The Crossroads Project

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity Number: 1079071
• Annual Income: £133,476
• Annual Expenditure: £140,321
• Total Grants Distributed: Over £575,000 (since 1996)
• Grant Distribution: Quarterly
• Geographic Focus: Meltham, Helme, and Wilshaw (West Yorkshire)
• Decision Time: Approximately 2-4 weeks from deadline
• Volunteers: Over 70 volunteers, 8 trustees, no paid staff

Contact Details

Crossroads Centre (Main Office)

• Address: The Crossroads Centre, Old Town Hall, 26 Huddersfield Road, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4AG
• Phone: 01484 854 400
• Email: info@thecrossroadsproject.co.uk
• Grants Email: grants@thecrossroadsproject.co.uk
• Website: www.thecrossroadsproject.co.uk

Opening Hours

• Crossroads Centre & Food Bank: Monday-Friday, 10:00-13:00 (Closed weekends)

Crossroads Shop

• Address: 5 Market Place, Meltham, Holmfirth HD9 4NH
• Phone: 01484 854 826

Overview

The Crossroads Project is a Christian community initiative founded in 1996 by Meltham Churches Together to serve the local community in Meltham and surrounding villages. Over nearly three decades, the charity has distributed more than £575,000 in grants to local organizations and individuals working to help others. With an annual income of approximately £133,000 and no paid staff, the charity maximizes its impact by directing all profits from its community shop toward grants and services. The organization operates three main services: a community charity shop selling affordable goods, a food bank supporting approximately 160 families, and an advice centre providing free debt, benefits, and legal advice. In 2024, The Crossroads Project received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK (equivalent to an MBE), recognizing the commitment of its 70+ volunteers. The charity's approach combines direct service provision with grant-making to maximize community impact in the Meltham, Helme, and Wilshaw areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Programme

• Quarterly distribution cycle
• Open to individuals and groups in Meltham, Helme, and Wilshaw
• Application forms available online (Word/PDF) or at Crossroads Centre and Shop
• Submit via email to grants@thecrossroadsproject.co.uk or in person

Priority Areas

The Crossroads Project supports diverse community needs including:

• Alleviating poverty: Supporting individuals and families in financial hardship
• Creative and cultural activities: Arts, music, and community events
• Health and well-being: Activities promoting physical and mental health
• Spiritual development: Faith-based and community building activities
• Youth activities: Support for young people's groups, sports clubs, scouts, guides
• Education: Equipment and resources for schools and learning
• Community groups: Support for organizations serving elderly residents, toddler groups, and other community organizations

Priority is given to: Applications that benefit many community members and projects that help individuals or groups achieve well-being, reach their goals, and engage in the local community.

Previous Grant Recipients

The Crossroads Project has funded a wide range of local initiatives including:

• Three schools (computers and whiteboards)
• Sports clubs (equipment)
• Meltham Mills band
• OAP organizations
• Guides and scouts
• Toddler groups (including storage sheds for toys)
• Wheelchair for local doctor's surgery
• Meltham Makers Market
• Free skateboard sessions at Meltham Skatepark

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, grants are restricted to:

• Organizations and individuals based in Meltham, Helme, and Wilshaw
• Applicants with a link to the Crossroads Centre or those with no access to other funds

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees: 8 trustees (no trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits)

Chair of Trustees: Sue Priestley

Sue Priestley, Chair of Trustees, expressed delight when the charity received the King's Award for Voluntary Service: “We are delighted that all our volunteers have been recognised for their hard work and commitment to the people of Meltham and surrounding area.”

Volunteers: Over 70 volunteers support the charity's operations across the shop, food bank, advice centre, and grants program.

Staffing: No paid employees - the charity is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring maximum funds are available for grant distribution.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method:

• Download application forms from www.thecrossroadsproject.co.uk/apply-for-a-grant/ (available in Word and PDF formats)
• Pick up forms at the Crossroads Centre or Crossroads Shop
• Submit completed applications via email to grants@thecrossroadsproject.co.uk or deliver in person to the Crossroads Centre

Quarterly Application Cycles: Applications are reviewed quarterly with specific deadlines announced for each round.

Typical Timeline (based on recent cycles):

• Applications open: Late January
• Application deadline: Mid-to-late February
• Grants panel meeting: Early March (approximately 2 weeks after deadline)
• Decisions communicated: Shortly after panel meeting

Application Requirements:

• Complete application form
• Must be for individuals or groups based in Meltham, Helme, and Wilshaw
• Demonstrate link to Crossroads Centre or lack of access to other funds

Decision Timeline

The grants panel typically meets 2-4 weeks after the application deadline. From the deadline to decision communication is approximately 2-4 weeks. Given the quarterly cycle, applicants can expect a relatively quick turnaround compared to larger grant-makers.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the charity's commitment to supporting diverse community needs and its £575,000+ distribution record over nearly 30 years suggests a supportive approach to local applications, particularly those benefiting multiple community members.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are mentioned. The charity has demonstrated willingness to support organizations multiple times - for example, a toddler group received a second grant for storage after receiving an initial grant for toys. This suggests that successful applicants can reapply in subsequent quarters for different projects or ongoing needs.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors for The Crossroads Project

1. Strong Local Connection

• Must be based in Meltham, Helme, or Wilshaw
• Demonstrate connection to the local community
• Link to the Crossroads Centre is advantageous

2. Community Benefit

• Applications that benefit many community members are prioritized
• Show how the project will have broad impact
• Demonstrate engagement with the local community

3. Helping Others

• Focus on how the grant helps individuals or groups working to help others
• Align with the charity's Christian ethos of community service
• Show how the project promotes well-being and helps people reach their goals

4. Limited Alternative Funding

• Preference given to those with no access to other funds
• Demonstrate that this support is needed and not duplicative

5. Practical, Achievable Projects

• Past grants have funded tangible items (equipment, resources, facilities)
• Be specific about what will be purchased or achieved
• Clear outcomes that benefit the community

6. Diverse Needs Alignment

• Projects addressing poverty alleviation, health and well-being, creative/cultural activities, or spiritual development are all welcomed
• Don't assume only one type of project is funded - the charity supports broad community needs

7. Clear Application

• Use the provided application forms
• Submit by the deadline
• Provide clear contact information

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local Focus is Essential: Only organizations and individuals in Meltham, Helme, and Wilshaw are eligible - this is a hyper-local funder serving a specific geographic community.

• Community Impact Matters Most: Prioritize demonstrating how your project benefits multiple community members rather than individual benefit alone.

• Quarterly Opportunities: With four funding cycles per year, unsuccessful applicants have multiple opportunities to reapply or apply for different projects.

• Volunteer-Run Advantage: With no paid staff, 100% of profits go to grants and services, making this an efficient local funder that maximizes community benefit.

• Broad Support Areas: Don't self-select out - the charity has funded everything from school equipment to band instruments to wheelchairs, showing openness to diverse community needs.

• Quick Decisions: The 2-4 week turnaround from deadline to decision is faster than many larger funders, making this ideal for time-sensitive community projects.

• Award-Winning Recognition: The 2024 King's Award for Voluntary Service demonstrates the charity's excellence and commitment, lending credibility to funded projects and potential for positive publicity.

• Relationship Building: Consider visiting the Crossroads Centre, engaging with their advice services, or volunteering to build connection with the organization before applying.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• ONE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LIMITED
• Lady Elizabeth Hastings' Estate Charity
• West Riding Masonic Charities Limited
• Bearder Charity
• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
• Ilkley and District Round Table
• Community Foundation for Calderdale
• EYUP
• The J G Graves Charitable Trust
• Charities of Thomas Wade and Others

References

1. Charity Commission for England and Wales - The Crossroads Project (Charity Number 1079071)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3964689

Accessed: January 2026

1. The Crossroads Project Official Website - About Us

https://www.thecrossroadsproject.co.uk/about-us/

Accessed: January 2026

1. The Crossroads Project Official Website - Apply For A Grant

https://www.thecrossroadsproject.co.uk/apply-for-a-grant/

Accessed: January 2026

1. The Crossroads Project Official Website - Contact Us

https://www.thecrossroadsproject.co.uk/contact-us/

Accessed: January 2026

1. Huddersfield Hub - "The Crossroads Project in Meltham receives the King's Award for Voluntary Service"

https://huddersfieldhub.co.uk/the-crossroads-project-in-meltham-receives-the-kings-award-for-voluntary-service/

Accessed: January 2026

1. Kirklees Community Directory - The Crossroads Project

https://communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk/communityDirectory/organisationdetails.aspx?orgid=547

Accessed: January 2026

1. YorkshireLive - “Uplifting work at the Crossroads”

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/uplifting-work-at-the-crossroads-5053487

Accessed: January 2026