The Harry Bottom Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £352,404 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings
• Grant Range: Not specified (example: £3,000 to HARC Sheffield)
• Geographic Focus: Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and North East Derbyshire

Contact Details

Email: harrybottomtrust@lishmansllp.com

Phone: 0114 246 5348

Address: Lishmans LLP, 16-18 Station Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield, S35 2XH

Website: https://www.theharrybottomtrust.co.uk/

Overview

The Harry Bottom Charitable Trust was founded on 7 October 1960 by Harry Bottom, a Sheffield businessman involved in the coal and furnishings industries. Upon his death in 1973 at the age of 83, Harry bequeathed his entire residual estate to the trust, building upon his personal charitable donations during his lifetime. With annual grant expenditure of £352,404 (2024), the trust supports charitable organisations across Sheffield and surrounding South Yorkshire areas. The trust focuses on medical, religious, educational institutions and other organisations that demonstrate significant community enhancement. The trust maintains ongoing commitments including annual contributions to the University of Sheffield for student medical research scholarships and regular support to the Yorkshire Baptist Association.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

• Advancement of Christian Faith: Supporting churches and religious organisations
• Relief of the Aged, Sick, or Poor: Healthcare and welfare organisations
• Advancement of Education: Educational institutions and student scholarships (including annual University of Sheffield scholarships)
• Relief of Persons with Chronic Diseases: Healthcare support and medical research
• Research into Chronic Diseases: Medical research into causes and cures
• Other Charitable Purposes: At trustees' discretion, particularly those demonstrating significant community enhancement

Eligible Costs

• Equipment costs
• Running and project costs
• Occasional structural works (on a case-by-case basis)
• Exceptional cases may include employment costs

What They Don't Fund

• Applications from national organisations unless they can clearly demonstrate the support will take place in Sheffield and directly benefit Sheffield's people
• Applications from or on behalf of individuals (normally declined)
• Organisations with high cash reserves (usually declined)
• General salary costs (except in exceptional cases)
• Structural works (as a general rule, though exceptions considered)

Ready to write a winning application for The Harry Bottom Charitable Trust?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by five trustees who meet quarterly to uphold the values of founder Harry Bottom by supporting local organisations which benefit the people of Sheffield and surrounding areas. The trustees assess applications based on the organisation's financial position, cash reserves, and demonstration of community benefit. One or more trustees receive payments or benefits from the charity. The trust is administered by Lishmans LLP, a professional firm based in Sheffield.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted by:

• Email: harrybottomtrust@lishmansllp.com
• Post: Lishmans LLP, 16-18 Station Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield, S35 2XH

Required Documentation:

• Charity or company registration numbers
• Full organisational details
• Specific funding amount requested
• Detailed cost breakdown
• Supporting financial information showing current financial position (mandatory):
• Year-end accounts
• Statement of profit & loss reports
• Financial position reports

Application Method: Rolling basis with quarterly review

Decision Timeline

The trustees meet on a quarterly basis to review applications. This means decisions are typically made within three months of submission, depending on when your application is received relative to the quarterly meeting schedule.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not explicitly stated. Contact the trust directly for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Financial Position is Critical: The trustees place significant emphasis on the organisation's cash position and reserves. Organisations with high cash reserves are usually declined. Ensure your financial documentation clearly demonstrates financial need and responsible financial management.

Demonstrate Direct Sheffield Benefit: If you are a national organisation or working beyond Sheffield's immediate boundaries, you must clearly demonstrate how the support will take place in Sheffield and directly benefit Sheffield's people. Be specific and provide evidence of local impact.

Community Enhancement Focus: The trust encourages “applications which demonstrate significant community enhancement.” Frame your project in terms of tangible community benefit for people in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, or North East Derbyshire.

Align with Founder's Values: The trustees explicitly seek to “uphold the values of the founder.” Understanding Harry Bottom's legacy as a Sheffield businessman who dedicated his estate to charitable causes may help you position your application appropriately.

Be Specific About Costs: The trust is clear about what costs they will fund (equipment, running costs, projects) versus what they typically exclude (structural works, salaries). Ensure your budget breakdown aligns with their funding parameters.

Recent Example: HARC Sheffield received £3,000 in December 2023, demonstrating the trust's support for local healthcare and community organisations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local focus is paramount: Your organisation must serve Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, or North East Derbyshire. National organisations face higher scrutiny and must prove direct local benefit.
• Financial health matters: High cash reserves will likely result in rejection. Be transparent about financial need while demonstrating sound financial management.
• Quarterly decision cycle: Plan your cash flow accordingly - decisions are made every three months at trustee meetings.
• Complete financial documentation is mandatory: Year-end accounts and detailed financial reports are required, not optional.
• Community enhancement is the key criterion: Frame your application around tangible community benefit and enhancement for local people.
• Equipment and project costs are favoured: Structure your budget around equipment, running costs, and project expenses rather than salaries or structural work.
• Diverse funding priorities: The trust supports a wide range of causes from healthcare to education to religion, offering opportunities for varied organisations.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Church Burgesses Trust
• Church Burgesses Educational Foundation
• The J G Graves Charitable Trust
• South Yorkshire Community Foundation Limited
• Marjorie Coote Old Peoples Charity Fund
• Sheffield Grammar School Exhibition Foundation
• The Bingham Trust
• Derbyshire Community Foundation
• The Combined Cutlers Company Charitable Trust
• West Riding Masonic Charities Limited

References

• The Harry Bottom Charitable Trust official website: https://www.theharrybottomtrust.co.uk/
• Charity Commission Register of Charities, Charity Number 204675: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=204675&subid=0
• HARC Sheffield announcement: “Thank you to the Harry Bottom Trust”: https://www.harcsheffield.org.uk/post/thank-you-to-the-harry-bottom-trust
• Grants Online Local Sheffield directory: https://portal.grantsonlinelocal.uk/viewgrant,4,3049,,,,