The Bowland Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 292027

Annual Expenditure: £0.6M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £627,466 (2023 expenditure)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Approximately 4 weeks
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £20,000 (larger grants exceptional)
  • Geographic Focus: North West England

Contact Details

Address: Bowland House, Philips Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 5NA

Phone: 01254 688051

Email: carole.fahy@cannco.co.uk

Website: No website maintained

Application Contact: Applications should be made in writing to Carole Fahy at the above address or email.

Overview

The Bowland Charitable Trust (registered charity number 292027) was established in 1985 and founded by Tony Cann CBE, entrepreneur and founder of Promethean Ltd. The trust has donated over £40 million to education-related projects since its founding in 1989 by the Cann family. As of December 2023, the trust had total expenditure of £627,466, down from £627,466 in the previous year, with an income of £324,100. The trust is governed by three trustees who receive no remuneration or benefits. The trust's mission focuses on supporting individuals, charities, and charitable organisations primarily through grants and gifting educational equipment, with particular emphasis on youth development in North West England and support for educational, religious, and cultural institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grant Programme: £1,000 - £20,000 (larger grants made as exceptions)

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis via written application
  • Individual grants of up to £300 also available, though organizational grants are more common
  • The trustees aim to make a number of relatively small but significant donations to a range of charities each year
  • At least one cause each year receives more substantial funding

Priority Areas

The trust focuses on:

  • Outdoor and character-building activities for young people in North West England
  • Educational activities and institutions - particularly those supporting youth training and development
  • Religious activities and institutions in the region
  • Cultural activities and institutions serving the community
  • Provision of educational equipment to charitable organizations

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly documented. However, based on their stated priorities, the trust has a clear geographic focus (North West England) and thematic focus (youth development, education, religion, and culture).

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Governance and Leadership

Founder

Tony Cann CBE - Founder of the Bowland Charitable Trust and Promethean Ltd. Cann is a renowned EdTech pioneer who won the BETT award for outstanding achievement in ICT education. He has stated that he gets “more fun through the things I do through the Bowland Trust than through anything else I can imagine.”

Governance Structure

  • Three trustees govern the charity
  • No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity
  • No employees with total benefits over £60,000
  • No trading subsidiaries
  • Applications are assessed by the trustees who may seek advice from representatives from organizations working within or involved in the Forest of Bowland region

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be made in writing to:

  • Email: carole.fahy@cannco.co.uk
  • Post: Carole Fahy, Bowland House, Philips Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 5NA
  • Phone inquiries: 01254 688051

There is no website or online portal. The trust operates on a traditional correspondence-based application system.

Decision Timeline

The trust aims to give a decision on applications within 4 weeks of submission.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Applicants should inquire directly with Carole Fahy if their application is unsuccessful and they wish to reapply.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Approach

The trust states that “it is the objective of the Trustees to make a number of relatively small but significant donations to a range of charities each year and also to identify at least one cause to which they are able to provide more substantial funding.” This suggests that:

  • Most applicants should expect grants in the £1,000-£20,000 range
  • One organization per year may receive significantly larger funding
  • The trust values making meaningful impacts across multiple organizations

Geographic Alignment

North West England focus is critical. The trust's charitable objects specifically emphasize this geographic region, particularly in relation to youth development activities.

Youth Development Emphasis

Projects involving outdoor and character-building activities for young people appear to be the trust's highest priority. Organizations working in this area may have stronger prospects.

Educational Equipment

The trust specifically mentions “gifting educational equipment” as part of its mission, suggesting that applications including equipment needs may be favorably viewed.

Funding History

The trust has a strong track record in educational technology, having funded projects like Bowland Maths and Learning by Questions (LBQ), demonstrating interest in innovative educational approaches.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic fit is essential - You must be operating in North West England to be eligible
  • Youth focus wins - Outdoor and character-building activities for young people are the primary priority
  • Think education broadly - Educational, religious, and cultural institutions are all supported
  • Traditional application process - Be prepared to submit a written application via email or post; there is no online system
  • Quick decisions - With a 4-week decision timeline, this is a relatively fast-responding funder
  • Relationship with founder's legacy - The trust reflects Tony Cann's commitment to education and technology; innovative educational approaches may resonate
  • Small but significant - The trust describes its approach as making “small but significant donations” - tailor your ask accordingly to the £1,000-£20,000 range unless you have exceptional circumstances

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