The Lord Bamford Foundation

Charity Number: 1106004

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

Geographic Focus: Throughout England And Wales

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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 based on trustee discretion
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 organisations, institutions, and individuals working in mechanical engineering fields. Annual expenditure varies based on grant commitments, demonstrating a flexible approach to funding opportunities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation does not operate fixed grant programmes 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. The JCB Academy, sponsored by JCB and opened in 2010, educates students aged 13-18 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.

How to Apply to The Lord Bamford Foundation

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 organisations 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 honour. 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, organisations 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: Organisations 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 - annual expenditure varies based on trustee priorities and identified opportunities
Educational infrastructure - the foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund major capital projects at universities, particularly engineering facilities
University partnerships - academic institutions with mechanical engineering programmes may be the most likely beneficiaries
Patient approach required - without an application process, organisations cannot proactively seek funding; relationships must be built over time through other channels