Mrs B L Robinson's Charitable Trust
Charity Number: 802552
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £278,721 (2024/25)
- Success Rate: Not published
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: Not publicly specified
- Geographic Focus: Bedfordshire (Bedford and Central Bedfordshire)
Contact Details
Email: dawn.haestier@btinternet.com (Alternative: anne.quinn35@hotmail.co.uk)
Phone: 07760 438142
Address: 70 Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley, Luton, Beds LU3 3PS
Charity Number: 802552
Overview
MRS B L ROBINSON'S CHARITABLE TRUST is a Bedfordshire-based grant-making charity registered with the UK Charity Commission. For the financial year ending 05 April 2025, the trust had total income of £146,344 and total expenditure of £278,721, demonstrating active grant-making activity. The trust operates with 5 trustees and 1 volunteer, with no paid staff. The charity's mission is to support general charitable purposes through grant-making to charitable organisations based in or working within the Bedfordshire area, specifically Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. The trust has a clear preference for funding capital projects rather than operational costs, positioning itself as a supporter of infrastructure development and tangible improvements within the local charitable sector.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The trust operates a single grant program focused on capital projects for Bedfordshire-based charities. Specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed. Applications are considered by trustees on a discretionary basis, with no published application deadlines or fixed grant rounds.
Priority Areas
- Capital Projects: The trust explicitly prioritizes grants for capital projects, including building improvements, equipment purchases, and infrastructure development
- Bedfordshire Focus: Only charitable organisations based in Bedfordshire or undertaking work in Bedfordshire are eligible
- Geographic Coverage: Bedford and Central Bedfordshire
- Church Support: The trust is listed as a supporter by the National Churches Trust, indicating funding for church restoration and capital projects
What They Don't Fund
- Running Costs: The trust explicitly states that priority will not be given to grants for running costs or operational expenses
- Organizations Outside Bedfordshire: Charities not based in or working within Bedfordshire are ineligible
- Non-Charitable Organizations: Only registered charities or voluntary bodies are eligible
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Governance and Leadership
The trust is governed by 5 trustees who serve without remuneration, payments, or benefits. No trustees receive any form of compensation from the charity. The trust operates with 1 volunteer and has no paid employees. Trustee names are not publicly published in the available sources, but contact is made through Dawn Haestier or Anne Quinn. The trust has no trading subsidiaries and maintains a straightforward grant-making structure focused on local impact.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process or published application guidelines. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees. Based on the contact information provided, prospective applicants should approach the trust by:
- Contacting Dawn Haestier via email at dawn.haestier@btinternet.com or by phone at 07760 438142
- Alternatively, contacting Anne Quinn at anne.quinn35@hotmail.co.uk
- Submitting a written introduction and funding request outlining the capital project, its alignment with charitable purposes in Bedfordshire, and the amount sought
As there is no formal application portal or published guidelines, it is recommended to make initial contact to inquire about the trust's current funding priorities and whether they would be interested in receiving a full proposal.
Decision Timeline
No public information is available about decision timelines. As grants are awarded at trustee discretion, timelines likely depend on trustee meeting schedules and the volume of requests received.
Success Rates
Success rates are not published. Given the trust's annual expenditure of £278,721, the charity is actively making grants, but without published data on applications received, success rates cannot be determined.
Reapplication Policy
No public information is available about reapplication policies or restrictions for unsuccessful applicants.
Application Success Factors
Given the limited public information about specific grant awards and application criteria, the following factors are likely important based on the trust's stated priorities:
- Capital Project Focus: Ensure your application is for a capital project (building work, equipment, infrastructure) rather than operational costs. This is the trust's stated priority.
- Bedfordshire Connection: Clearly demonstrate that your organization is based in Bedfordshire or that the project will directly benefit communities in Bedford or Central Bedfordshire.
- Charitable Impact: Articulate the charitable purpose and community benefit of the capital project, as the trust supports “general charitable purposes.”
- Clear Project Description: Given the lack of formal application guidance, provide a comprehensive yet concise description of the capital project, including costs, timeline, and expected outcomes.
- Relationship Building: As this is a trust operating without a public application process, building a relationship with the trustees or contact persons may be beneficial for understanding current priorities.
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Capital Projects Only: Do not apply for running costs or operational funding; the trust explicitly prioritizes capital projects
- Bedfordshire Exclusive: Only organizations based in or working within Bedfordshire (specifically Bedford and Central Bedfordshire) should apply
- No Formal Process: There is no published application form, deadline, or portal; initial contact should be made via email or phone to the designated contacts
- Trustee Discretion: Grants are awarded at the discretion of the 5 trustees, so building a relationship and understanding their current priorities is valuable
- Active Grant-Making: With expenditure of £278,721 in the most recent year, the trust is actively making grants and has substantial funds to distribute
- Church Funding Available: The trust is recognized by the National Churches Trust as a supporter, indicating openness to church capital projects
- Limited Public Information: Very little information is published about specific grants awarded, amounts, or successful projects, so direct inquiry is essential
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References
- UK Charity Commission Register - MRS B L ROBINSON'S CHARITABLE TRUST (802552): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=802552&subid=0
- National Churches Trust - Mrs B L Robinson's Charitable Trust: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/support-organisations/mrs-b-l-robinsons-charitable-trust
- Charity Commission financial data for year ending 05 April 2025: Total income £146,344, total expenditure £278,721
- Contact details provided: Email dawn.haestier@btinternet.com, alternative email anne.quinn35@hotmail.co.uk, phone 07760 438142