The Bridge Trust

Charity Number: 204536

Annual Expenditure: £1.0M
Devon

Contact Info

Website:www.bidefordbridgetrust.org.uk

Phone:01237 471888

Email:steward@bidefordbridgetrust.co.uk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £881,000+ (2023 income)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Approximately 8-10 weeks (for annual grants)
  • Grant Range: £300 - £119,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Bideford Parish and immediate neighbourhood (North Devon)

Contact Details

Website: www.bidefordbridgetrust.org.uk

Email: steward@bidefordbridgetrust.co.uk

Phone: 01237 471888

Address: First Floor Offices, 4 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2PS

Key Contact: Ruth Gould, Steward

Overview

The Bridge Trust (Charity Number 204536) is one of England's oldest charitable foundations, originating from the group who built and managed the medieval Long Bridge crossing the River Torridge in Bideford, dating back to approximately 1280. The Trust held responsibility for the historic 24-arch stone bridge until 1968. Today, the Trust provides charitable relief to residents of Bideford and its immediate neighbourhood, with 2023 income of £881,042 and expenditure of £1,023,710 on grants and charitable activities. The Trust operates through investment income and property rental, supporting education, relieving poverty and sickness, advancing religion, and improving recreational facilities. In September 2020, the Trust awarded £209,780 in annual organizational grants. Elizabeth Junkison serves as Chairlady of the Trust, which opened its first permanent offices in centuries in January 2024 at 4 Bridgeland Street.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Organizational Grants (£variable, typically significant amounts)

  • For organizations with charitable purposes (registration not required)
  • Applications accepted June 1 - July 31 annually
  • Grants awarded in September
  • Example: £119,000 to Victoria Park for new play equipment (2024)

Organization Urgent Need Grants (£variable)

  • For charitable organizations with urgent needs that cannot wait until annual round
  • Considered monthly on a rolling basis
  • Separate application form required

Educational Grants:

  • Book/Equipment Grants: Up to £350 for students in Bideford Parish commencing post A-level training or in 2nd/3rd year
  • Student Support Grants: Up to £300 for students experiencing hardship during post A-level courses
  • Educational Bursaries: Up to £600 for degree course students (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year if appropriate, excluding postgraduate)
  • Apprenticeship/Vocational Grants: Follow hardship grant procedure

Business Start-Up Grants

  • Up to £3,000 in year one
  • Optional £2,000 in year two
  • For unemployed individuals seeking self-employment
  • £79,000 awarded to new business start-ups in 2022

Hardship Grants (£variable)

  • For individuals experiencing poverty or sickness
  • Requires a sponsor
  • Considered monthly

Specialized Grants:

  • Swimming Grants: For schools' swimming lesson costs
  • Taxi Vouchers: 90% of taxi transport costs for those aged 85+ or with infirmity
  • Significant Grants: One-off grants for public benefit

Priority Areas

  • Education advancement and student support
  • Relief of poverty and hardship
  • Supporting sick and disabled individuals
  • Advancing religion
  • Improving facilities for recreation and leisure
  • Community infrastructure and public amenities
  • Business development and employment
  • Social welfare within the local community

What They Don't Fund

  • Computers for personal use
  • Debts previously incurred
  • Deposits for lettings
  • Postgraduate courses
  • Areas beyond their geographic boundaries (Barnstaple, Torrington, and areas beyond these exclusions)

Governance and Leadership

Chairlady: Elizabeth Junkison

Steward: Ruth Gould

The Trust is managed by a board of Trustees who oversee income, investments, and grant-making activities. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. All enquiries and correspondence should be directed to The Steward at the Trust's offices on Bridgeland Street. The Trustees have discretion in grant approval and generally interpret the area of benefit as the Parish of Bideford and the area up to and including Hartland to the North, up to but excluding Torrington to the East, and up to and including Instow to the South.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be made using the appropriate application form for each grant type, downloadable from www.bidefordbridgetrust.org.uk. The Trust does NOT accept applications by email.

Annual Organizational Grants: Applications must be lodged between June 1 and July 31. Applications received after July 31 will be deferred until the following year.

Monthly Grants (Hardship, Urgent Need, Educational, etc.): Applications are considered monthly on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Geographic Eligibility: Applicants (individuals) must reside within the defined area, or organizations must substantially benefit people within the area. No grant application can be considered otherwise.

Decision Timeline

Annual Grants: Decisions made in September (approximately 8-10 weeks after July 31 deadline)

Monthly Grants: Considered at monthly trustee meetings, typically within 4-6 weeks of submission

Notification: Applicants are notified of decisions by post or phone

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. The Trust awarded £209,780 in annual organizational grants in September 2020, suggesting multiple organizations are funded each year. Total expenditure exceeded £1 million in both 2022 and 2023, indicating substantial grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not explicitly stated. Applicants are encouraged to contact The Steward for guidance on reapplication timing and procedures.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Focus is Critical: The Trust strictly adheres to its geographic boundaries. Ensure your organization substantially benefits residents of Bideford Parish and the defined neighbourhood. Organizations serving Barnstaple, Torrington, or areas beyond will not be considered.

Demonstrate Local Impact: The Trust has a deep connection to Bideford's history and community. Highlight how your project benefits local residents and aligns with the Trust's mission of relieving poverty, advancing education, supporting health, or improving community facilities.

Timing is Everything: For annual organizational grants, missing the July 31 deadline means waiting another full year. Plan ahead and submit well before the deadline.

Use Correct Forms: Different grant types require specific application forms. Using the wrong form will delay your application. Download the correct form from the website.

Consider Urgent Need Grants: If your need cannot wait for the annual grant cycle, the Urgent Need Grants (considered monthly) provide an alternative pathway for organizations.

Provide Complete Information: Applications must be fully completed. Incomplete applications may be deferred or rejected.

Examples of Funded Projects:

  • £119,000 to Victoria Park for new play equipment (2024)
  • £79,000 to business start-up applicants (2022)
  • £500,000 to Bideford College for new building
  • £50,000 to Bideford College for computer teaching suite
  • £1,000 annually to the former Grammar School (long-standing commitment)

Language and Approach: The Trust values practical, community-focused projects that provide tangible benefits to Bideford residents. Emphasize local need, community support, and sustainable outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic precision is non-negotiable: Clearly demonstrate that your beneficiaries reside within or your organization substantially benefits the Parish of Bideford and defined neighbourhood (up to Hartland north, excluding Torrington east, up to Instow south).
  • Match your grant type to your need: With seven different grant streams, choose the most appropriate category and use the correct application form to avoid delays.
  • Respect the annual grant deadline: Applications for organizational grants must be submitted between June 1 and July 31. Late applications wait a full year.
  • Demonstrate heritage and community connection: This is one of England's oldest charitable trusts with deep roots in Bideford. Show how your project honors the community's needs and aligns with the Trust's historic mission.
  • Consider the urgent need pathway: If you have a pressing need that can't wait for the September annual grants, monthly Urgent Need Grants provide faster consideration.
  • Think big for infrastructure projects: The Trust has funded major capital projects (£500,000 for a college building, £119,000 for play equipment), suggesting openness to significant, transformational community investments.
  • Complete applications only: Ensure all information is provided before submission. The Trust has discretion in grant approval, and incomplete applications may be rejected.

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References