The Lee Charity Of William Hatcliffe

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £350,000 - £400,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle
• Grant Range: £500 - £50,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Hull and East Yorkshire

Contact Details

• Website: https://lee-hatcliffe.org.uk
• Email: clerk@lee-hatcliffe.co.uk
• Phone: 7525456746
• Registered Charity Number: 208053

Overview

The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe is a historic charitable trust established in 1658, making it one of Hull's oldest charities. With roots dating back over 360 years, the charity was founded through the will of William Hatcliffe, a prosperous Hull merchant. The charity manages significant assets including property holdings and investments, generating annual income that supports grants totaling approximately £350,000-£400,000 per year. The charity's mission focuses on supporting educational advancement, social welfare, and community development within Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, with particular emphasis on addressing disadvantage and promoting opportunity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates several grant streams:

• Education Grants: £500 - £10,000 (supporting schools, students, and educational initiatives)
• Community Projects: £1,000 - £30,000 (funding community groups and local initiatives)
• Individual Support: £500 - £5,000 (helping individuals in financial hardship)
• Capital Grants: £5,000 - £50,000 (for building improvements and equipment)

Priority Areas

• Education and training opportunities
• Relief of poverty and hardship
• Community facilities and services
• Youth development programs
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Arts, culture and heritage projects in Hull

What They Don't Fund

• Political organizations or campaigns
• Religious activities (except community benefit projects)
• Retrospective funding
• General appeals or circulars
• Projects outside Hull and East Yorkshire area
• Commercial ventures or profit-making activities

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by a board of trustees who meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions. The trustees bring expertise from various sectors including education, business, charity management, and local government. The charity employs a part-time clerk who manages the administrative aspects and serves as the first point of contact for applicants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via email to clerk@lee-hatcliffe.co.uk or by post. The charity does not have an online application portal but accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applicants should provide:

• A covering letter explaining the project and funding need
• Latest accounts (for organizations)
• Constitution or governing document (for organizations)
• Details of other funding secured or applied for
• Timeline and budget breakdown

Decision Timeline

• Applications reviewed quarterly (March, June, September, December)
• Decisions typically communicated within 2 weeks of trustee meetings
• Urgent applications may be considered between meetings at trustees' discretion

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, though the charity indicates they receive more applications than they can fund.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months, with preference given to those who can demonstrate how their project has developed or circumstances have changed.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's funding patterns and stated priorities:

• Clear demonstration of local benefit to Hull/East Yorkshire communities
• Evidence of genuine need and impact on disadvantaged groups
• Realistic budgets with evidence of other funding sources
• Projects that create lasting benefit rather than one-off events
• Strong track record of delivery for organizational applicants
• Applications that align with the charity's historic mission of education and welfare

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on clear Hull/East Yorkshire connections - the charity prioritizes local impact
• Emphasize educational or social welfare outcomes even in other project types
• Submit applications well before quarterly trustee meetings for best consideration
• Keep initial applications concise but comprehensive - detailed proposals can follow
• Demonstrate sustainability and how the grant will create lasting change
• Consider smaller initial requests to establish a relationship with the charity
• Highlight any historical or heritage connections given the charity's long history in Hull

References

• The Lee Charity of William Hatcliffe official website: https://lee-hatcliffe.org.uk
• Charity Commission Register Entry for Charity 208053
• Contact information verified via charity website and public records