Grants
Grant guidelines
Please read these guidelines carefully before making an application. Further guidance notes are on the front page of each application form.
Applying
Applications will only be considered on the application form. Please print the form and complete it by hand, clearly in ink – the forms can’t be filled in on a computer. Please answer all the questions as fully as possible.
The group or person to benefit must operate or live within the Trust’s area, based on the former Hitchin Urban and Rural District Councils. For bursaries and educational grants, the applicant must normally have lived in the area for at least 12 months before the activity. The applicant must be under 26 when the application is made.
Signatures and supporting documents
Forms must be signed by the relevant people from an organisation, or for an individual, by the head of the school or club the grant is for. Supporting documents from a social worker, doctor, teacher or similar are always welcome and will be taken into account.
Organisational applications must include a copy of the previous year’s annual accounts. New organisations should give details of their current financial position.
Awards are limited and are intended to help applicants with exceptional financial difficulties, or other unusual or difficult circumstances.
What we don’t normally fund
Overseas travel
Secondary school trips for schools eligible for help from Hitchin Educational Foundation
School uniform
A second residential primary school trip
Setting up businesses
Publicly funded bodies
Alterations or improvements to premises
Postgraduate courses
Salaries
When we meet
Applications are considered on the last Wednesday of each month, except December. They should reach us by the middle of the month, otherwise they will be held over to the following month.
Fairness
If an applicant is known to a Trustee, or a Trustee is involved in an organisation, they will declare an interest, withdraw from the discussion and will not vote.
Decisions
Unsuccessful applicants are told in writing; no reason is given and Trustees will not enter into correspondence about the decision. You are welcome to apply again in future.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, you may not apply more than once in any 12-month period.
Ready to apply?
Download the right application form from our grants page, or get in touch if you have any questions.