on partnership working: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Home-Start Herefordshire and enable them to deliver the Baby Steps service to support more families throughout the county.”

Bridie Sullivan on the #iwill Fund: “The #iwill Fund will create opportunities for young people to make a difference in their communities through social action, such as campaigning, fundraising, and volunteering. The aim is to help young people address issues which are important to them and give something back to their community.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Pre-application discussion recommended: Call 01432 272 550 or email grants@herefordshirecf.org to discuss your proposal before applying.

1. Single online application form: Visit the Apply for a Grant page on their website. You don't need to identify a specific fund—submit one application and HCF will match your cause to appropriate funds. Exceptions: Fuel Poverty Fund and Emergency Relief Fund have separate application forms.

1. Application submission: Click “start application,” enter your email, and receive a confirmation email with a link to begin.

1. Required documentation: Organisations must have a written constitution, minimum 3 unrelated directors/board members, organisational bank account, financial records, and policies for safeguarding (if working with children/vulnerable adults) and equal opportunities.

Decision Timeline

• Acknowledgement: Within 7 working days of submission
• Decision: Typically 4-6 weeks from submission (can take longer for some funds)
• Urgent funding: Can be processed rapidly if required
• Planning recommendation: Submit applications at least 3 months before funding is needed
• Assessment process: Applications reviewed by relevant Fund panel, then sent to Board of Trustees for final approval

Success Rates

Specific success rate statistics are not publicly available. However, in 2023/24, the foundation awarded 592 community grants totaling £748,110, demonstrating significant grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not detailed in public information. Contact the grants team at 01432 272550 or grants@herefordshirecf.org to discuss reapplication opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

• Talk first: “We are always happy to offer guidance regarding funding applications. Many community groups, voluntary projects and charities find it helpful to chat through their proposals before submitting an application.”

• Plan ahead: Submit applications at least 3 months before funding is needed.

• Evidence and outcomes: Include “evidence of need and clear outcomes” in your application.

• Responsiveness: Be prepared to provide additional information if requested and respond promptly to queries to avoid application withdrawal.

• Don't worry about fund matching: You don't need to identify which specific fund to apply to—submit your application describing your need, and HCF will match you to the most appropriate fund.

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

• Close House, Hereford: £5,000 for creative arts workshops to help vulnerable teenagers find future pathways
• Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre: £2,500 for National Memorial Arboretum trip, football project, and emergency care packages
• 3Degreez Allstarz: £2,500 to expand scholarship program for competitive and recreational athletes
• Bromyard Food Bank and Money Advice Centre: £2,152 to support those struggling with poverty
• Radio ECHO: £1,500 to upskill learning disabled participants
• Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust: Funded via George's Fund
• Individual grants: Electronic drum kit enabling professional contract (Richard Bulmer Fund); training courses for individual with complex PTSD leading to self-employment

Language and Terminology

HCF uses inclusive, community-focused language emphasising:

• “Building stronger communities”
• “Connecting people who care with causes that matter”
• “Local giving for local causes”
• “Supporting vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged people”
• “Evidence of need and clear outcomes”

Standing Out

• Local focus: Demonstrate clear benefit to Herefordshire residents
• Small organisation advantage: HCF prioritises small, local organisations
• Community element: Show genuine community benefit, particularly for arts and sports projects
• Partnership working: Highlight collaboration with other local organisations
• Preventative impact: Show how your work addresses root causes affecting disadvantaged groups
• Pre-application contact: Engaging with the grants team demonstrates commitment and helps refine your proposal

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Pre-application conversation is highly recommended: HCF actively encourages applicants to discuss proposals before submission—take advantage of this to strengthen your application and ensure good fit.

• Don't self-select out: Apply through the main form without worrying about which specific fund to target—the foundation will match you to appropriate funds, potentially increasing your chances.

• Small and local wins: HCF explicitly prioritises small, local organisations, so don't be discouraged if you're a grassroots group with limited infrastructure.

• Evidence and outcomes are critical: Your application must clearly demonstrate the need you're addressing and the outcomes you'll achieve—vague or aspirational statements won't be competitive.

• Allow plenty of time: Plan at least 3 months ahead of when you need funding to accommodate the 4-6 week decision timeline plus any additional information requests.

• Community benefit is non-negotiable: For arts, sports, or faith-based projects, you must demonstrate clear benefit to the wider community beyond your immediate participants or congregation.

• Average grants are £3,000-£5,000: Tailor your budget expectations accordingly—very large grants are uncommon, but multiple smaller grants are frequently awarded.

References

• Apply for a Grant: https://www.herefordshirecf.org/apply-for-a-grant/
• How to Apply: https://www.herefordshirecf.org/how-to-apply/
• Who Can Apply: https://www.herefordshirecf.org/who-can-apply/
• Our Funds & Programmes: https://www.herefordshirecf.org/our-funds-programmes/
• What We Have Funded: https://www.herefordshirecf.org/what-we-have-funded/

1. Charity Commission - Charity Number 1094935: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1094935 (Accessed: October 2025)

1. 360Giving GrantNav - Herefordshire Community Foundation: https://grantnav.threesixtygiving.org/org/GB-CHC-1094935 (Accessed: October 2025)

1. "Ten community projects in Herefordshire recognised by High Sheriff's Fund with £30k grant awards" - Herefordshire Community Foundation News (Accessed: October 2025)

1. “Herefordshire Community Foundation Wins Charity of the Year 2024 at the Herefordshire Business Awards” - Herefordshire Community Foundation News (Accessed: October 2025)

1. Bridie Sullivan CEO profile and statements - Herefordshire Community Foundation: https://www.herefordshirecf.org/team/bridie-sullivan/ (Accessed: October 2025)

1. “From Hereford Blood Bike to days out for children with disabilities, 33k awarded by our Iron Fund” - Herefordshire Community Foundation News (Accessed: October 2025)