The Hawks and Ospreys Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 1198947

Annual Expenditure: £0.0M

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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

Overview

The Hawks and Ospreys Charitable Trust, established in 1996 and registered as a CIO in 2022 (Charity Number: 1198947), is the single largest charity dedicated to supporting sport at Cambridge University. With an investment portfolio of just under £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. Over the last three years, the Trust has supported over 430 sports men and women across 40 different sports and 31 colleges, with 60% of recipients being male and 40% female.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

  • Individual Sport Bursaries: £100 - £1,000 per student
  • Application window: typically late February through end of March
  • 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 trustees serving without remuneration. The current Chairman is Ian Hodgson (Downing, CUCC, CULTC, CUSRC), who took over the role in 2024. Leadership includes academics and administrators from Cambridge University who oversee the strategic direction and grant distribution.

How to Apply to The Hawks And Ospreys Charitable Trust

How to Apply

  • Applications submitted via Google Forms on the Hawks Club website
  • Application window: typically late February through end of March
  • 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. Over the last three years, the Trust supported 430 recipients with £91,500 in total grants, averaging approximately 145 sportsmen and women receiving around £29,250 annually.

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
  • 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 prioritising:

  1. International representation
  2. National representation
  3. Full Blue status
  4. Half Blue or Second Team Colours
  5. No university colours (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 application window (typically late February through end of 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

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