The Hawks And Ospreys Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £30,000+
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Awards announced before end of Easter Term
• Grant Range: £100 - £1,000
• Geographic Focus: Cambridge University students only

Contact Details

• Website: www.hawksclub.co.uk
• Phone: 01223314666
• Email: administrator@hawksclub.co.uk
• Address: Hawks Club, 18 Portugal Place, Cambridge, CB5 8AF

Overview

The Hawks and Ospreys Charitable Trust, established in 1996 and registered as a CIO in May 2022 (Charity Number: 1198947), is the single largest charity dedicated to supporting sport at Cambridge University. With an investment portfolio of approximately £1 million managed by Sarasin & Partners and Newton Investment Management, the Trust distributes over £30,000 annually to Cambridge University students whose sporting activities are inhibited by financial constraints. The Trust has supported over 430 sports men and women across 40 different sports and 31 colleges in recent years, with 60% of recipients being male and 40% female.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Individual Sport Bursaries: £100 - £1,000 per student
• Application window: 25th February - 31st March annually
• Interim awards available for high-level competitors during Michaelmas Term

• University of Cambridge Athlete Performance Programme (UCAPP) Support: Amount varies
• Additional support for outstanding athletes
• Team and individual performance improvement proposals considered

Priority Areas

• Cambridge University students participating in Blue or Half-Blue sports
• Students with demonstrated financial need
• International and national level competitors
• Students balancing academic excellence with sporting achievement
• Over 40 different sports supported across all Cambridge colleges

What They Don't Fund

• Non-Cambridge University students
• Sports without Cambridge Blues or Half-Blues status
• Applications without adequate demonstration of financial need
• Applications lacking support from Tutor or Senior Member

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust operates with 11 trustees, all serving without remuneration. Key leadership includes academics and administrators from Cambridge University who oversee the strategic direction and grant distribution.

Matthew Bullock, Chairman of the Trust, stated: "The Trustees are delighted to have made almost £30,000 of Awards this year and, as ever, the decision-making process was difficult because of the high calibre of so many applications. The Trust is determined to raise even more money in the future so we can extend and expand the good work the Hawks' Club Charitable Trust does even further."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Applications submitted via Google Forms on the Hawks Club website
• Application window: 25th February - 31st March annually
• Requires endorsement from University Tutor and Senior Treasurer/Member
• Optional 400-word cover letter explaining suitability
• Interim awards possible for Michaelmas Term competitors at national/international level

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed by Trustees using ranking process
• Awards announced before end of Easter Term
• Interim award decisions made during Michaelmas Term for eligible high-level competitors
• Verification may be sought from University Sports Department or National Governing Bodies

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. In recent years, the Trust has supported 430 recipients with £91,500 in total grants, with 145 sportsmen and women receiving £29,250 in a typical year.

Reapplication Policy

Students may reapply annually while enrolled at Cambridge University. Previous recipients are eligible to apply again if they continue to meet eligibility criteria.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's evaluation criteria and trustee guidance:

• Strong tutor support is crucial - Applications with comprehensive tutor endorsements receive the most weight
• Demonstrate clear financial need - Financial circumstances must be adequately established and verified
• Show sporting excellence - Priority given to international and national level competitors, followed by Full Blue and Half Blue recipients
• Academic achievement matters - 95% of undergraduate recipients achieve 2:1 or better
• Include specific cash requirements - Particularly for interim awards, demonstrate specific competition-related expenses
• Excellence in extra-curricular activities weighs positively in applications

The Trust uses a ranking system prioritizing:

1. International representation
2. National representation
3. Full Blue status
4. Half Blue or Second Team Colours
5. No university colors (lowest priority)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Applications must be from current Cambridge University students only - no external applications accepted
• Maximum grant is £1,000 per student - budget requests accordingly
• Tutor endorsement is essential - secure strong support before applying
• Financial need must be clearly demonstrated with supporting documentation
• Apply during the main window (25 Feb - 31 March) unless competing at national/international level
• Gender-neutral evaluation - awards based solely on merit and need
• Consider applying for interim awards if competing at highest levels during Michaelmas Term

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent
• The Lytham Schools Foundation
• Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
• The Ewelme Exhibition Foundation
• WISPERS TRUST LIMITED
• The Leander Trust
• Henley Educational Trust
• Mountsorrel Educational Fund
• Sports Aid Eastern
• James Marshall Foundation CIO

References

• The Hawks and Ospreys Charitable Trust Official Website: www.hawksclub.co.uk/trust/
• Charity Commission Register Entry for THE HAWKS AND OSPREYS CHARITABLE TRUST (1198947): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5197164/
• “About The Trust” - Hawks' Club: https://www.hawksclub.co.uk/trust/about-the-trust/
• “Application for an Award” - Hawks' Club: https://www.hawksclub.co.uk/trust/application-for-an-award/
• Cambridge University Sport Department: "Hawks' and Ospreys Charitable Trust Award Application": https://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/news/hawks-and-ospreys-charitable-trust-award-application-0
• Support Cambridge - “The Hawks and Ospreys: sporting excellence since 1872”: https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/give-to-cambridge/the-hawks-and-ospreys-sporting-excellence-since-1872