The Hospital Of St John The Baptist (st John's Hospital Trust)

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £270,506 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £307,841 (2024)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £3,000 (higher awards possible in special circumstances)
• Geographic Focus: Borough of Bedford only
• Decision Schedule: Quarterly (last Wednesday of each quarter)
• Founded: c. 1180

Contact Details

Website: www.stjohnshospitaltrust.org

Email: clerk@stjohnshospitaltrust.org

Phone: 07342 241519

Postal Address:

Clerk to the Trust

St John's Hospital Trust

3 Saxon House End

Harrold

MK43 7FS

Overview

The Hospital of St John the Baptist, operating as St John's Hospital Trust, is one of the oldest charitable trusts in the United Kingdom, founded around 1180 by Robert de Parys in Bedford. Originally established to provide a hospital for “poor and destitute males” of Bedford Borough, the Trust was transformed by Act of Parliament in 1881 to its current form. Today, the Trust operates a dual charitable mission: distributing quarterly gratuities to retired people in financial need who have lived in Bedford for at least 15 years, and making grants to charities based in the Borough of Bedford that primarily serve local residents. The Trust generates income from commercial property rents and financial investments, which it uses to support Bedford's most vulnerable residents and strengthen the local charitable sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Organizational Grants: £1,000 - £3,000

• Standard grants range from £1,000 to £3,000
• Higher awards can be made in special circumstances
• No minimum grant amount specified
• Decisions made quarterly (last Wednesday of each quarter)
• Applications may be considered exceptionally between quarterly meetings

Individual Gratuities: Amount not publicly specified

• Quarterly gratuities to retired people in financial need
• Separate application process from organizational grants

Priority Areas

The Trust's charitable objects are:

• To relieve financial hardship by paying grants to beneficiaries who have lived in Bedford for not less than fifteen years
• For use in Bedford or for the benefit of persons who are residents of Bedford
• For all purposes that are charitable under the laws of England and Wales

Key Focus:

• Charities must be based in the Borough of Bedford
• Must primarily help people of Bedford
• Local community benefit is essential

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust's geographic restriction is clear:

• Organizations not based in Bedford Borough
• Projects that do not primarily benefit Bedford residents
• Individual applications from those who have not lived in Bedford for at least 15 years

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by trustees who serve on a voluntary basis. All trustees receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity has 7 trustees and no employees with total benefits over £60,000.

The Clerk to the Trust serves as the administrative contact point for all inquiries and applications.

Historical Context: The Trust has maintained its commitment to Bedford's poorest residents for over 840 years. The 1881 Act of Parliament established the current governance framework, requiring the establishment of trustees and regulated income distribution. The Trust's historical mission has always emphasized supporting those who became poor “by misfortune rather than by fault.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Requirements:

1. Download and complete the official application form (PDF available on website)
2. Include the organization's Annual Report and Accounts
3. Submit a one-page letter explaining application details
4. Mail completed application to the Clerk's address (postal applications only)

Key Advice from the Trust:

• Carefully read the explanatory notes before completing the application
• Ensure all required documentation is included
• Clearly articulate how the charity serves Bedford's people

Decision Timeline

Quarterly Decision Schedule:

• Decisions made on the last Wednesday of each quarter
• Applications may be exceptionally considered between quarterly meetings if circumstances warrant
• Trustees will contact applicants for clarification if needed

Quarterly Meeting Dates (last Wednesday of):

• March, June, September, December

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the Trust has a total annual expenditure of approximately £308,000, with a portion allocated to organizational grants alongside individual gratuities.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust does not specify restrictions on reapplication. Organizations can submit applications for consideration at quarterly meetings.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Requirement is Paramount: The Trust's charitable objects explicitly restrict funding to organizations based in Bedford Borough that primarily serve Bedford residents. Applications must demonstrate clear local benefit.

Financial Need Context: Given the Trust's 840-year history of supporting those in financial hardship, applications should clearly articulate the financial need or hardship that the grant would address within the Bedford community.

Community Benefit: The Trust seeks to understand how funding will benefit “people of Bedford.” Applications should specifically describe local impact and beneficiaries.

Complete Documentation: The Trust requires Annual Reports and Accounts alongside the application form. Incomplete applications may delay consideration.

Clear Communication: The requirement for a one-page letter suggests the Trust values concise, clear articulation of need and purpose. Avoid lengthy proposals.

Quarterly Planning: With decisions made quarterly, organizations should plan submission timing carefully to align with funding needs.

Bedford Connection: While the historical requirement that individual beneficiaries be “born in Bedford Borough” is no longer strictly enforced, demonstrating long-standing Bedford connections may strengthen applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strict Geographic Focus: Only Bedford Borough-based charities serving Bedford residents are eligible - this is non-negotiable
• Modest Grant Range: Plan for grants between £1,000-£3,000, though higher amounts are possible in special circumstances
• Quarterly Decision Cycle: Submit applications in time for quarterly meetings (last Wednesday of March, June, September, December)
• Simple Application Process: Paper-based application with form, accounts, and one-page letter - keep it straightforward
• Demonstrate Local Impact: Clearly show how your work benefits Bedford's residents, particularly those in financial hardship
• Long Charitable Heritage: The Trust has served Bedford for over 840 years - respect this legacy by demonstrating alignment with their mission to support the vulnerable
• Income from Investments: The Trust generates income from property and investments, suggesting financial stability and ongoing commitment to grant-making

References

• St John's Hospital Trust Official Website: https://www.stjohnshospitaltrust.org/
• St John's Hospital Trust Grant Application Page: https://www.stjohnshospitaltrust.org/grant-application
• St John's Hospital Trust History Page: https://www.stjohnshospitaltrust.org/history
• Charity Commission Register of Charities: “THE HOSPITAL OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST” (Charity Number 200176): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=200176&subid=0
• OpenCharities Profile: THE HOSPITAL OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST: http://opencharities.org/charities/200176