William Harding's Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,129,551 (charitable expenditure 2024)
• Annual Income: £1,342,506
• Decision Time: Monthly review meetings
• Grant Range: Up to £2,000 per year for individual students
• Geographic Focus: Aylesbury town only

Contact Details

Address: Rickford House, 12 Rickfords Hill, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 2RZ

Email: doudjag@pandcllp.co.uk

Phone: 01296 318501

Website: williamhardingcharity.co.uk

Clerk to the Trustees: John Leggett, Parrott & Coales Solicitors, 14 Bourbon Street, Aylesbury HP20 2RS

Overview

William Harding's Charity was established in 1719 under the will of William Harding, a yeoman farmer who lived in Walton (part of Aylesbury) and died without heirs. The charity has operated continuously for over 300 years, originally providing apprenticeships in trades such as cooper, blacksmith, carpenter, and dressmaker. Today, the charity has assets generating substantial investment income (£1,123,743 in 2024) and focuses its mission on supporting young people in education, maintaining 35 almshouses for elderly Aylesbury residents, and providing relief in need. Governed by 8 unpaid trustees, the charity meets monthly to consider applications and makes grants totaling over £1 million annually to individuals and organizations within Aylesbury town.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

For Individuals Under 25:

• Student Grants: Up to £2,000 per year, normally for a maximum of four years, to assist with further education costs including fees, books, equipment/instruments, study/travel overseas, and maintenance/living expenses
• School Support: One-off grants for school uniforms/clothing, educational outings in the UK, fees, and equipment
• Apprenticeship Grant/Bursary: For individuals aged 18-30 who live in Aylesbury or work for an Aylesbury-based company, must be indentured to an apprenticeship for at least 3 months

For Mature Students (Over 25):

• Relief in Need Application: Specifically for mature students seeking to further their education

For Organizations:

• Grant Scheme: Available for voluntary and community groups, clubs, charities, schools, sports clubs, arts societies, and community projects based in Aylesbury
• Tools/Equipment Grants: For applicants requiring tools or equipment
• Transport Grants: For clubs requiring transport support
• One-off Project Grants: For specific educational or community benefit projects

Application Method: Rolling basis with monthly trustee meetings (approximately 10 meetings per year)

Priority Areas

• Education: Primary focus on young people under 25, including university students, vocational students, college students, and apprentices
• School Support: Funding for school trips, uniforms, books, and educational equipment
• Community Benefit: Projects and organizations working for the general benefit of Aylesbury town residents
• Sports and Arts: Support for local sports clubs and arts societies
• Relief in Need: Support for individuals experiencing financial hardship in Aylesbury
• Elderly Support: 35 almshouses (terraced houses, bungalows, and flats) for older Aylesbury residents

What They Don't Fund

• Applicants outside Aylesbury town boundaries
• Organizations not working for the benefit of Aylesbury residents

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Governance and Leadership

• Trustees: 8 unpaid trustees who meet approximately 10 times per year (monthly meetings)
• Administration: Parrott & Coales Solicitors serve as the charity's administrators
• Clerk to the Trustees: John Leggett
• Legal Structure: Registered charity (number 310619), no trading subsidiaries

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are made using specific forms available on the charity's website (williamhardingcharity.co.uk/forms/). Different forms exist for:

• Students under 25 (education grants)
• Mature students over 25 (relief in need)
• Apprenticeship grants/bursaries
• Tools/equipment grants
• Grant scheme applications (organizations and transport)
• Almshouses applications

Applications should be submitted directly by the individual or organization. The charity recommends contacting them directly if unsure which form to use. You do not need to be a registered charity to apply for organizational grants.

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet monthly (approximately 10 times per year) to consider applications. Specific decision turnaround times after submission are not published, but the monthly meeting schedule suggests applications will be reviewed within approximately 4-6 weeks depending on submission timing.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly published.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy is not explicitly stated. For student grants, funding can be provided for a maximum of four years, suggesting annual reapplication is expected for continuing students.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's history and priorities, successful applications likely demonstrate:

• Strong Aylesbury Connection: Applicants must live or work in Aylesbury town. This geographic restriction is strictly applied given the charity's 300-year mission to serve the local community.

• Educational Focus: The charity's primary aim is “to support young people in education.” Applications that clearly articulate educational goals and benefits are likely to resonate with trustees.

• Clear Financial Need: Given the charity's origins in providing for “the poor of the parish,” applications should demonstrate genuine financial need rather than seeking supplementary funding.

• Specific, Costed Requests: For equipment and tools grants, provide detailed specifications and costs. The charity has historically supported practical vocational training.

• Community Benefit: For organizational applications, demonstrate how the grant will benefit Aylesbury residents, particularly young people or those in need.

• Complete Applications: Use the correct form for your application type and ensure all required information is provided.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Restriction is Absolute: Only Aylesbury town residents or those working for Aylesbury-based organizations are eligible. Do not apply if outside this boundary.

• Monthly Decisions: With trustees meeting monthly, timing your application strategically can expedite decisions. Contact the clerk for upcoming meeting dates.

• No Charity Status Required: Organizations do not need to be registered charities to apply, making this accessible to community groups, clubs, and schools.

• Long-Term Student Support Available: Individual students can receive up to £2,000 annually for up to four years, representing significant cumulative support.

• Multiple Application Types: The charity offers various grant streams—ensure you use the correct application form for your specific need.

• Historical Mission Endures: Understanding the charity's 300-year history of supporting apprenticeships and education helps frame applications in alignment with their enduring values.

• Strong Financial Position: With over £1.3 million annual income and substantial investments, the charity is well-resourced and actively making significant grants.

References

• William Harding's Charity official website: https://williamhardingcharity.co.uk/
• William Harding's Charity application forms: https://williamhardingcharity.co.uk/forms/
• Charity Commission Register, William Harding's Charity (310619): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=310619&subid=0
• Financial data sourced from Charity Commission latest accounts (financial year ending 31 December 2024)
• Charity Choice Directory, William Harding's Charity: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/william-hardings-charity-141515
• The National Archives, Aylesbury: William Harding's Charity records (historical information)
• Hanley, Hugh. "Apprenticing in a Market Town: The Story of William Harding's Charity, Aylesbury, 1719-2000." The English Historical Review, Volume CXXII, Issue 499