The Hedley Foundation was established in 1971 and is a grant-giving charitable foundation which supports small to medium sized charities who work with the disadvantaged.
The Foundation supports the following:
- Youth: to help disadvantaged young people, supporting youth projects through education, the arts, sport and adventurous activities.
- Disabled: to improve the quality of life of those with a mental or physical disability.
- The elderly and terminally ill: to improve the quality of life of the elderly and those receiving end of life care.
- Miscellaneous support: other social welfare projects such as those for carers, the homeless and ex-offenders.
The scheme is intended to support smaller charitable organisations undertaking projects for young people, the disabled, terminally ill patients and others in need. The main objective of the Trustees’ grant-making is to improve lives and to lift people’s aspirations.
Although funding is at the discretion of the Trustees, the Foundation notes:
- Typically, grants of up to £5,000 are regularly made and occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved.
- Smaller charities may receive smaller grants of £250 upwards.
Who Can Apply
Small to mid-sized UK registered charities that are based and working in the UK, and have an annual income below £1 million, can apply.
Applicants may apply if they have not previously received a grant from the Foundation or submitted an unsuccessful application over two years ago.
Restrictions
Funding is not available for the following:
- Exclusive charities that only help people from specific groupings.
- Groups who have an annual income over £1 million.
- Core salaries.
- General running costs.
- Transport.
- Financial deficits.
- Building construction.
- Overseas projects.
- Groups which have received a previous grant from the Foundation within the last two years.
- Applications on behalf of a community interest company, for religious institutions, museum or for an individual.
Eligible Expenditure
Projects costs are supported for activities involving:
- Disadvantaged young people.
- Those living with a physical or mental disability.
- The elderly and terminally ill.
- Other social welfare projects e.g. carers, homeless, ex-offenders.
How To Apply
Applications are now accepted any time and are considered at regular Trustee meetings.
An application form can be downloaded from the Foundation’s website. Additional information to be submitted includes:
- A copy of the most recent set of audited accounts.
- A breakdown of the costs demonstrating how the grant will be spent.
- The anticipated outcomes/impact and who/how many people will benefit.
Completed application forms should be sent by post or email (applications@hedleyfoundation.org.uk).
The Foundation receives more than 1,000 applications per year of which around 250 are successful.