The Anchor Society Cio

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £283,997 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings (2025 deadlines: 29 September, 22 December)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £10,000 (organizational grants)
• Geographic Focus: Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (postcode areas BS, BA, and GL)

Contact Details

Website: www.anchorsociety.org.uk

Email: admin@anchorsociety.org.uk

Phone: 01934 862786

Application Support: Eligibility checker and FAQs available on website before applying

Overview

Founded in 1769, The Anchor Society is one of Bristol's oldest charities, with over 250 years of commitment to supporting vulnerable older people. The charity was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in June 2016 (charity number 1167933), taking over from the previous unincorporated charity (number 208756). With an annual income of £294,671 and expenditure of £283,997 (2024), the Society focuses on relieving persons over the age of 55 in need of financial provision within the Bristol and Bath region. The charity operates through a board of 9 trustees supported by 4 volunteers, providing grants to both individuals (through referral agencies) and organizations. The Society partners with the Bristol Old People Funders Alliance (BOPFA), collaborating with other grant funders to better address the pressing needs of the elderly in Bristol.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Organizational Grants: £1,000 - £5,000 (for any 12-month period)

• Larger grants up to £10,000 may be considered
• Quarterly application process with fixed deadlines
• Applications considered at trustee meetings
• 2025 application deadlines: 29 September and 22 December

Emergency Grants: Up to £1,000 (for individuals)

• Referral-only basis through recognized agencies
• Provides immediate financial relief for unexpected hardships
• Supports essential items such as heating, carpets, and appliances

Priority Areas

Projects must address one or more of the following core objectives:

1. Reduce isolation and social exclusion, improving wellbeing
2. Support ageing well and address age-related decline
3. Provide financial planning or employability support

Examples of Funded Projects:

• Concert tickets for older people facing social or health challenges (funded over 500 free lunchtime concert tickets through partnership with Bristol Beacon and Community Ticket Club)
• Heaters for older people from black and Asian communities during winter
• Stroke recovery support through peer support and therapeutic activities
• Advice centres providing debt advice and welfare benefits assistance (joint initiative part-funding three advice centres)
• Improving quality of life for older people with dementia and isolated adults in care
• Access to cultural experiences and social activities for those adjusting to changes in social circumstances

What They Don't Fund

• Charities registered outside England or Wales
• Work that only supports beneficiaries who are under 55
• Individuals cannot apply directly for emergency grants (must be referred by recognized agencies)

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Governance and Leadership

The Anchor Society CIO is governed by a board of 9 trustees who receive no remuneration for their service. The charity operates with comprehensive policies on safeguarding, risk management, and financial controls. The organization is recognized by HMRC for Gift Aid and has maintained excellent compliance, with all annual returns and accounts submitted on time for the past five years.

The charity maintains close alignment with the Dolphin Society and the Grateful Society, both of which also help older people in the greater Bristol area.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Organizational Grants:

1. Use the eligibility checker on the Anchor Society website before applying
2. Review the Funding FAQs section
3. Complete the online application form available at www.anchorsociety.org.uk/application-form
4. Submit applications by the quarterly deadlines

Emergency Grants (Individuals):

• No direct applications accepted
• Must be referred by a recognized agency or organisation that works with older adults
• Find referral agencies at www.anchorsociety.org.uk/find-a-referral-agency-emergency-grants

Decision Timeline

• Applications are reviewed quarterly at trustee meetings
• 2025 application deadlines: 29 September and 22 December
• Specific notification timelines are not publicly available
• Applicants should contact the charity for more detailed timeline information

Success Rates

Success rate statistics are not publicly available. The charity does not publish data on the number of applications received versus grants awarded.

Reapplication Policy

Charities that have applied unsuccessfully cannot submit the same application within a 12-month period. Organizations may reapply with a different project or after making substantial changes to their original application, but must wait at least 12 months before submitting an identical proposal.

Application Success Factors

Based on the funded projects and organizational priorities, successful applications should:

1. Demonstrate clear benefit to people aged 55+ residing in the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire area

1. Address core objectives explicitly: Show how the project reduces isolation/social exclusion, supports ageing well, addresses age-related decline, or provides financial planning/employability support

1. Provide access to cultural or social activities: The Society has shown particular interest in funding projects that reconnect older people with cultural experiences, as evidenced by their support for concert tickets and community engagement initiatives

1. Support vulnerable and isolated older people: Priority appears to be given to projects reaching those facing social or health challenges, financial difficulties, or experiencing changes in their circumstances

1. Partner with other organizations: The Society values collaboration, as demonstrated by their partnership with BOPFA and support for joint initiatives such as advice centres

1. Focus on practical, tangible support: Funded projects often provide specific, measurable outcomes such as concert tickets, heating equipment, advice services, or therapeutic activities

1. Serve diverse communities: The Society has funded projects specifically supporting older people from black and Asian communities, indicating an interest in reaching diverse populations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity matters: Ensure beneficiaries reside in the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire area (postcode areas BS, BA, GL)
• Age threshold is strict: All beneficiaries must be 55 years or older
• Use the eligibility checker: Complete the online eligibility checker before investing time in a full application
• Plan for quarterly deadlines: With only two application rounds remaining in 2025, timing is crucial for funding needs
• Partnership approach valued: The Society actively collaborates with BOPFA and other funders, suggesting they appreciate organizations that work in partnership
• Cultural and social connection is a priority: Recent funding examples emphasize reconnecting isolated older people with cultural and social activities
• 12-month reapplication restriction: Ensure your application is strong the first time, as unsuccessful identical applications cannot be resubmitted for 12 months

References

• The Anchor Society CIO - Charity Commission Register - Financial data and governance information
• The Anchor Society Official Website - Mission, programs, and contact information
• Organizational Grants Information - Grant amounts, deadlines, and eligibility criteria
• Partnering for Impact: Community Ticket Club - Example of funded partnership project
• Emergency Grants Information - Information about individual emergency grant program
• Anchor Society - Wikipedia - Historical background and founding date
• Turn2us Grants Search - Additional grant program details