The Lord Bamford Foundation
Charity Number: 1106004
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Quick Stats
- Annual Income: £338,717 (as of March 2024)
- Annual Expenditure: £181,837 (as of March 2024)
- Grant Range: Variable (expenditure has ranged from £26,000 to £1,828,000 in different years)
- Geographic Focus: England and Wales
- Application Method: No public application process - trustee discretion
Contact Details
Registered Address:
J C Bamford Excavators Ltd
Lakeside Works, Denstone Road
Rocester, Uttoxeter
ST14 5JP
Phone: 01889 590312
Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or email contact for grant applications.
Overview
The Lord Bamford Foundation (Charity No. 1106004) was registered on 23 September 2004 and was previously known as the JCB Foundation and The Sir Anthony Bamford Foundation. The foundation is associated with JCB (J C Bamford Excavators Ltd), the construction equipment manufacturer. With an annual income of approximately £338,717, the foundation's primary mission is to promote and develop the science of mechanical engineering in all its branches, with particular emphasis on research for public benefit. The foundation operates as a grant-making charity throughout England and Wales, providing financial assistance to organizations, institutions, and individuals working in mechanical engineering fields. Annual expenditure varies significantly based on grant commitments, demonstrating a flexible approach to funding opportunities.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not operate fixed grant programs or funding tiers. All grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees.
Priority Areas
- Mechanical Engineering Research: Primary focus on advancing mechanical engineering science across all its branches
- Scientific Research and Testing: Supporting research activities and testing services related to mechanical engineering
- Education and Training: Promoting mechanical engineering education, including scholarships and educational initiatives
- Charitable Bodies and Institutions: Supporting charities and voluntary bodies working in aligned fields
- Individual Support: Providing assistance to individuals pursuing mechanical engineering research or education
What They Don't Fund
The foundation's focus is specifically on mechanical engineering and related scientific research. While not explicitly stated, projects outside the mechanical engineering field are unlikely to be considered given the foundation's clear constitutional purpose.
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Governance and Leadership
Trustees:
- Mr S Ovens - Chair
- The Lord Bamford DL (Sir Anthony Bamford)
- Lady Bamford
Lord Anthony Bamford is the Chairman of JCB, one of the world's leading construction equipment manufacturers. The Bamford family has a long history of supporting engineering education and research in the UK. Lord Bamford has received numerous honorary degrees and doctorates from leading British universities in recognition of his contributions to engineering and industry. A company educational center has been developed to educate students in engineering, manufacturing processes, and international business.
The foundation is governed by a Declaration of Trust dated 17 September 2004, which was amended on 31 August 2006 and again on 23 January 2014. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and does not operate an open application portal or process.
Grants appear to be awarded based on the trustees' knowledge of opportunities and organizations working in mechanical engineering research and education, or through pre-existing relationships with academic institutions and research bodies.
Getting on Their Radar
Harper Adams University Connection: The foundation has a documented relationship with Harper Adams University, where Sir Anthony Bamford sponsored the Engineering Design Centre, which is housed within the Bamford Library named in his honor. This demonstrates the foundation's willingness to support engineering educational infrastructure at universities.
JCB Company Connections: Given the foundation's base at JCB Excavators Ltd, organizations with existing connections to JCB or operating in areas relevant to JCB's business interests in mechanical engineering and construction equipment may have better prospects of being considered.
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - no public application process. Grant decisions are made at the discretion of the trustees on their own timeline.
Success Rates
Not applicable due to the invitation-only/trustee discretion model.
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - no public application process exists.
Application Success Factors
Given the foundation operates without a public application process, the following factors appear relevant based on documented grants and foundation connections:
- University Engineering Departments: The foundation has supported university engineering facilities, particularly those focused on mechanical engineering education and research
- Infrastructure and Capital Projects: The sponsorship of the Engineering Design Centre at Harper Adams University suggests openness to funding substantial capital projects that advance mechanical engineering education
- Research Excellence: The foundation's constitutional focus on research suggests preference for high-quality research initiatives in mechanical engineering
- Geographic Connection: Organizations based in or serving England and Wales, particularly those in the Staffordshire area near the foundation's base in Rocester
- Alignment with Mechanical Engineering: Projects must clearly relate to mechanical engineering in some form - this is the foundation's core constitutional purpose
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- No public application process exists - this foundation operates purely on trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited applications
- Highly specific focus - mechanical engineering research is the clear priority; projects outside this field will not be considered
- Relationship-based funding - existing connections to JCB, the Bamford family, or previously funded institutions appear to be the pathway to support
- Variable grant sizes - with annual expenditure ranging from £26,000 to over £1.8 million in different years, the foundation can support both modest and substantial projects when they align with trustee priorities
- Educational infrastructure - the foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund major capital projects at universities, particularly engineering facilities
- University partnerships - academic institutions with mechanical engineering programs may be the most likely beneficiaries
- Patient approach required - without an application process, organizations cannot proactively seek funding; relationships must be built over time through other channels
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References
- UK Charity Commission Register of Charities - The Lord Bamford Foundation (Charity No. 1106004), accessed 28 December 2025
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1106004&subid=0
- Charity Commission Full Print Record - The Lord Bamford Foundation, accessed 28 December 2025
- Harper Adams University - Engineering Hub and Bamford Library information, accessed 28 December 2025
https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/about/1063/our-university/engineering-hub/
- AEM Hall of Fame - Lord Anthony Bamford profile, accessed 28 December 2025
https://www.aem.org/about/hall-of-fame/lord-anthony-bamford
- JCB Company Information - Lord Bamford, accessed 28 December 2025