The Harlow Health Centres Trust Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £150,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 1-3 months (dependent on grant size)
• Grant Range: Up to £10,000+
• Geographic Focus: Harlow (priority), West Essex, East Hertfordshire, wider Essex and Hertfordshire

Contact Details

Website: www.hhct.org.uk

Email: info@hhct.org.uk

Phone: 01279 210322

Address: The Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex

For grant enquiries, contact the Operations Manager at the above email address. The Trust encourages pre-application discussions.

Overview

Established in 1994, Harlow Health Centres Trust Limited (HHCT) is a unique charitable trust that manages primary care facilities across Harlow and West Essex while operating as the largest community grant provider in Harlow. Over recent years, the Trust has distributed over £2.1 million in grants and donations to local organizations. The Trust was founded to provide the best possible primary health care facilities for Harlow residents, building on the town's legacy of having the country's first health centre. HHCT combines property management of state-of-the-art health facilities with an active grants program distributing approximately £150,000 annually to support health and wellbeing initiatives across Essex and Hertfordshire. The Trust operates as a not-for-profit organization with no trustees receiving remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grants Programme: Up to £10,000+ (three annual deadlines)

• Grants up to £10,000 are approved by the Grants Committee
• Grants over £10,000 require full Board approval
• Typically funded for a maximum of 3 years
• Possibility of staged payments for larger grants
• Applications accepted via grant application form

Application Method: Fixed deadlines (three rounds per year)

• Spring Awards: Deadline end of March, decisions in April
• Summer Awards: Deadline end of June, decisions in July
• Autumn Awards: Deadline end of September, decisions in October

Approximately one-third of available funds (around £50,000) are allocated for ad hoc applications at each meeting, with the remaining two-thirds earmarked for strategic partnerships and priority areas.

Priority Areas

Eligible Activities:

• Health and wellbeing initiatives with community benefit
• Purchase of health-related equipment
• Pump-priming of new health and wellbeing delivery services
• Health education, training, and awareness programs
• Health research projects
• Capacity building for community and voluntary organizations
• Ongoing services with significant community health impact
• End-of-life care and support services
• Services for vulnerable populations (homelessness, mental health)

Geographic Priorities:

1. Harlow (first priority)
2. West Essex and East Hertfordshire (second priority)
3. Wider Essex and Hertfordshire (third priority)

What They Don't Fund

The grant policy does not explicitly list exclusions, but applicants should note the strong focus on projects with measurable health and wellbeing benefits for the wider community. All funded projects must align with the Trust's charitable objectives of supporting health-related activities.

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Governance and Leadership

Chair: Bill Rammell (elected 2024)

Former MP for Harlow and Government Minister, previously Vice Chancellor of University of Bedfordshire. Bill Rammell stated: “Harlow Health Centres Trust is a unique and important charitable Trust which manages our local Primary Care facilities, and invests significant grants to support community health and wellbeing.”

Chief Executive: Geoff Roberts (experienced NHS Manager)

Operations Manager: David Jones

Office Manager: Katie Ross

Board of Trustees:

• Byron Jones: Former Chair, retired from GlaxoSmithKline after 35 years in global manufacturing and strategic planning
• Jill Rowlinson FCIS (Chair of Finance & Audit Committee): Chief Executive of Cameron Fund, previously worked in local government
• Tracy Manzi: Retired NHS Assistant Director with expertise in healthcare leadership and strategic development
• Jane Greer: Public sector career background, focused on “partnership working, to achieve the best outcomes for people”
• Pat Larkin: Trustee since 1999, background in education and community volunteering
• Tony Evans: Retired IT Programme Manager, active in local community

The Trust is governed by a board that brings together expertise in healthcare, education, public service, and strategic management.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Pre-Application: Contact the Operations Manager to discuss your proposal before submitting (encouraged)
2. Application Form: Complete the HHCT Grant Application Form available on their website
3. Submit by Deadline: Send applications to info@hhct.org.uk before the relevant deadline
4. Committee Review: Applications reviewed at one of three annual Grants Committee meetings

Required Information:

• Total project cost and funding amount requested
• All inputs and cost breakdown (staff/volunteer time, resources, equipment, premises, transport, external advice)
• Planned deliverables
• Expected impact (longer-term results and wider changes)
• Sustainability plan for continuation after grant period
• Acknowledgment plan for publicizing HHCT's support

Important Note: Do not contact individual Trustees or consultants directly—all enquiries must be submitted to the HHCT Operations Manager.

Decision Timeline

• Applications up to £10,000: Approved by Grants Committee at next scheduled meeting (1-3 months from submission depending on deadline)
• Applications over £10,000: Considered by full Board at next Board meeting (additional time required)
• Notification: All applicants (successful and unsuccessful) are notified of decisions

Success Rates

In 2024, 18 organizations received funding from a total distribution of nearly £150,000. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available. The Trust allocates approximately one-third of its £150,000 annual fund for ad hoc applications across three rounds.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not detailed in public materials. Applicants should contact the Operations Manager for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrating Community Impact:

The Trust prioritizes projects that show “notable health and wellbeing benefits for the wider community in Harlow and the surrounding area.” Applications should clearly articulate measurable community health outcomes.

Geographic Alignment:

Priority is given to projects in Harlow, followed by West Essex and East Hertfordshire. Applications should explicitly state their geographic focus and beneficiary location.

Sustainability Planning:

The Trust expects applicants to demonstrate how projects will continue beyond the grant period. Strong sustainability plans showing longer-term viability are valued.

Partnership Working:

As trustee Jane Greer emphasizes “partnership working, to achieve the best outcomes for people,” applications that demonstrate collaboration with other organizations may be viewed favorably.

Recently Funded Projects Include:

• Streets2Homes (£5,000): Day centre supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• End-of-Life Care Education: Face-to-face study days, virtual masterclasses, and placements for medical students and care home staff
• Projects purchasing life-saving medical equipment
• Projects transforming community facilities

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements:

Successful applicants must provide regular progress reports demonstrating:

• Planned vs. actual costs
• Activities completed
• Qualitative and quantitative outcomes
• Project impact

All funded organizations must acknowledge and publicize HHCT's support.

Unique Opportunities:

The Trust may offer emergency loan facilities and can retain ownership of equipment for large purchases (applicants should discuss these options).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic focus is critical: Harlow-based projects have the highest priority, followed by West Essex and East Hertfordshire. Clearly state your geographic beneficiary area.

• Pre-application contact is encouraged: Discuss your proposal with the Operations Manager before applying—this is explicitly welcomed by the Trust.

• Plan for three annual deadlines: Applications are reviewed three times yearly (March 31, June 30, September 30), so time your submission strategically.

• Demonstrate measurable health impact: The Trust requires “notable health and wellbeing benefits”—use specific metrics and clear outcome measures in your application.

• Consider grants over multiple years: The Trust typically funds projects for up to 3 years, so think strategically about phased funding if appropriate.

• Show sustainability: Strong applications demonstrate how projects will continue after the grant period ends.

• HHCT is Harlow's largest grant provider: With £150,000 annually and over £2.1 million distributed in recent years, they are a significant local funder—build a relationship with them if you work in their geographic area.

References

1. Harlow Health Centres Trust Official Website - Grant Policy. Available at: https://hhct.org.uk/grant-policy/

1. Harlow Health Centres Trust Official Website - Grants & Funding. Available at: http://www.hhct.org.uk/grants-funding/

1. Harlow Health Centres Trust Official Website - Our People. Available at: https://hhct.org.uk/our-people/

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - THE HARLOW HEALTH CENTRES TRUST LIMITED (Charity Number 1050493). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1050493

1. Your Harlow (2025) “Harlow Health Centres Trust awards £150,000 to health and wellbeing projects” (4 February 2025). Available at: https://www.yourharlow.com/2025/02/04/harlow-health-centres-trust-awards-150000-to-health-and-wellbeing-projects/

1. Your Harlow (2025) “Applications open for next round of health and wellbeing grants from Harlow Health Centres Trust” (16 April 2025). Available at: https://www.yourharlow.com/2025/04/16/applications-open-for-next-round-of-health-and-wellbeing-grants-from-harlow-health-centres-trust/

1. Your Harlow (2024) “Former Harlow MP Bill Rammell elected as new Chair of Harlow Health Centres Trust” (8 May 2024). Available at: https://www.yourharlow.com/2024/05/08/former-harlow-mp-bill-rammell-elected-as-new-chair-of-harlow-health-centres-trust/

1. Companies House - THE HARLOW HEALTH CENTRES TRUST LIMITED (Company Number 02955851). Available at: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02955851