The Harry & Mary Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £582,890 (2024-2025)
• Total Distributed: £3.5+ million since inception
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: New grants typically £2,000-£3,000, with larger grants possible for established partners
• Geographic Focus: City of Bradford and West Yorkshire

Contact Details

Address: Suite 9a Mercury Quays, Ashley Lane, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 7DB

Email: hmfoundation9@gmail.com

Charity Number: 1148707

Legal Structure: Private Limited Company by guarantee

Overview

The Harry & Mary Foundation was established by the late Harry and Mary Clough, who lived and worked in Bradford all their lives and were well known in the city's business community. The Foundation has become a significant supporter of local charities in the Bradford district and wider West Yorkshire area, having distributed more than £3.5 million to a wide variety of charitable organisations. In the 2024-2025 financial year, the Foundation distributed £582,890 through 38 grants to 36 organisations. The Foundation focuses on addressing the needs of Bradford's large youthful population and ongoing health issues, building long-term relationships with beneficiary organisations rather than making one-off grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates across three main charitable purposes:

1. Education Programme: Supporting the education and well-being of young people under the age of 25 in the City of Bradford.

2. Health Programme: The relief of sickness and promotion of good health among people residing permanently or temporarily in the County of West Yorkshire.

3. Poverty Relief: The prevention and relief of poverty within West Yorkshire and the City of Bradford.

Recent Grant Activity

In 2024-2025, the Foundation made:

• 38 grants
• To 36 different organisations
• Totalling £582,890
• Average grant size: approximately £15,000

Notable Recent Funding

• Bradford Hospitals Charity: £1 million pledge announced for the Home From Home building at the Neonatal Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary
• Bradford 2025 City of Culture: Funding for 10 Young Creatives as part of Bradford's City of Culture programme

Priority Areas

The Foundation actively funds:

• Youth projects and education initiatives for under 25s
• Community groups and organisations
• Poverty relief initiatives
• Medical equipment and facilities
• Healthcare services
• Arts and culture projects (particularly linked to Bradford 2025 City of Culture)

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but the Foundation's charitable objects limit funding to:

• Organisations operating within West Yorkshire (particularly Bradford)
• Projects aligned with education (under 25s), health, or poverty relief themes
• Applications from outside West Yorkshire would likely fall outside their remit

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The Foundation operates with trustees who oversee the charity's activities. Specific trustee names are not publicly listed on the Foundation's website.

Governance Structure

• The charity operates as a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital
• Company Number: 07442649

How to Apply to The Harry & Mary Foundation

How to Apply

The Foundation accepts applications by:

1. Post: Send concise applications to:

The Trustees

The Harry & Mary Foundation

Suite 9a Mercury Quays

Ashley Lane

Shipley

BD17 7DB

1. Email: hmfoundation9@gmail.com

Important Notes:

• For individual donations, September is a good time to apply
• The Foundation receives a high volume of applications and is not able to respond to everyone, though all are carefully considered
• New grants are typically limited to relatively modest amounts, typically between £2,000 and £3,000

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not published. In 2024-2025, the Foundation made 38 grants to 36 organisations.

Reapplication Policy

No public information available regarding reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Approach

Based on the Foundation's funding history, successful applications likely demonstrate:

1. Local Connection: Strong Bradford or West Yorkshire presence is essential. The Foundation was born from the founders' passion for Bradford and its citizens.

1. Focus on Target Demographics: The Foundation specifically addresses Bradford's “large youthful population and ongoing health issues” - the city has 25% of its population under 18 years of age.

1. Alignment with Purpose: Projects must clearly align with one of the three charitable purposes: education (under 25s), health, or poverty relief.

1. Understanding of Bradford: Bradford is the youngest city in the UK with a third of inhabitants from ethnic minorities and 160 different languages spoken by school-age children.

1. Realistic Funding Requests: New grants are typically between £2,000 and £3,000, though larger amounts may be available for established partners.

Funding Patterns

• The Foundation made 38 grants to 36 organisations in 2024-2025, distributing £582,890
• Average grant approximately £15,000, though new grants typically £2,000-£3,000
• The Foundation values building long-term relationships with charities
• Major commitments possible for significant projects (e.g., £1 million to Bradford Hospitals Charity)

Geographic Context

The Foundation primarily focuses on the City of Bradford but will also consider applications from charities outside of the City offering services which are not available within it. The Foundation recognises Bradford's diversity, from densely populated urban areas to stunning countryside including Ilkley Moor and the moors above Haworth.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Geographic Focus is Critical: This is a Bradford-first, West Yorkshire-focused funder. Strong local connections and impact on Bradford residents are essential.

1. Start Small: New grants are typically limited to £2,000-£3,000. Build the relationship first before seeking larger funding.

1. September Timing: For individual donations, September is specifically mentioned as a good time to apply.

1. No Response Doesn't Mean No: The Foundation states they cannot respond to everyone due to high volume, but all applications are carefully considered.

1. Keep Applications Concise: The Foundation specifically requests “concise applications.”

1. Youth and Health Focus: With Bradford being the UK's youngest city and having ongoing health challenges, projects addressing these areas align well with Foundation priorities.

1. Cultural Projects Welcome: With Bradford's City of Culture 2025 status, arts and cultural projects have received support.

1. Services Not Available in Bradford: The Foundation will consider applications from outside Bradford if the services aren't available within the city.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Keith Howard Foundation
• Bradford District Community Foundation
• The Brelms Trust Cio
• The Ken And Edna Morrison Charitable Trust
• Bearder Charity
• West Riding Masonic Charities Limited
• The Dashlight Foundation
• Park Lane Foundation
• Community Foundation For Leeds
• Hays Travel Foundation

References

1. The Harry & Mary Foundation official website - https://theharryandmaryfoundation.org/
2. The Harry & Mary Foundation About Us page - https://theharryandmaryfoundation.org/about-us.html
3. The Harry & Mary Foundation Beneficiaries page - https://theharryandmaryfoundation.org/beneficiaries.html
4. The Harry & Mary Foundation Contact Us page - https://theharryandmaryfoundation.org/contact-us.html
5. UK Charity Commission Register - THE HARRY & MARY FOUNDATION, Charity Number 1148707 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1148707&subid=0