The Harpenden Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £449,568 (2024 total expenditure)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £15,000 (Community Fund)
• Geographic Focus: AL5 postal district (Harpenden area)

Contact Details

• Website: www.theharpendentrust.org.uk
• Phone: 01582 460457
• Email: admin@theharpendentrust.org.uk
• Community Fund Applications: colin.brooker@theharpendentrust.org.uk
• Address: The Trust Centre, 90 Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PS

Overview

Founded in 1948, The Harpenden Trust has been supporting the AL5 community for over 75 years with the philosophy of “the better-off helping the less well-off.” With total income of £358,854 (2024), the Trust operates through two main funds: the Care Fund for individuals and families in need, and the Community Fund for organizational grants. The Trust received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2008, marking its 60th anniversary. Since 2008, the Community Fund alone has distributed approximately £1.1 million through over 230 grants to local organizations. The Trust is entirely volunteer-run with 13 trustees and 500 volunteers.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Fund: £1,000 - £15,000 for specific projects (quarterly deadlines)

• Capital improvements and equipment
• Educational resources and facilities
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Community infrastructure projects

Care Fund: Up to £200 per person (ongoing basis)

• Emergency support for individuals
• Utility payment assistance
• School trip funding
• Essential household items

Priority Areas

• Education and school facilities improvements
• Mental health and wellbeing services
• Community halls and recreational spaces
• Support for vulnerable groups (elderly, disabled, youth)
• Local charity infrastructure
• Amateur sports equipment and resources

What They Don't Fund

• Regular expenses or operational costs
• Staff salaries
• Organizational deficits
• General running costs

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is led by a Board of Directors including:

• Richard Nichols - Chair, Chair of External Affairs Committee
• Nick Luckett - Chair of Care Fund
• Steve Pryor - Chair of Community Fund
• Pat Ring BEM - People Director
• Andrew Lynes - Finance Director
• Sarah Holmes - Head of Wellbeing

All trustees operate on an entirely voluntary basis with no remuneration.

How to Apply to The Harpenden Trust

How to Apply

• Download grant application form from website or request via email
• Submit completed form to colin.brooker@theharpendentrust.org.uk
• Applications can also be collected from Trust Centre office

Decision Timeline

• Committee meets quarterly: March, June, September, December
• Applications must be submitted by first Friday of the month prior to meeting
• Late submissions automatically held for next quarter
• Decision notification typically within 2 weeks of meeting

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. However, the Trust has made over 230 grants since 2008, demonstrating consistent support for local initiatives.

Reapplication Policy

No specified restrictions on reapplications, though the Trust favors new projects over repeat funding for ongoing expenses.

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant awards and Trust priorities:

• Focus on specific, one-off projects rather than ongoing support
• Demonstrate clear community benefit within the AL5 area
• Show how project will “develop, improve or enhance” existing work
• Include detailed budget breakdown for capital items or improvements
• Align with Trust's history of funding: Recent grants include £15,000 for library facilities, £14,800 for community hall repairs, £10,000 for play equipment
• Consider partnership opportunities - Trust has supported collaborative projects like Stormbreak mental health initiative across 8 schools
• Submit applications early - avoid last-minute submissions to prevent automatic deferral

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Community Fund specifically financed by Abbeyfield Endowment income, separate from Christmas Appeal funds
• Grant amounts flexible based on project need - range from £1,000 to £15,000 recently awarded
• Strong preference for tangible, project-based improvements over operational support
• Quarterly decision cycle requires planning - applications due month before committee meetings
• Wide sectoral support including schools, sports clubs, community halls, health services
• Entirely volunteer-run organization values clear, concise applications demonstrating local impact
• Track record of supporting both small grassroots initiatives and larger infrastructure projects

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Shanly Foundation
• Hitchin Youth Trust
• Provincial Grand Charity Of Northamptonshire And Huntingdonshire
• James Marshall Foundation Cio
• Colchester Catalyst Charity
• Rand's Educational Foundation
• The Connolly Foundation (uk) Limited
• St Giles-in-the-fields And William Shelton Educational Charity
• The Stevenage Community Trust
• The Geoffrey Watling Charity

References

• The Harpenden Trust official website (www.theharpendentrust.org.uk) - Community Fund page
• The Harpenden Trust Annual Report 2023: Report of the Directors (Extracts) -
• Groups supported by the Harpenden Trust Community Fund (www.theharpendentrust.org.uk/need-support/community-fund/community-fund-donations) -
• Charity Commission Register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) - THE HARPENDEN TRUST - 1118870
• The Harpenden Trust Leadership Team (www.theharpendentrust.org.uk/our-team) -
• History of the Harpenden Trust (www.theharpendentrust.org.uk/about-us) -