The Bingham Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £170,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly meetings (decisions within 1 month)
• Grant Range: Typically £1,000 average (smaller and larger grants available)
• Geographic Focus: SK17 postcode area (Buxton, Derbyshire) + UK-wide for arthritis research

Contact Details

Website: www.binghamtrust.org.uk

Email: binghamtrust@aol.com

Phone: 07966 378 546

Secretary: Ms E Marshall

Address: Unit 1, Tongue Lane Industrial Estate, Dew Pond Lane, Buxton, SK17 7LN

Overview

The Bingham Trust (registered charity 287636) was established through the will of Robert Henry Bingham, who lived in the Buxton area and created a permanent endowment to generate income for charitable grants. The Trust is managed by a committee of five trustees and distributes approximately £170,000 annually. For the financial year ending April 2024, the Trust had total income of £183,772 and expenditure of £189,857. The Trust primarily serves the SK17 postcode area around Buxton, Derbyshire, supporting relief of poverty, educational services, religious activities, and community benefit projects. Additionally, due to a specific provision in Mr Bingham's will, the Trust considers applications from anywhere in Britain for organizations involved in arthritis research.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Local Grants (SK17 area): Average £1,000, with both smaller and larger grants available - applications considered quarterly through standard application form
• Arthritis Research Grants: Available to UK-wide organizations involved in arthritis research - same application process and quarterly review cycle
• Application Method: Fixed quarterly deadlines (rolling applications accepted between meetings)

Priority Areas

• Relief of poverty for individuals in the SK17 area
• Educational services (excluding higher education with rare exceptions)
• Religious activity support
• Community benefit projects
• Preference: Capital projects rather than revenue expenses
• Arthritis research organizations (UK-wide)
• Organizations outside SK17 may apply if funds will specifically benefit SK17 residents

What They Don't Fund

• Repayment of existing debts
• Businesses or profit-making organizations
• Higher education purposes (university and college level, with rare exceptions)
• Salaries
• Items already purchased
• Fitted carpets (only carpet squares are considered)

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Governance and Leadership

Structure: Committee of five trustees

Secretary: Ms E Marshall

Trustees: Three trustees listed on Charity Commission (specific names not publicly disclosed)

Remuneration: No trustees receive payment for their services

Employees: No employees with benefits over £60,000

The trustees make decisions on grant awards based on the information received, the merits of each application, and the funds available from the endowment income.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the official application form available from the Trust's website (www.binghamtrust.org.uk).

Required Documents:

• Completed application form
• Two written quotes for any items requested
• Supporting letter from a professional (for individual applicants)
• Application must be signed by both the applicant and supporting agency (for individuals)

For Organizations: Applications can be posted to the address above or emailed to binghamtrust@aol.com

Decision Timeline

• Quarterly Meetings: January, April, July, and October/November each year
• Decision Notification: If applicants do not hear from the Trust within one month of the meeting date, they can assume their application was unsuccessful
• Grant Distribution: Successful applicants receive cheques for the awarded amount

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. The Trust distributes approximately £170,000 annually with an average grant of £1,000, suggesting they make around 170 grants per year, though this includes both smaller and larger awards.

Reapplication Policy

Applicants may submit only one application per 12-month period. The Trust does not specify a waiting period for unsuccessful applicants, but the annual limit applies regardless of previous outcomes.

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements from the Trust:

• Funds must be used exactly as specified in the application - no alternative use permitted
• Capital projects are preferred over ongoing revenue costs
• Individual applicants must have professional support (supporting letter required)
• Organizations must demonstrate benefit to SK17 residents or be involved in arthritis research
• Two quotes are essential for requested items
• Applications are typically grants (gifts), though occasional interest-free loans may be offered

Process Tips:

• Ensure all documentation is complete before submission
• Submit well before the quarterly meeting to ensure consideration
• Be specific about how funds will be used for capital purposes
• For organizations outside SK17, clearly demonstrate how SK17 residents will benefit

What Makes Applications Stand Out:

• Clear capital project with defined outcomes
• Strong alignment with relief of poverty, education, religion, or community benefit
• Complete applications with all required supporting documentation
• Realistic budgets with appropriate quotes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Trust has a strong preference for capital projects over revenue expenses - structure applications accordingly
• Geographic focus is highly specific (SK17 postcode area) unless applying for arthritis research funding
• Average grant is £1,000, so align requests with this typical amount for better success
• Quarterly decision cycle means planning ahead is essential - submit applications in advance of meetings
• One application per year rule means your submission must be well-prepared and complete
• No response within one month of a meeting indicates rejection - plan for alternative funding if needed
• Individual applicants need professional support and a supporting letter to be considered

References

• The Bingham Trust official website: www.binghamtrust.org.uk
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/287636
• Turn2us Grant Directory: https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/grant/the-bingham-trust-13272
• Giving is Great Charity Factsheet: https://givingisgreat.org/charity-factsheet/?regNo=287636