Potton Consolidated Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £148,378 (FY 2023-24)
• Annual Income: £175,363 (FY 2023-24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Annual review cycle (applications due 31st October)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed - awards vary by need and project
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Potton, Bedfordshire only

Contact Details

• Website: www.potton-consolidated-charity.co.uk
• Email: PCC.CLERK@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
• Phone: 01462 735220
• Clerk to the Trustees: Dean John Howard

Overview

Potton Consolidated Charity (registered 27 July 1964, charity number 201073) is a historic local charity serving the Parish of Potton in Bedfordshire. With an annual expenditure of approximately £148,000, the charity provides crucial support to residents through grants to individuals and organisations. The charity's work focuses on relieving persons in need, hardship or distress, and advancing education for children and young adults under 25. The charity operates with 9 trustees and maintains a strong connection to the local community, with four trustees nominated by Potton Town Council. Notable initiatives include funding the Potton Community Agent post in partnership with Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), ensuring residents can access services and support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Education Grants

• Further Education Grants (16-18 years): Support for young people in further education
• Higher Education Grants (18-25 years): Support for students in higher education
• Application deadline: 31st October annually

Organisational Grants

• Community facilities and buildings
• Sports and recreation projects
• Educational initiatives
• Health and wellbeing projects
• Rolling consideration throughout the year

Priority Areas

What They Fund:

• Education and Training: Annual grants to local schools (Potton Lower, Burgoyne, Sandy Upper, Stratton Upper), educational materials, student support
• Relief of Need: Support for residents experiencing hardship or distress
• Health Advancement: Healthcare facilities and services (e.g., Greensands Doctors Surgery)
• Amateur Sport: Sports clubs including Potton Colts FC, Potton Town FC, Potton Cricket Club, Potton Tennis Club, Potton Bowls Club
• Recreation: Community facilities and outdoor equipment (e.g., outdoor gym equipment at Henry Smith Playing field)
• Community Infrastructure: Buildings, facilities, and open spaces (e.g., Mill Lane Pavilion)
• Youth Organizations: Potton Scout Group, Potton Girl Guides
• Community Groups: Potton History Society, BigglesFM, Party on Potton
• Religious Activities: Church of England charitable purposes (e.g., St. Mary's Church)
• Older People's Projects: Multiple OAP initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals or organisations outside the Parish of Potton (unless the grant directly benefits Potton residents)
• Profit-making organisations
• Activities that do not align with the charity's core purposes
• Retrospective funding for completed projects

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Governance and Leadership

Board Composition:

• 9 Trustees in total
• 4 trustees nominated by Potton Town Council, ensuring strong local representation
• Some trustees receive payments or benefits from the charity (as disclosed in accounts)

Key Personnel:

• Clerk to the Trustees: Dean John Howard (PCC.CLERK@HOTMAIL.CO.UK)

The charity maintains close links with local governance structures, ensuring decisions reflect community needs and priorities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Individual Education Grants (16-25 year olds):

1. Complete the form (some forms require tutor signature)
2. Submit by 31st October deadline
3. Applications reviewed annually

For Organisational Grants:

• Contact the Clerk to the Trustees at PCC.CLERK@HOTMAIL.CO.UK or call 01462 735220
• Discuss your project and confirm eligibility
• Submit a formal application outlining:
• The project or need
• How it benefits Potton Parish residents
• Budget and timescale
• Evidence of need and community support

Decision Timeline

• Individual Education Grants: Annual review cycle with applications due 31st October; decisions made after this date
• Organisational Grants: Rolling consideration throughout the year, though timing may vary based on trustee meeting schedules
• Applicants are notified directly of decisions

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The charity distributed £148,378 in grants during FY 2023-24, supporting multiple schools, sports clubs, community groups, and individual beneficiaries.

Reapplication Policy

The charity accepts reapplications. Many organisations receive annual grants (such as local schools), indicating that previous recipients can and do successfully reapply. There are no published restrictions on reapplication waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Critical Eligibility Factor:

The most important criterion is demonstrating clear benefit to residents of Potton Parish. Even if your organisation is based outside Potton, you can apply if the grant will be used specifically for Potton residents.

Evidence from Funded Projects:

The charity's previous projects reveal funding preferences:

• Community-wide impact: Projects like outdoor gym equipment at Henry Smith Playing field benefit broad sections of the community
• Educational continuity: Annual grants to all local schools show commitment to sustained educational support
• Sports and youth development: Consistent funding for multiple sports clubs and youth organisations (Scouts, Guides)
• Commemorative community events: Funded Diamond Jubilee mugs (2012) and Queen's 90th birthday coins for schoolchildren, showing support for community cohesion
• Diverse age groups: From youth organisations to OAP projects, demonstrating inclusive approach

Application Strategies:

• Clearly articulate how your project benefits Potton Parish residents
• Provide specific numbers: how many Potton residents will benefit
• Demonstrate community support and need
• For organisational grants, consider approaching the trustees proactively through the Clerk
• For education grants, ensure all required signatures (e.g., tutor endorsement) are obtained
• Meet the 31st October deadline for education grants - late applications may not be considered

Local Connection Matters:

The charity works closely with local institutions. Four trustees are nominated by Potton Town Council, meaning trustees have deep local knowledge. Applications that demonstrate understanding of local priorities and challenges are likely to resonate.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Your project must benefit residents of Potton Parish, Bedfordshire - this is the primary eligibility criterion
• Annual deadlines for education grants: 31st October is a hard deadline for individual education grants (16-25 year olds)
• Long-term relationships valued: Many organisations receive annual grants, suggesting the charity values ongoing partnerships with effective local groups
• Broad but local focus: The charity supports diverse causes (education, sport, health, community infrastructure) but only within their geographic area
• Contact the Clerk early: For organisational grants, Dean John Howard can provide guidance before formal application
• Demonstrate community benefit: Successful projects show clear, measurable benefit to Potton residents with evidence of community support
• Be specific about local impact: Even if your organisation operates more widely, emphasize the Potton-specific elements of your work

References

• Potton Consolidated Charity official website: www.potton-consolidated-charity.co.uk
• Charity Commission Register: “Potton Consolidated Charity - 201073” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=201073&subid=0
• Potton Consolidated Charity Previous Projects page: https://www.potton-consolidated-charity.co.uk/previous-projects.html
• CVS Bedfordshire Funders Directory: https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/fundersinbedfordshire
• Charity Commission financial data for FY ending 31 March 2024