The Hinchingbrooke Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £309,000 (total income, year ending March 2025)
• Bursary Fund: £35,000 per year available for individual grants
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed 3 times per year (January, April/May, October)
• Grant Range: £50 - £500 (typically, sometimes more)
• Geographic Focus: Huntingdon area only
• Charity Number: 1188401

Contact Details

Website: www.hinchingbrookefoundation.org.uk

Email: hinchbkfoundation@gmail.com

Phone: 01480 375700

Address: Hinchingbrooke Foundation, c/o Hinchingbrooke School, Brampton Road, Huntingdon PE29 3BN

Overview

The Hinchingbrooke Foundation is an educational charity with deep historical roots, dating back to the founding of Huntingdon Grammar School in 1565. The Foundation owns school buildings and farmland, maintaining a large investment portfolio that generates annual income for supporting education in the Huntingdon area. With total income of £309,000 (year ending March 2025), the Foundation operates two distinct funding streams: individual bursaries for young people under 25 who have attended local schools for at least two years, and community grants for voluntary organizations working with young people. The Foundation primarily supports pupils at Hinchingbrooke School, St Peter's School, and Huntingdon Regional College with special benefits and hardship funding. The charity also supports almshouses in Huntingdon, reflecting its long-standing commitment to the local community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Bursaries

• Amount: £50 - £500 (typically, sometimes more)
• Annual Fund: £35,000 available per year (approximately 25% of Foundation income)
• Eligibility: Young people under 25 who have attended secondary schools in Huntingdon for at least two years
• Purpose: Educational costs, hardship support, special benefits
• Application Method: Application form available on website; applications reviewed three times per year (January, April/May, October)
• Note: Grants typically cover only part of requested costs

Community Grants

• Recipients: Local voluntary and youth organizations working with young people under 25
• Geographic Focus: Huntingdon area
• Application Method: Contact foundation for details

Institutional Support

• The majority of Foundation income provides special benefits and hardship bursary funds for pupils at Hinchingbrooke School, St Peter's School, and Huntingdon Regional College

Priority Areas

• Educational support for young people in the Huntingdon area
• Hardship and financial assistance for students and former students up to age 25
• Community organizations serving young people under 25
• Special benefits for pupils at local schools and colleges
• Almshouses in Huntingdon

What They Don't Fund

• Applicants who have not attended secondary schools in Huntingdon for at least two years
• Young people over age 25
• Organizations working outside the Huntingdon area
• Organizations not working with young people

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by 10 trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. One trustee is appointed to the local governing committee of Hinchingbrooke School, maintaining the Foundation's ongoing connection to the school.

The charity has no employees with total benefits over £60,000 and operates without trading subsidiaries. For a complete list of current trustees, the public can consult the Charity Commission website using charity number 1188401.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Individual Bursary Applications:

1. Submit the completed application before the Bursary Committee meeting dates

Community Grant Applications:

Contact the Foundation directly via email (hinchbkfoundation@gmail.com) or phone (01480 375700) for application procedures.

Decision Timeline

The Bursary Committee meets three times per year:

• January
• April/May
• October

Applicants should submit applications in advance of these meeting dates. The specific decision timeframe after submission is not publicly specified, but decisions are made during these quarterly reviews.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The Foundation distributes approximately £35,000 annually in individual bursaries from a total income of £309,000.

Reapplication Policy

The Bursary Committee's decisions are described as “final and non-negotiable.” Specific information about unsuccessful applicants reapplying in subsequent rounds is not publicly available. Prospective applicants should contact the Foundation directly to clarify reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

While the Foundation does not publish detailed guidance on what makes applications successful, the following factors are important based on their stated requirements:

Essential Elements:

• Clear demonstration of need: Applicants must explain why they need a grant and provide information about family circumstances
• Educational connection: Must have attended secondary schools in Huntingdon for at least two years
• Age eligibility: Must be under 25 years old
• Realistic expectations: Understand that grants typically range from £50-£500 and “will generally only meet a part of any costs being sought”

Documentation:

• Complete the application form fully
• Follow the Guidance Notes provided
• Provide all requested information about family circumstances
• Clearly articulate educational costs requiring support

Important Notes:

• Decisions are “final and non-negotiable” - there is no appeals process mentioned
• Approximately 25% of the Foundation's income (£35,000) is reserved for individual bursaries, with the majority supporting institutional programs at local schools
• Applications are considered only during the three annual committee meetings

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only applicants connected to Huntingdon qualify - no exceptions
• Young people focus: All funding is restricted to those under 25 or organizations serving this age group
• Timing is critical: Plan applications around the three annual committee meetings (January, April/May, October)
• Partial funding model: Set realistic expectations - grants typically cover only part of costs, ranging from £50-£500
• Two-year school attendance required: Individual applicants must have attended Huntingdon secondary schools for at least two years
• Strong local roots: Founded in 1565, the Foundation has deep historical ties to local education and maintains this geographic focus
• No appeals process: Committee decisions are final and non-negotiable, so ensure applications are complete and compelling on first submission

References

1. The Hinchingbrooke Foundation website - www.hinchingbrookefoundation.org.uk
2. The Hinchingbrooke Foundation - Bursary Grants page - www.hinchingbrookefoundation.org.uk/bursary-grants.html
3. UK Charity Commission - The Hinchingbrooke Foundation (Charity 1188401) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1188401
4. Hinchingbrooke School - Foundation of Hinchingbrooke School - www.hinchingbrookeschool.net/page/?pid=546
5. Hinchingbrooke School - Bursaries & Grants (Applications & Guidance) - www.hinchingbrookeschool.net/page/?pid=921