Royal Berkshire Nhs Foundation Trust Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1.5 million (approximately)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by grant type
• Grant Range: £500 - £50,000+
• Geographic Focus: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (Reading and surrounding areas)

Contact Details

• Website: www.royalberkscharity.co.uk
• Email: charity@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
• Phone: 0118 322 6961
• Address: Royal Berkshire Charity, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN

Overview

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Charity (registered charity 1052720) was established to support the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust by funding enhancements that go beyond NHS core provision. The charity focuses exclusively on improving patient care, staff wellbeing, and the hospital environment at Royal Berkshire Hospital and its associated facilities. Operating with an annual grant distribution of approximately £1.5 million, the charity funds medical equipment, patient comfort initiatives, staff training and development, and environmental improvements. The charity makes grants exclusively to departments, wards, and initiatives within the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - it does not fund external organizations. Applications are accepted from hospital staff members on behalf of their departments or specific patient care initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates an internal grant-making process for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust staff and departments:

• Small Grants: £500 - £5,000 for minor equipment, patient comfort items, and ward enhancements
• Major Grants: £5,000 - £50,000+ for significant medical equipment, facility improvements, and strategic projects
• Staff Wellbeing Grants: Variable amounts for staff support initiatives, training, and development

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through an internal application form available to hospital staff.

Priority Areas

The charity funds projects that:

• Purchase medical equipment that enhances patient diagnosis, treatment, or care
• Improve patient comfort and experience (e.g., recliners, entertainment systems, ward improvements)
• Support staff training, education, and professional development
• Enhance the hospital environment (e.g., gardens, artwork, family spaces)
• Fund research projects conducted by Trust staff
• Provide staff wellbeing initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Core NHS services and statutory obligations
• Salaries for permanent NHS posts (may fund additional training or temporary project staff)
• Projects outside the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
• Grants to individuals (patients or staff) for personal use
• External organizations or community groups
• Retrospective funding for completed projects

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Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

• Chief Executive: Alison Webster oversees the charity's strategic direction and grant-making
• Fundraising Team: Manages relationships with hospital staff and coordinates the grant application process
• Trustees: Include members of the hospital's senior leadership team who review and approve grant applications

The charity operates under the governance of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, with trustees bringing expertise in healthcare, finance, and charitable giving.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This charity ONLY accepts grant applications from Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust staff members. External organizations cannot apply.

Hospital staff can apply for grants through:

1. Contacting the charity team via email at charity@royalberkshire.nhs.uk or phone 0118 322 6961
2. Completing an internal grant application form (available from the charity team)
3. Providing details of the project, costs, and patient/staff benefit
4. Including quotes or specifications for equipment where applicable

The charity team is available to discuss project ideas before formal application submission.

Decision Timeline

• Small Grants (under £5,000): Typically decided within 4-6 weeks
• Major Grants (over £5,000): May require trustee approval and take 8-12 weeks
• Urgent patient care needs may be fast-tracked
• Applicants are notified by email or phone

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed, but the charity aims to support as many viable projects as possible within budget constraints. Projects with clear patient benefit and staff support tend to be prioritized.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants can reapply, particularly if they can address any concerns raised during the initial review. The charity encourages staff to discuss declined applications with the charity team to understand how to strengthen future submissions.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's priorities and funded projects:

• Clear Patient Benefit: Applications should explicitly demonstrate how the project will improve patient care, comfort, or outcomes. Include specific examples and patient numbers where possible.

• Evidence of Need: Provide evidence that the equipment or project is not available through standard NHS funding and represents an enhancement to care.

• Staff Support: Projects with broad staff support and departmental backing are more likely to succeed. Include letters of support from consultants or ward managers.

• Realistic Budgeting: Provide detailed, accurate costings with quotes from suppliers. The charity appreciates well-researched applications.

• Sustainability: Explain how the project will be maintained and who will be responsible for ongoing costs (if applicable).

• Alignment with Trust Priorities: Projects that align with the hospital's strategic objectives or address known gaps in provision are favorably viewed.

Recent funded projects include: advanced diagnostic equipment for maternity services, patient recliners for oncology, staff training in specialized care techniques, and therapeutic garden improvements.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Internal Only: This charity only funds projects within Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust - external organizations cannot apply
• Staff-Led Applications: All applications must come from hospital staff members on behalf of their department or patient group
• Patient-Centered: Focus applications on direct patient benefit and improved care outcomes
• Pre-Application Discussion: The charity team welcomes informal discussions before formal submission - use this to strengthen your application
• Evidence-Based: Support applications with patient numbers, clinical evidence, and departmental backing
• Beyond NHS Core: Clearly demonstrate that the project is an enhancement beyond standard NHS provision
• Flexible Process: The charity can move quickly for urgent patient needs, particularly for small grants

References

• Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Charity official website: www.royalberkscharity.co.uk
• Charity Commission register entry for charity 1052720: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1052720
• Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust website: www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
• Contact information verified through charity contact details provided