Triodos Foundation

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity Number: 1052958
• Annual Giving: £39,200 (2024)
• Total Historical Grants: Over £850,000 since 1995
• Grant Range: £500 - £3,000
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings (typically 1-3 months depending on timing)
• Geographic Focus: Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed

Contact Details

Address: Triodos Bank, Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AS

Email: foundation@triodos.co.uk

Contact Person: Lucy Risk (lucy.risk@triodos.co.uk)

Phone: 0117 980 9727

Website: https://www.triodos.co.uk/the-foundation

Application Email: foundation@triodos.co.uk (submit completed application form)

Overview

The Triodos Foundation was established in 1995 as a UK registered charity (Company Number: 03128749) shortly after Triodos Bank opened its UK office in Bristol. Over its 30-year history, the Foundation has contributed more than £850,000 in grants to Bristol-based charities and projects in the surrounding areas.

The Foundation's mission is to make positive change in local communities through offering grants to values-led projects and charities. Originally funded by customer interest donations, approximately 90% of the Foundation's income now comes from Bristol-based organisations through its event space rental activities. Triodos Bank UK covers all staffing and operational costs for the Foundation, ensuring all raised income goes directly to grant-making.

In 2024, the Foundation awarded £39,200 in grants and generated £26,040 in rental income (a 103% increase from 2023). The Foundation holds free reserves of £90,114 and continues to strengthen its financial position to support local charitable work. The Foundation operates from purpose-built event space at Triodos Bank's Bristol headquarters, which it rents to like-minded charitable organisations at subsidised rates.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates a single rolling grant program with quarterly trustee review meetings:

• Small Grants Program: £500 - £3,000 per grant
• Application Method: Rolling basis via downloadable application form
• Review Cycle: Quarterly trustee meetings
• Geographic Restriction: Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset only

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports projects aligned with three main themes - social, environmental, and cultural - with the following specific objectives:

Social Priorities:

• Promoting quality of life and human dignity for all
• Enabling people who are excluded to live more fulfilling lives
• Supporting the previously overlooked needs of children and young people
• Contributing to positive shifts in how public or voluntary sectors support the local community
• Promoting long-term positive change

Environmental Priorities:

• Inspiring people to get involved in nature and environmental protection
• Enabling society to reconnect and engage with nature in urban areas

Cultural Priorities:

• Supporting cultural initiatives that promote positive social change
• Projects that align with values-led, ethical approaches to community development

What They Don't Fund

• Organisations outside Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Somerset
• Projects not aligned with social, environmental, or cultural objectives
• Private events or parties (their event space is available only to organisations with charitable objectives)
• Retrospective funding (based on standard charitable grant-making practice)

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees (as of 2024)

Stefan Hargrave (Chair)

• Joined the Foundation in 2023
• Director of Internal Audit for Triodos Bank UK and Head of Internal Audit for Group Banking
• Over 20 years of financial services experience
• Also serves as independent voluntary member of Audit Committees for the Order of St John and St John Ambulance
• Chair of Trojans Rugby Club

Rebecca Haigh (Trustee & Company Secretary)

• Joined Triodos Bank in 2018, joined the Foundation as trustee in 2024 (appointed 10 September 2024)
• Business Manager to the CEO at Triodos Bank
• Led the Changemakers Programme at Triodos, focusing on local Bristol charities
• Supports the running of the Foundation and helps deliver the Foundation strategy

Steve Moore (Trustee)

• Joined as trustee during 2024

Diana Gerry (Trustee)

• Joined Triodos Bank in 2012
• Chartered Accountant (ACA)

Ellen Harrison (Trustee)

• Joined Triodos Bank UK in August 2016
• Works in the Marketing Communications team

Additional Officers:

• David Albert Hawes (Director)
• Simon Bowker (Director)

Governance Structure

The Foundation is a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital, registered with both Companies House (03128749) and the Charity Commission (1052958). All trustees serve voluntarily with no remuneration. The Foundation operates independently but benefits from administrative support provided by Triodos Bank UK, which covers all staffing and operational costs.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the Triodos Foundation website (https://www.triodos.co.uk/the-foundation)
2. Complete all sections of the form and gather supporting documents
3. Attach relevant information including your most recent financial statements
4. Email the completed form to foundation@triodos.co.uk

Required Documentation

• Completed grant application form
• Copy of your organisation's most recent financial statements
• Any additional relevant information about your project

Decision Timeline

• Review Cycle: Trustees meet quarterly to review applications
• Estimated Timeline: 1-3 months depending on when your application is received relative to the next quarterly meeting
• Notification Policy: You will only be contacted if your application is successful
• Successful Applicants: Will receive email confirmation with next steps

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. The Foundation does not notify unsuccessful applicants, making it impossible to determine the number of applications received versus approved.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy. Given that unsuccessful applicants do not receive feedback or notification of rejection, organisations may reapply if they believe their project meets the Foundation's criteria. However, no waiting period or restrictions are mentioned in available documentation.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Vision

The Foundation emphasises that applicants must “share the same vision as the Triodos Foundation.” This means your project should clearly demonstrate alignment with their social, environmental, or cultural objectives and ethical, values-led approach to community development.

Local Impact Focus

With 90% of the Foundation's income now coming from Bristol-based organisations, there is a strong emphasis on local community benefit. Applications should clearly articulate how they will benefit communities specifically in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, or Somerset.

Organisation Type

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities
• Volunteer-led organisations
• Community projects
• Organisations must be not-for-profit

Project Characteristics That Resonate

Based on their stated objectives, successful applications likely:

• Address previously overlooked needs, particularly for children and young people
• Enable excluded populations to live more fulfilling lives
• Promote shifts in how public or voluntary sectors support communities
• Foster engagement with nature in urban areas
• Focus on long-term sustainable change rather than short-term fixes

Financial Considerations

• The Foundation provides “small grants” typically £500-£3,000
• Applications should be appropriately scaled for this grant range
• Include clear, realistic budgets
• Attach most recent financial statements to demonstrate organisational stability

Relationship Building

While not explicitly stated as a requirement, having a connection to Triodos Bank or the Foundation (such as through their Changemakers Programme or use of their event space) may strengthen applications by demonstrating shared values alignment.

Application Quality

• Complete all sections of the application form thoroughly
• Provide clear, concise explanations of your project's purpose and impact
• Demonstrate how your work aligns with specific Foundation objectives
• Include evidence of community need and your organisation's capacity to deliver

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Small but impactful grants: With a typical range of £500-£3,000, these are ideal for small community projects, pilot programs, or specific equipment/activity needs rather than core organisational funding

• Geographic restriction is absolute: You must be based in or serving communities in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, or Somerset - applications outside this area will not be considered

• Values alignment is critical: The Foundation emphasises “like-minded and values-led” organisations. Your application should clearly articulate shared values around social, environmental, or cultural positive change

• No feedback for unsuccessful applications: You will only hear from the Foundation if successful, so ensure your application is strong before submission as you won't receive guidance on improvements

• Quarterly decision cycle means patience: With trustees meeting quarterly, there may be a wait of 1-3 months depending on submission timing. Plan accordingly if you have time-sensitive project needs

• Connection to Triodos ecosystem may help: Consider engaging with Triodos Bank's Changemakers Programme or using their event space to demonstrate values alignment and build relationships

• Focus on innovation and overlooked needs: The Foundation specifically mentions supporting “previously overlooked needs” - highlight how your project addresses gaps in current provision or takes an innovative approach

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Hedley Foundation Limited
• John James Bristol Foundation
• The Nisbet Trust
• The Patrick Rowland Foundation
• THE JOHN S COHEN FOUNDATION
• Hollick Family Foundation
• The Brownsword Charitable Foundation
• The Martin Laing Foundation
• The George A Moore Foundation
• The Greenslade Family Foundation

References

1. Triodos Foundation official website: https://www.triodos.co.uk/the-foundation

1. UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 1052958: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1052958

1. Triodos Foundation Unaudited Financial Statements for year ending 31 December 2024, filed with UK Charity Commission

1. Companies House registration, Company Number 03128749: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03128749

1. “Ethical banking group marks milestone in impact-led funding,” Bristol 247, June 2025: https://www.bristol247.com/business/news-business/ethical-banking-group-marks-milestone-in-impact-led-funding/

1. Triodos Bank Press Release: “30 years of sustainable banking: Triodos Bank UK announces £2.5 billion of total lending as it marks anniversary,” June 2025: https://www.triodos.co.uk/press-releases/2025/30-years-of-sustainable-banking-triodos-bank-uk-announces-gbp2.5-billion-of-total-lending-as-it-marks-anniversary

1. Triodos Foundation Grant Application Form: https://www.triodos.co.uk/binaries/content/assets/tbuk/the-foundation/triodos-foundation_grant-application-form.pdf

1. Triodos Foundation Event Venue information: https://www.triodos.co.uk/the-foundation-event-venue

1. Charity Choice directory entry for Triodos Foundation: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/triodos-foundation-88433