The Harold And Alice Bridges Charity

Charity Number: 236654

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £160,450 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Trustees meet 3 times per year
  • Grant Range: Estimated £500 - £5,000 (based on recent examples)
  • Geographic Focus: Lancashire and South Cumbria (particularly River Ribble area northwards, Blackburn area, and South Lakes)

Contact Details

Website: www.haroldandalicebridgescharity.co.uk

Email: davidhinchliffe@vslaw.co.uk

Phone: 01253 773377

Address: Vincents Solicitors, 21-23 Park Street, Lytham, Lancashire, FY8 5LU

Overview

Established in 1963 by Harold and Alice Bridges, this Lancashire-based charity has evolved from making large institutional grants to supporting numerous smaller community projects. Harold Bridges OBE (1900-1990) was a road haulage entrepreneur who built Bridges Transport Limited from a single Model T Ford lorry in 1921 to a fleet of over 100 vehicles. After selling his business in 1968, he and his wife Alice established the charity with significant funds from the sale. In its early years, the charity made major grants including £100,000 to the Royal College of Surgeons in 1970 (establishing a Fellowship that continues today) and funding the Harold Bridges Library at St Martins College, Lancaster in 1974. Harold received an OBE in 1974 for his charitable contributions. In recent years, the charity has strategically shifted to awarding smaller grants to a larger number of charitable causes, having donated almost £1.3 million over fifteen years. With only two trustees and annual expenditure of approximately £160,000, the charity maintains a focused approach to supporting capital projects and infrastructure improvements for village halls and community facilities across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates a single grant program for capital projects, with applications reviewed three times annually:

  • Capital Projects Grant: Estimated range £500 - £5,000 for building improvements, extensions, and infrastructure (fixed deadlines: 15th January, 15th May, 15th September)

Priority Areas

  • Village Halls: Capital improvements, re-roofing, extensions, and infrastructure projects
  • Community Buildings: Capital projects that demonstrate self-help and local community support
  • Geographic Priority: Areas north of the River Ribble, eastwards towards Blackburn, and into South Lakes
  • Beneficiary Groups: The charity has a particular interest in projects supporting elderly people, children, and young people

What They Don't Fund

  • Running expenses: Regular operational costs like cleaning, utilities, or salaries
  • Revenue costs: Ongoing expenses rather than one-time capital investments
  • Projects outside Lancashire and South Cumbria
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Governance and Leadership

The charity is managed by two trustees who meet three times annually to review applications. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity operates with no employees and maintains a lean governance structure focused on grant distribution. David Hinchliffe at Vincents Solicitors serves as the administrative contact for the charity.

The charity honors the legacy of Harold Bridges OBE, K St J (1900-1990), who started as a farmhand and brickie's labourer before building a successful transport business. Harold was known for his progressive employee welfare policies, including profit-sharing schemes and non-contributory pensions. His charitable philosophy appears to continue through the charity's current focus on supporting grassroots community organizations across Lancashire.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  • Download and complete the official application form from the charity's website (www.haroldandalicebridgescharity.co.uk)
  • The form has been designed to be straightforward
  • Do not include additional attachments beyond the completed form
  • Print and mail the completed form to: Harold and Alice Bridges Charity, Vincents Solicitors, 21-23 Park Street, Lytham, Lancashire, FY8 5LU
  • Keep a photocopy of your application for your records
  • Applicants should preferably be registered charities with a Charity Commission number

Decision Timeline

  • Application deadlines: 15th January, 15th May, and 15th September
  • Review process: Trustees meet three times per year to consider batches of applications received by each deadline
  • Notification: Successful organizations are sent a cheque directly
  • Confirmation required: Recipients must confirm safe receipt and that the grant will be used for the purpose outlined in the application
  • Specific timelines from submission to decision are not publicly disclosed, but applicants can expect a response after the next trustees' meeting following their application deadline

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The charity distributed approximately £160,450 in grants during the 2024 financial year.

Reapplication Policy

The charity does not publish a specific reapplication policy. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the charity directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's stated priorities and grant criteria, successful applications demonstrate:

Strong Local Connection: The charity explicitly favors projects in “the area north of the River Ribble, eastwards towards the Blackburn area and into South Lakes.” Clearly demonstrate your organization's location and community reach within this target geography.

Self-Help and Community Support: The charity's grant criteria state they “prefer projects demonstrating self help and local support.” Show evidence of volunteer involvement, community fundraising efforts, and local engagement in your project.

Capital Focus: The charity explicitly funds capital improvements (like building re-roofing) but not running expenses (like regular cleaning). Frame your project as a one-time capital investment rather than ongoing operational costs.

Clear Community Benefit: Projects supporting the elderly, children, and young people appear to align well with the charity's historical interests. Articulate how your project will benefit these groups within your local community.

Registered Charity Status: While not mandatory, the charity's application guidance states applicants should “preferably” be a registered charity with a Charity Commission number. Having this registration strengthens your application.

Straightforward Presentation: The charity emphasizes that “the Application Form has been designed to be straightforward” and asks applicants not to include additional attachments. Follow instructions precisely and present your case clearly within the constraints of the application form.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic fit is critical: Ensure your organization is located in Lancashire or South Cumbria, particularly north of the River Ribble, Blackburn area, or South Lakes
  • Capital projects only: Frame your funding request as a one-time capital improvement, not ongoing running costs
  • Demonstrate community mobilization: Show evidence of self-help, volunteer involvement, and local fundraising to match the charity's preference for community-supported projects
  • Keep it simple: Use only the official application form with no additional attachments; the charity values straightforward applications
  • Plan for three annual deadlines: Submit by 15th January, 15th May, or 15th September to align with trustee meeting schedules
  • Village halls are a sweet spot: The charity has a particular focus on supporting village halls and community buildings
  • Smaller grants, more organizations: In recent years the charity has shifted toward smaller grants distributed to more organizations, so adjust expectations accordingly (likely £500-£5,000 range)

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