The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £178,973 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: Specific amounts not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Harpole Parish, Northamptonshire

Contact Details

Address: Harpole, Northamptonshire

Website: www.harpoletrust.co.uk

Email: secretary@harpoletrust.co.uk

Phone: 07713 153161

Key Contacts:

• Chair: Sarah Eason - chair@harpoletrust.co.uk
• Treasurer: Sonja Roberts - treasurer@harpoletrust.co.uk

Overview

The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust (CHCT) was established in 2014 through the merger of two long-standing village charities, with roots dating back to the 16th century. The trust has grown substantially in recent years, with total assets reaching approximately £6 million through thoughtful management and sound investment policy. In 2024, the trust reported total income of £178,973 and expenditure of £166,790. The organization's mission is to benefit parishioners of Harpole by relieving those in need due to financial hardship or health circumstances and advancing education, particularly for children and young people. The trust is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the UK Charity Commission under number 1157663 and is governed by 10 trustees who serve without remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates five distinct grant programs:

• Education Grants: Support for educational purposes, particularly benefiting children and young people, plus educational organizations. Not means-tested. Application deadline: December 31 annually.

• Helping Hands Grant: For individuals requiring professional in-home care services including podiatry and respite care. Not means-tested. Rolling basis (no closing date).

• Christmas Grants: For residents aged 65+ who have lived in the parish for 7+ years. Means-tested. Application deadline: November 30 annually.

• Fuel Grants: Assistance with fuel bills for households experiencing financial difficulty who have lived in the parish for 7+ years. Means-tested. Application deadline: December 31 annually.

• Harpole Charities Grant: General charitable support for parish residents. Rolling basis (no closing date).

Priority Areas

• Relief of financial hardship for Harpole parish residents
• Support for individuals with health issues and unseen carers
• Educational advancement for children and young people
• In-home care services (podiatry, respite care)
• Fuel poverty assistance for elderly residents and struggling households
• Special educational needs teaching

What They Don't Fund

• Applications from individuals or organizations outside Harpole Parish
• Retrospective costs (grant applications must be made before expenses are incurred)
• Applications from those who have not met residency requirements (7 years for means-tested grants)

Ready to write a winning application for The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by a 10-member board of trustees, all of whom are unpaid volunteers. Key trustees include:

Sarah Eason - Chair of CHCT & Clerk to Harpole Charities

A lifelong Harpole resident and former Parish Council member, Sarah is motivated by addressing funding gaps for those facing health and economic hardship.

Allan Leroy - Chair of Free School Foundation Committee

A retired medical practitioner and Northamptonshire resident since 1976, Allan has served as a trustee since 2009. He describes the trust as “a force for good within the Parish.”

Maxine Jones - Vice Chair of CHCT & Chair of Harpole Charities

A 28-year village resident and former Parish Council chair, Maxine brings extensive community engagement experience.

Sonja Roberts - Treasurer

Harpole resident since 1995, former school governor and parish councillor.

Helen Cordingley - Harpole Charities Committee

A native Harpole resident active in Girlguides and community groups, Helen is committed to “making a difference to people living within the Parish.”

Rob Lawrence - Harpole Charities Committee

26-year Harpole resident.

Roger Fountain - Free School Foundation Committee

Retired Chartered Surveyor, Harpole resident since 1992.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The trust accepts applications from Harpole parish residents through their website at www.harpoletrust.co.uk. Application forms are available for each specific grant program. Applications can be submitted via:

• Online application forms (available on the trust website)
• Email to secretary@harpoletrust.co.uk
• Phone enquiries to 07713 153161

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by grant program:

• Education Grants: Reviewed periodically; deadline December 31
• Helping Hands Grants: Assessed on a rolling basis
• Christmas Grants: Processed before December; deadline November 30
• Fuel Grants: Processed during winter period; deadline December 31
• Harpole Charities Grants: Assessed on a rolling basis

Success Rates

The trust does not publicly disclose application success rates or the number of applications received. However, the trust distributed significant funds annually, indicating an active grant-making program.

Reapplication Policy

The trust accepts applications on an annual basis for recurring grants (Christmas and Fuel grants). For one-time grants (Education and Helping Hands), there is no published restriction on reapplication, though applicants should have genuine new need.

Application Success Factors

Based on the trust's stated priorities and governance structure, successful applications should:

• Demonstrate clear connection to Harpole Parish: The trust exists specifically to benefit parish residents. For means-tested grants, applicants must have lived in the parish for at least 7 years.

• Align with trustee values: The trustees emphasize support for “those with ill health, unseen carers and those who are struggling.” Applications that clearly articulate genuine hardship or need are prioritized.

• Focus on educational advancement: For education grants, demonstrate how funding will genuinely advance learning opportunities for children and young people in the parish.

• Be specific about care needs: For Helping Hands grants, clearly detail the professional care services required and how they will improve quality of life.

• Show proof of residency: Particularly for means-tested grants, be prepared to demonstrate length of residence in Harpole Parish.

• Submit complete applications: Ensure all required information is provided to avoid delays in processing.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust is a hyperlocal funder exclusively serving Harpole Parish residents—geographic eligibility is non-negotiable.

• The trust operates multiple distinct grant programs with different eligibility criteria; carefully select the appropriate program for your client's circumstances.

• Means-tested grants (Christmas and Fuel) require 7+ years of parish residency; non-means-tested grants (Education and Helping Hands) have no residency duration requirement.

• The trust has substantial assets (approximately £6 million) and demonstrates consistent grant-making activity, indicating financial stability and long-term commitment to the parish.

• Trustees are deeply embedded in the local community and volunteer their time—applications demonstrating genuine local connection and community benefit will resonate strongly.

• Rolling deadlines for Helping Hands and Harpole Charities grants mean applications can be submitted year-round; time-sensitive needs should not be delayed.

• The trust welcomes contact via phone (07713 153161) or email (secretary@harpoletrust.co.uk) for enquiries about eligibility or application guidance.

References

• The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust Official Website
• Aims & Trustees - The Combined Harpole Trust
• Latest News - The Combined Harpole Trust
• Charity Commission Register - THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
• Contact Information - The Combined Harpole Trust
• About - The Combined Harpole Trust

All sources.