Hospice Aid Uk

Charity Number: 1092575

Annual Expenditure: £0.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £47,708 (2023-24)
  • Success Rate: Not published
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed on first-come, first-served basis
  • Grant Range: Variable - based on available funds
  • Geographic Focus: England and Wales
  • Total Income: £190,957 (2023-24)

Contact Details

Website: www.hospiceaid.org.uk

Email: info@hospiceaid.org.uk | jo@hospiceaid.org.uk

Phone: 0845 606 0510

Postal Address: C/O Keystone Law, 48 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1JF

Overview

Founded over 20 years ago by Jo Gratze following her mother's hospice care, Hospice Aid UK is registered as charity 1092575 and company 04400127. The charity describes itself as “the only UK charity which supports all hospices who apply.” Operating for almost 25 years, the organization has supported hundreds of hospices across the UK with emergency funding and grants for essential equipment and core costs. In the 2023-24 financial year, the charity distributed £47,708 in grants to 19 hospices from a total income of £190,957.

Important Context: The charity was subject to two Charity Commission statutory inquiries (2014 and 2023). The second inquiry concluded with findings of “serious misconduct and/or mismanagement,” noting that between 2013-2020, less than 6% of fundraising income reached charitable activities. Following these inquiries, the charity appears to have reformed its operations, with recent accounts showing improved grant-making ratios.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Hospice Aid UK operates a rolling emergency grant programme with applications accepted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

What They Fund:

  • Emergency equipment (specialist beds, pressure-relieving mattresses, medical supplies)
  • Core operational costs that other funders won't support
  • “Unexciting essentials” - as one hospice noted: “Funding the unexciting essentials can be a huge challenge for hospices”
  • Wish list items when funds allow

Specific Examples of Funded Items:

  • Memory candles for families
  • Cloth bags for returning belongings
  • Specialist sheets (Wendyletts)
  • Stethoscopes and octoscopes
  • Pain-relieving syringe drivers
  • Laptops for hospice operations
  • Cuddle cooling blankets for post-mortem care
  • Washing machines
  • Branded gazebos for fundraising events

Grant Amounts: Variable based on number of applications and available funds. The charity may fund the full amount requested or provide partial funding depending on demand.

Application Method: Rolling basis - applications accepted throughout the year

Priority Areas

Adult hospices throughout England and Wales requiring emergency funding or support for essential equipment and operational costs that cannot be funded elsewhere.

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but focus is exclusively on registered adult hospices in England and Wales.

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Governance and Leadership

Founder & CEO: Jo Gratze - Established the charity over 20 years ago following her mother's hospice care experience

Head of Fundraising: Trish Loveland - Manages supporter database and coordinates fundraising campaigns

Trustees:

  • Robert Meakin - Lawyer specializing in charity law with 24+ years involvement; author of “Charity in the NHS: Policy and Practice”
  • Jayne Meegan - 30+ years organizational and project coordination expertise
  • Barry Cherryman - Long-standing voluntary fundraiser for almost 25 years
  • Sami Boyle, Matthew Gratze, Dennis Duhaney

Patrons:

  • Robert Young (Film Director/Producer): “I will do everything in my power to help them succeed in their aim to help hospices in the UK”
  • Clive Black (CEO, Black List Entertainment)
  • Alistair Elder (Managing Partner, SGI Partners)

From Queenscourt Hospice: “Funding the unexciting essentials can be a huge challenge for hospices. We continue to be so grateful that you actively recognise this and support hospices in need.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Format: One-page written request

Submission Methods:

  • Email to: jo@hospiceaid.org.uk
  • Post to: Joanne Gratze, Hospice Aid UK, C/O Keystone Law, 48 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1JF

Required Information:

  1. Amount of money needed
  2. Purpose (equipment, core costs, or wish list item)
  3. Bank details for fund transfer if successful

Application Review: First-come, first-served basis

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. The charity emphasizes emergency funding capability and states they “may send funds the same day as requests are received” for urgent needs.

Key Point: “Since the early days we have established an urgent need for emergency funding” - suggesting priority given to urgent/emergency requests.

Success Rates

In 2023-24, the charity awarded grants to 19 hospices. Total application numbers are not published, so success rates cannot be calculated.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Given the first-come, first-served model and focus on emergency funding, hospices may apply when needs arise.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's stated priorities and funding patterns:

1. Focus on “Unexciting Essentials”

The charity explicitly recognizes that “funding the unexciting essentials can be a huge challenge for hospices.” Applications for core operational items and everyday essential equipment that other funders overlook appear to align well with their mission.

2. Emergency and Urgent Needs

The organization emphasizes “emergency funding” and their ability to transfer funds quickly - even “the same day as requests are received.” Highlighting urgent, time-sensitive needs may increase priority.

3. Keep It Simple

Applications are reviewed on a one-page written request. Be concise and clear about the specific need, amount required, and purpose.

4. Items Other Funders Won't Support

The charity aims to “help fill the gap that would otherwise mean hospices going without needed equipment/support.” Applications for items that have been rejected elsewhere or are traditionally difficult to fund may resonate.

5. Registered Adult Hospices Only

Applicants must be registered hospices serving adults in England and Wales.

6. Understand Funding Limitations

The charity distributed £47,708 to 19 hospices in 2023-24 (average ~£2,511 per hospice). Budget requests should be realistic given the charity's total grant-making capacity.

7. Partial Funding Possible

The application guidance states: “Depending on how many applications we have will depend on whether we can give the whole amount to a Hospice or part.” Be prepared to receive partial funding.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Niche focus on “unexciting essentials”: This charity fills gaps other funders leave - emphasize everyday operational needs and essential equipment
  • Speed matters: Emergency funding capability means urgent needs may receive faster consideration and same-day transfers are possible
  • Keep applications brief: One-page format required - be clear, concise, and specific about need and amount
  • First-come, first-served: Submit applications promptly when needs arise; no deadline-based review cycles
  • Modest grant size: With ~£47K distributed annually to 19 hospices, expect grants in the £1,000-£5,000 range typically
  • Regulatory history context: While the charity has reformed following Charity Commission inquiries, applicants should be aware of its past challenges with fundraising efficiency
  • Adult hospices only: Limited to registered adult hospices in England and Wales - children's hospices and non-hospice organizations are not eligible

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