The Bransford Trust

Charity Number: 1173809

Annual Expenditure: £0.8M
Geographic Focus: Throughout England

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £839,042 (charitable activities expenditure, 2024)
  • Total Income: £1,086,290 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 6 months (trustees meet twice yearly in July/August and December/January)
  • Grant Range: Not specified (small grants available via fast track)
  • Geographic Focus: Worcester and surrounding areas (Worcestershire)

Contact Details

  • Website: www.bransfordtrust.org
  • Phone: 01905 677399
  • Email: Not publicly listed
  • Address: Royal Porcelain Works, Worcester
  • Charity Number: 1173809

Overview

The Bransford Trust was established in 2004 by Colin Kinnear OBE, founder and former chairman of CryoService Limited. Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2017 (charity number 1173809), the Trust provides support for charitable initiatives delivering educational, cultural, sporting, community, and healthcare benefits. The Trust owns and operates the Royal Porcelain Works in Worcester, a beautifully restored historic building that serves as a flexible community facility and cultural hub. With total income of £1,086,290 and charitable expenditure of £839,042 in 2024, the Trust has a particular focus on the development and wellbeing of young people, seeking to support activities that provide facilities and create opportunities in and around Worcester. The Royal Porcelain Works redevelopment won the RIBA West Midlands Award 2021 and RIBA West Midlands Conservation Award 2021, demonstrating the Trust's commitment to heritage and community development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates two grant schemes:

  1. Main Grant Scheme: Applications reviewed by trustees at bi-annual meetings (July/August and December/January). Grant amounts not publicly specified.
  1. Fast Track Grant Scheme: For small grants requiring quick decisions. Amounts and specific criteria not publicly detailed.

Application Method: Online applications through the Trust's website. The Trust operates a mixed approach with fixed trustee meetings but fast-track options for smaller requests.

Priority Areas

The Trust supports charitable initiatives in the following areas:

  • Education and Training: Vocational education in trades and crafts, youth education
  • Arts, Culture and Heritage: Arts programming, cultural activities, music
  • Children and Young People: Welfare, development, and wellbeing (primary focus)
  • Health and Wellbeing: Healthcare initiatives, support for sick and suffering
  • Community Development: Recreation, sports, and community activities
  • Poverty Relief: Supporting those in need

Geographic Focus: Grants are generally made to organisations working in and around Worcester, Worcestershire.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed. Contact the Trust for clarification on ineligible projects.

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Governance and Leadership

Founder and Chairman: Colin Kinnear OBE

  • Established the Trust in 2004
  • Former founder and chairman of CryoService Limited (over 40 years)
  • Awarded OBE in Queen's Birthday Honours 2015
  • Fellowship of the University of Worcester (2009)
  • Patron of St Richard's Hospice since 2006
  • Chairman of Royal Porcelain Works Limited

Governance Structure:

  • 6 trustees (none receive remuneration, payments, or benefits)
  • 1 employee
  • General Manager: Kathy Leather-Lloyd

Colin Kinnear stated about the Royal Porcelain Works redevelopment: “We are not intending to knock down the existing buildings” - demonstrating the Trust's commitment to heritage preservation alongside community benefit.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Applicants are kept informed throughout the process via automated emails triggered by the system

Important Note: All unsolicited requests for grants will not receive a response unless they have been successful. Do not expect acknowledgment of unsuccessful applications.

Decision Timeline

  • Main Grants: Trustees meet twice annually in July/August and December/January to discuss and agree awards
  • Fast Track Grants: Quicker turnaround for small grants (specific timeline not published)
  • Typical timeframe: Approximately 6 months between trustee meetings for main grant decisions

Success Rates

Success rates and application numbers are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Contact the Trust for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on research, the following factors may strengthen applications:

Alignment with Core Mission:

  • Projects focusing on children and young people's development and wellbeing are the primary focus
  • Initiatives supporting education, arts, music, culture, and community health
  • Local Worcester/Worcestershire organizations appear to be prioritized

Strategic Considerations:

  • The Trust owns and operates Royal Porcelain Works as a community facility - consider how your organization might utilize this resource or align with the venue's cultural mission
  • The Trust values heritage preservation alongside community benefit (evidenced by award-winning restoration work)
  • Projects that create opportunities and provide facilities for young people are particularly aligned with the Trust's emphasis

Application Quality:

  • Use the online application system as required
  • Clearly demonstrate how your project serves the Worcester area
  • Show alignment with the Trust's focus on youth development and wellbeing
  • Consider whether you need a fast-track small grant or should apply to the main scheme

Process Notes:

  • Be prepared for lack of response if unsuccessful - the Trust only contacts successful applicants
  • Plan applications to align with trustee meeting schedules (July/August or December/January)
  • Automated emails will keep successful applicants informed throughout the process

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Youth Focus is Critical: The Trust's primary emphasis is on development and wellbeing of children and young people - ensure this is central to your application if applicable
  • Local Connection Matters: Grants are generally made to organizations working “in and around Worcester” - demonstrate strong local roots and impact
  • Be Strategic with Timing: Main grants are only considered twice yearly (July/August and December/January) - plan applications accordingly or use fast-track for urgent small grants
  • No News is Bad News: The Trust only responds to successful applications - don't expect acknowledgment or feedback if unsuccessful
  • Consider Dual Support: Beyond grants, explore whether your organization could benefit from use of facilities at Royal Porcelain Works
  • Heritage and Innovation: The Trust values both preservation of heritage and innovation in community benefit - applications that bridge these themes may resonate
  • Online Applications Only: Ensure you use the Trust's online application system - no alternative application methods appear to be available

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