The Robert Mcalpine Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ??656,130 (2023/24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (applications by 31 August, decisions in November)
• Grant Range: ??5,000 - ??10,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide
• Charity Number: 226646

Contact Details

Website: www.robertmcalpinefoundation.org

Email: foundation@srm.com

Phone: 3335662069

Applications should be sent to the Appeals Manager at the above contact details.

The Foundation recommends completing a short form on their contact page to ensure you meet their criteria before submitting a full application.

Overview

The Robert McAlpine Foundation was established in 1963 by the family of Sir Robert McAlpine. With total assets generating investment income of approximately ??871,000 annually, the Foundation distributes around ??656,000 per year in grants. The Foundation's mission is to support small charities (under ??1 million income) situated throughout the UK that work with children, youth, the elderly, and social and medical research. The Foundation operates by making carefully selected “identified benefit grants” to organisations where their funding can make a real difference. With only 3 trustees who work on a voluntary basis and no paid staff, the Foundation maintains a focused and strategic approach to grantmaking. Total income in 2023/24 was ??971,301, including ??100,000 in donations and legacies alongside investment income.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Core Grant Programme: ??5,000 - ??10,000

Applications submitted by 31 August are considered at the annual trustees meeting in November. Grants are made on a rolling basis once per year. Some sources indicate grants can range from ??2,500 to ??10,000.

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on bespoke applications that aim to improve mental and physical wellbeing for vulnerable populations, including:

• Children and Young People: Particular preference for those with disabilities and/or life-limiting illnesses
• Elderly People: Projects supporting older adults
• Social and Medical Research: Research projects that benefit vulnerable groups
• Care and Carers: Support for non-paid carers, carer forums, reducing isolation
• Assistive Equipment: Capital grants for equipment that improves quality of life
• Befriending and Community Social Activities: Projects that reduce loneliness and build community
• Education and Training: Learning opportunities for vulnerable groups
• Outward Bounds and Sport Provision: Active programmes for beneficiaries
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Support groups, counselling, wellbeing spaces

Past recipients have received funding for both equipment (capital) and staffing costs.

What They Don't Fund

While explicit exclusions are not detailed publicly, the following restrictions apply:

• Charities with annual income over ??1 million
• Non-UK registered charities
• Projects outside the UK
• Grant requests exceeding 25% of the applicant's annual income
• Organisations outside their four priority areas (children/youth, elderly, social research, medical research)

Ready to write a winning application for The Robert Mcalpine Foundation?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by 3 trustees who serve on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The trustees meet annually in November to review and approve grants. The Foundation operates with 3 volunteers and no paid staff, maintaining a lean operational structure.

Specific trustee names are available on the Charity Commission register but were not disclosed in the Foundation's public materials reviewed.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications should be made in writing to the Appeals Manager, either by email (foundation@srm.com) or post. The Foundation strongly recommends completing a short eligibility form on their contact page before submitting a full application.

Application Requirements:

• Maximum of two A4 pages outlining your request
• Copy of your most recent signed accounts
• Application deadline: 31 August each year

Decision Timeline

• Submission deadline: 31 August
• Trustees meeting: November (annual meeting)
• Decision notification: After November meeting
• Total timeline: Approximately 3-4 months from submission to decision

The Foundation intends that all applications will receive a reply, however a response may not be sent until after the annual trustees meeting and no information will be available before then.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The Foundation describes its approach as making grants to “carefully selected” organisations, suggesting a selective process.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated in public materials. Applicants should contact the Foundation directly for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

The Foundation has stated: “The Foundation particularly likes to support projects where funding can make a real difference.”

This suggests they prioritize:

• Small charities where a ??5,000-??10,000 grant has significant impact
• Clear demonstration of how the grant will improve beneficiary wellbeing
• Organisations working with vulnerable populations aligned with their priorities
• Projects with specific, tangible outcomes

Application Tips

• Be concise: Strictly adhere to the two A4 page limit
• Show impact: Demonstrate how the grant will make a measurable difference to beneficiaries
• Align with priorities: Clearly connect your work to their focus areas (children, youth, elderly, social/medical research)
• Focus on wellbeing: Emphasize mental and physical wellbeing outcomes
• Check eligibility first: Use their online form to confirm eligibility before investing time in a full application
• Respect the deadline: Applications must arrive by 31 August
• Include financials: Ensure you include recent signed accounts and demonstrate income under ??1 million
• Don't exceed 25%: Keep your request to 25% or less of your annual income

Language and Terminology

The Foundation uses language emphasizing:

• “Bespoke applications”
• “Mental and physical wellbeing”
• “Vulnerable people”
• “Carefully selected organisations”
• “Where funding can make a real difference”

Mirror this language in applications to demonstrate alignment with their values.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Size matters: This funder specifically targets small charities (under ??1m income) where their grant can have substantial impact???emphasize how the grant represents meaningful funding for your organization.

1. Annual deadline is fixed: With only one decision point per year (November), missing the 31 August deadline means waiting a full year???plan ahead and submit early.

1. Keep it brief: The strict two-page limit requires exceptional clarity and focus???every sentence must count.

1. Wellbeing is central: Frame your project around mental and physical wellbeing outcomes, even if your work has other dimensions.

1. Pre-screen yourself: Use their eligibility checker before applying to avoid wasting effort on an ineligible application.

1. Be patient: Expect 3-4 months from submission to decision, with no interim updates available.

1. Demonstrate proportionality: Show that your request doesn't exceed 25% of your annual income and explain why this amount is optimal for your project.

References

1. The Robert McAlpine Foundation official website - www.robertmcalpinefoundation.org
2. UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 226646, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=226646&subid=0
3. Funding Scotland - The Robert McAlpine Foundation profile, https://funding.scot/funds/a0R3z00000MPdZLEA1
4. Action Hampshire - The Robert McAlpine Foundation deadline information, https://actionhampshire.org.uk/deadline-2024-12-31-the-robert-mcalpine-foundation/
5. Bath and North East Somerset Council - The Robert McAlpine Foundation, https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/88707
6. Charity Commission Financial Data - Year Ending 31 March 2024