The Harris Charity
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £138,112 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: 3-6 months
- Grant Range: Individual grants typically under £5,000
- Geographic Focus: Lancashire, with priority for Preston District
Contact Details
- Website: www.theharrischarity.co.uk
- Phone: 01772 821021
- Email: harrischarity@mha.co.uk
- Secretary: Mr David Ingram
- Office: c/o MHA, Richard House, 9 Winckley Square, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3HP
Overview
Established in 1985 from the sale of the historic Harris Orphanage premises, The Harris Charity has invested over £2.5 million in supporting young people across Lancashire over its 39-year history. With current invested funds of over £4 million and annual expenditure of approximately £138,000, the charity focuses exclusively on helping individuals under 25 years old, with special priority given to those living in the Preston District. The charity operates with a board of 11 trustees who meet four times yearly to consider grant applications, maintaining a legacy that dates back to the original Harris Orphanage Charity founded in 1883.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Individual Grants: Up to £5,000 for equipment, tools, books, and training
- Organization Grants: Support for charities working with under-25s
- Application schedule: Twice yearly with fixed deadlines
Priority Areas
- Relief of need, hardship, or distress among young people
- Promotion of education including social and physical training
- Professional preparation including outfits, clothing, tools, and equipment
- Support for apprenticeships
- Recreation and leisure facilities for social welfare
- Musical instruments and equipment for young musicians
What They Don't Fund
- Course fees
- Living expenses
- Salary costs
- General grants for overseas travel
- Rates, taxes, or other public funds
- Expenses incurred before grant approval
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Governance and Leadership
The charity is governed by 11 trustees who receive no remuneration or benefits. Key personnel include Mr David Ingram as Secretary, succeeding Peter Metcalf MBE FCA DChA who served as Secretary from 1979 to 2013. The trustees meet four times annually to review grant applications and make funding decisions based on their wide powers of discretion to relieve need and promote community wellbeing.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online through the charity's website or by downloading forms for postal submission. Both individual applicants and charitable organizations are eligible. Individual applicants may need to provide supporting references from responsible referees such as faith leaders, employers, or other authorities approved by the trustees. Organizations must provide their Charity Commission registration number and prove beneficiaries' residence within the eligible area.
Decision Timeline
- Application Deadlines: 31st March and 30th September each year
- Notification: July for March applications, January for September applications
- Processing Time: Approximately 3-6 months from submission to decision
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
The charity has not published specific restrictions on reapplications. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the Secretary for guidance on future applications.
Application Success Factors
Based on the charity's guidelines and funding history, successful applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear evidence of financial need or deprivation
- Direct benefit to young people under 25 in Lancashire
- Specific, practical requests for equipment or training rather than general support
- Strong supporting references for individual applicants
- For organizations: Clear proof that beneficiaries reside in Lancashire
- Requests that align with promoting education, training, or alleviating hardship
- Applications submitted well before the deadline with complete financial information
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Geographic priority matters: Preston District applicants receive special consideration despite Lancashire-wide eligibility
- Age limit is strict: All beneficiaries must be under 25 years old
- Timing is critical: Only two application windows per year with fixed deadlines
- Focus on practical needs: Grants for specific items (tools, equipment, books) more likely than general support
- Organizations must prove local impact: Charities need to demonstrate beneficiaries live within Lancashire boundaries
- No retrospective funding: Never incur expenses before grant approval
- Professional services support: Administrative support provided by MHA Moore and Smalley demonstrates professional management
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References
- The Harris Charity Official Website (www.theharrischarity.co.uk) -
- Application Guidelines - The Harris Charity (www.theharrischarity.co.uk/apply/application-guidelines/) -
- About the Fund - The Harris Charity (www.theharrischarity.co.uk/the-harris-charity/about-the-fund/) -
- Charity Commission Register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) - Charity Number 526206 -
- Giving is Great Charity Database - THE HARRIS CHARITY Factsheet -