Hitchin Youth Trust

Charity Number: 302398

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Approximately £190,000 (2023 expenditure)
  • Total Income: £113,421 (2023)
  • Decision Time: Monthly (last Wednesday of each month)
  • Grant Range: Variable (e.g., £2,000+ for organizational grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Hitchin and 35 surrounding villages in Hertfordshire
  • Founded: 1945
  • Trustees: 17

Contact Details

Address: Lambourne House, 111 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9SP

Phone: 01462 422505

Email: info@hitchinyouthtrust.co.uk

Website: hitchinyouthtrust.co.uk

Pre-application Support: Contact office by phone or email for help completing forms or checking eligibility

Overview

Hitchin Youth Trust was established in 1945 when Colonel Harrison bequeathed land and buildings, forming the foundation of what is now a permanent endowment fund supporting youth activities. Originally known as the Hitchin Youth Centre Association (HYCA) until 1991, the Trust operates across the former Hitchin Urban and Rural District Councils area, specifically excluding Baldock, Letchworth, Royston, and Stevenage. With total income of £113,421 and expenditure of £189,746 in 2023, the Trust manages investments to provide grants in perpetuity. The organization is administered by up to 20 trustees who form committees overseeing building management, investment, publicity, and grant distribution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust expanded its support to include supermarket vouchers and mental health services through schools. The Trust also provides rent-free accommodation to local youth organizations and charities, saving them approximately £55,000 annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Personal Grants: For individuals applying for help with recreational or educational activities (under 26 years old)

Bursary Grants: Limited support for individuals over 16 with university or college expenses

Organisational Grants: For youth groups, sports clubs, and youth organizations operating in the area (example: Phase Creative Space project received over £2,000)

Primary School Trip Grants: For residential school trips for primary school children (typically Year 6, one trip per child)

Adult Leader Training: Support for training courses for adult leaders of youth organizations

All grants operate on a rolling basis with monthly decision-making meetings. Applications must be submitted by mid-month for consideration at the last Wednesday of that month.

Priority Areas

  • Educational Activities: Equipment for studies, further education support, university bursaries
  • Recreational and Sports: Sports club equipment and activities
  • Cultural and Artistic Activities: Musical activities and cultural pursuits
  • Youth Organization Support: Start-up grants for youth clubs, equipment provision
  • School Trips: Primary school residential trips
  • Equipment and Training: Resources needed for youth development activities
  • Young People in Exceptional Circumstances: Support for those facing unusual financial difficulties

What They Don't Fund

  • Overseas travel
  • Secondary school trips
  • School uniforms
  • Second residential primary school trips (one per child only)
  • Business start-ups
  • Publicly funded bodies
  • Property alterations or building works
  • Post-graduate courses
  • Salaries or ongoing operational costs
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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is administered by up to 17-20 trustees who operate through specialized committees covering building management, investment oversight, publicity, and grant distribution.

Chair: Peter Kelly

Trustee: Leon Emirali (as of 2021-2022)

Investment Committee Chair: Christian Lloyd-Williams

Peter Kelly, Trust Chair, has stated: “We have supported many hundreds of young people to have full and enjoyable lives.” This reflects the Trust's long-term commitment to youth development across the Hitchin area.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Download the appropriate application form from hitchinyouthtrust.co.uk/grants/ (Personal, Bursary, Organisational, or Primary School Trip)
  2. Complete the form fully and clearly
  3. Obtain signature from relevant organizational leader or school head (for organizational/school applications)
  4. Include supporting documentation from appropriate professionals (social worker, doctor, teacher, etc.) particularly for applicants in exceptional circumstances
  5. For organizational applications, include previous year's financial statement or current financial status if new organization
  6. Mail completed application to: Hitchin Youth Trust, 111 Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 9SP

Applications can be made by post only. For assistance completing forms or checking eligibility, contact the office at 01462 422505 or info@hitchinyouthtrust.co.uk.

Decision Timeline

Meeting Schedule: Applications are considered on the last Wednesday of each month

Submission Deadline: Mid-month to be considered at that month's meeting

Notification Method: Not specified in public documentation

Reapplication Policy

  • Applicants can only apply once per 12-month period
  • Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in future rounds
  • No specific waiting period mentioned for reapplications beyond the 12-month limit per application

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Critical: Applicants must have lived in or operated within the Trust's operational area for at least 12 months. The area includes 36 towns and villages (Hitchin, Ashwell, Barkway, Breachwood Green, Barley, Bygrave, Caldecote, Clothall, Cockernhoe, Codicote, Graveley, Hexton, Hinxworth, Holwell, Ickleford, Kelshall, Kimpton, King's Walden, Knebworth, Langley, Lilley, Newnham, Nuthamstead, Offley, Pirton, Preston, Radwell, Reed, Rushden, St Ippolyts, St Pauls Walden, Sandon, Therfield, Wallington, Weston, and Whitwell) but excludes Baldock, Letchworth, Royston, and Stevenage.

Age Requirements: All beneficiaries must be under 26 years old at the time of application.

Demonstrating Need: The guidelines emphasize support for young people in “exceptional financial difficulties” or “unusual or difficult circumstances.” Supporting documentation from professionals (social workers, doctors, teachers) strengthens applications, particularly for personal grants.

Complete Applications: Forms must be fully and clearly completed. Organizational applications must include financial statements showing previous year's accounts or current financial position for new groups.

Appropriate Requests: Ensure requests align with funded activities (equipment, training, education, trips, projects) and avoid exclusions (salaries, building works, business start-ups, overseas travel, etc.).

Recent Success Example: Phase's Creative Space project received over £2,000 to provide equipment and resources for young people facing mental health challenges. This demonstrates the Trust's willingness to fund meaningful projects that provide alternative support strategies for vulnerable youth.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Strong Local Connection Required: 12-month residency in the specific operational area is mandatory; verify your exact location against the 36 eligible villages/towns
  • Monthly Decision Cycle: Submit by mid-month for end-of-month decisions, allowing for relatively quick turnarounds compared to annual grant cycles
  • Established in 1945: Nearly 80 years of continuous support for youth demonstrates long-term commitment and financial stability
  • Flexibility in Grant Types: Four distinct grant streams allow both individuals and organizations to apply for different purposes
  • Beyond Grants: Consider the rent-free accommodation offered to youth organizations as additional support worth approximately £55,000 annually
  • Supporting Documentation Matters: Professional endorsements (teachers, social workers, doctors) strengthen applications, particularly for exceptional circumstances
  • Financial Transparency Required: Organizational applicants must demonstrate sound financial management with previous or current accounts

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