The Ken Wrigley Memorial Charity

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1071210
• Annual Income: £58,735 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £100,746 (2024)
• Grant Focus: Capital projects for charitable organisations and individuals
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Kinver, Staffordshire (including Kinver, Stourton, and Iverley)
• Established: 26 August 1998

Contact Details

Address: C/o Higgs & Sons, 3 Waterfront Business Park, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1LX

Telephone: 0345 111 5050

Email: charity.administration@higgsllp.co.uk

Secretary to the Trustees: Kirsty McEwen

Overview

The Ken Wrigley Memorial Charity was established in 1998 as a trust fund to support charitable purposes within the Parish of Kinver in Staffordshire. With annual expenditure of approximately £100,000, the charity operates at the discretion of its three trustees, making grants to both charitable organisations and individuals living in the Kinver area. The charity is professionally administered by Higgs LLP, a law firm specialising in charity and not-for-profit work. Recent grants have supported significant community infrastructure projects, including contributing to a £95,000 bridge project over the River Stour in Kinver in 2025. The charity's focus on capital projects rather than running costs reflects its commitment to creating lasting improvements for the local community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates a single discretionary grant programme with decisions made by the trustees. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

For Charitable Organisations:

• Capital project costs
• Community infrastructure improvements
• Equipment and facilities

For Individuals:

• Books and course materials for education
• Support for charitable purposes (excluding tuition fees and living expenses)

Priority Areas

• Capital projects that benefit the Parish of Kinver
• Community infrastructure and facilities
• Educational support (materials and resources)
• Projects benefiting residents of Kinver, Stourton, and Iverley
• Charitable organisations and not-for-profit groups serving the local area

What They Don't Fund

For Organisations:

• Administration costs
• Running costs or operational expenses
• Organisations that are not legally charitable

For Individuals:

• University or college tuition fees
• Living expenses such as rent
• Individuals not resident in the Parish of Kinver

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by three trustees who serve without remuneration or benefits. Trustee decisions are made at the discretion of the board based on the charitable purposes outlined in the trust deed.

Administration: The charity is professionally administered by Higgs LLP, a West Midlands-based law firm with expertise in charity and not-for-profit sector work.

Secretary to the Trustees: Kirsty McEwen manages the day-to-day administration and serves as the primary point of contact for applicants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Ken Wrigley Memorial Charity does not operate a formal online application portal or fixed deadline system. Instead, applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Application Method:

• Contact the Secretary to the Trustees by email or telephone to discuss your project
• Email: charity.administration@higgsllp.co.uk
• Telephone: 0345 111 5050

Pre-Application Guidance:

Applicants are encouraged to request detailed information about “grant funding priorities and restrictions” from the Secretary before submitting a full application. This helps ensure your project aligns with the charity's current priorities and eligibility criteria.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified, as applications are reviewed at the discretion of the trustees. The charity operates with professional administration through Higgs LLP, which suggests timely processing of applications, but specific timeframes will vary depending on trustee meeting schedules and the complexity of the application.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available. With annual expenditure of approximately £100,746 and income of £58,735 in 2024, the charity distributes all its available income and draws on reserves to support local projects.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated. Given the charity's focus on capital projects and the small geographic area it serves, applicants should discuss the timing and appropriateness of repeat applications with the Secretary to the Trustees.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Paramount

The charity has a strict geographic focus on the Parish of Kinver, which includes Kinver, Stourton, and Iverley in Staffordshire. Ensure your organisation operates within this area or your project directly benefits residents of these communities.

Focus on Capital Projects

The charity explicitly states that “grant funding is not available to meet administration and running costs, but is available towards capital project costs.” Successful applications should focus on tangible, lasting improvements such as:

• Infrastructure projects (the charity contributed to a £95,000 bridge over the River Stour)
• Equipment purchases
• Facility improvements
• Physical resources that will serve the community long-term

Charitable Status Matters

The charity clearly states: "The Trustees do not fund organisations which are not 'charitable' (within the meaning of the law)." Ensure your organisation meets the legal definition of charitable status in England and Wales.

Pre-Application Contact is Encouraged

The charity specifically invites applicants to “request further guidance as to grant funding priorities and restrictions from the Secretary to the Trustees by email.” Taking advantage of this opportunity demonstrates professionalism and helps tailor your application to current priorities.

Collaborative Funding is Welcome

The River Stour bridge project shows the charity is comfortable co-funding projects alongside other grant makers, including the Enovert Community Trust, DPD, and Friends of Kinver Open Spaces. Don't hesitate to apply if you're seeking partial funding as part of a broader fundraising strategy.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only projects benefiting the Parish of Kinver (Kinver, Stourton, and Iverley) will be considered
• Capital projects only for organisations: The charity explicitly excludes funding for administration and running costs
• Contact before applying: Request guidance on priorities and restrictions from the Secretary to maximize your chances of success
• Professional administration: Higgs LLP manages the charity, so expect professional, organised processes despite the lack of online forms
• Collaborative funding welcomed: Recent bridge project shows willingness to work alongside other funders on larger capital projects
• Small but active grant maker: With annual expenditure around £100,000, this is a modest but reliable local funder serving a specific community
• Trustee discretion: Decisions are made at trustee discretion, so building a relationship through initial contact is valuable

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Geoffrey Watling Charity
• Barton Under Needwood and Dunstall Key Trust
• The Harold and Alice Bridges Charity
• The Ralph and Irma Sperring Charity
• THE EVESON TRUST
• John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust
• The Grimmitt Trust
• ST ANDREW HOLBORN AND STAFFORD'S CHARITY
• THE ALAN EDWARD HIGGS CHARITY
• THE MANSFIELD BUILDING SOCIETY CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• The Charity Commission Register of Charities. (2025). THE KEN WRIGLEY MEMORIAL CHARITY - 1071210. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1071210&subid=0

• OpenCharities. (n.d.). THE KEN WRIGLEY MEMORIAL CHARITY. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from http://opencharities.org/charities/1071210

• Dudley Community Information. (n.d.). Ken Wrigley Memorial Charity. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://dudleyci.co.uk/services/ken-wrigley-memorial-charity

• Express & Star. (2025, November 10). New Bridge Over River Stour Blessed In Village Ceremony. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://www.expressandstar.com/your-world/2025/11/10/new-bridge-over-river-stour-blessed-in-village-ceremony/

• Charity Choice. (n.d.). The Ken Wrigley Memorial Charity | Local Community - Community Charities. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-ken-wrigley-memorial-charity-76187