Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation
Overview
As a general grant making trust, the trustees are interested in and support a diverse range of charities. The trustees usually support capital projects, not running costs. In cases where capital grants are made, the projects are usually expected to be self-financing thereafter.
There are three types of grant;
- major grants of £50,000 and above,
- medium grants between £5,000 and £50,000
- small grants below £5,000 which account for 80% of those awarded annually.
Grants are usually paid as single payments in a one year period but, if considered particularly beneficial to the project, they may be extended over three years.
Grants are usually confined to the United Kingdom and are influenced by personal knowledge (and visits) of the trustees in certain geographical areas. In recent years, this has resulted in greater emphasis on Kent and the South East, Northamptonshire and the East Midlands, Cornwall and the South West. Other parts of the UK are, however, considered, particularly where rural and isolated communities are concerned.
Eligibility for a Grant
There are two criteria to fulfil before applying for a grant. Please ensure you read these carefully before making an application.
- You must be a UK registered charity or a registered Community Amateur Sports Club to apply
- You must fall into one of the categories set out below.
- Children and Youth
- Community
- Education
- Arts
- Health
- Elderly
- Social Welfare
- Religion
- Emergency and Armed Forces
- Environment
- Animal Welfare
- Amateur Sport
During 2010 the Trustees approved 455 grants totalling £2,551,133 in value. This included 147 grants of more than £5,000. In 2009 the Bernard Sunley Foundation awarded 434 grants to the value of £2,547,605 In 2008 they awarded £2,275,669 to 437 grants and in 2007, 453 grants were made totalling £2,014,879. Grants to over 100 charities were for more than £5,000. During the year 2006, trustees approved 406 grant applications totaling £2,193,490. Seventy-three grants over £5,000 were awarded.
Example Grants
2012: Downpatrick Group Scouting Ireland; 2011: Scouts Northern Ireland - £2,000; OPHIR Rugby Football Club, Co Antrim - £2,000; 2010; Cleenish Centre - Fermanagh - £2,000; Scouts - 1st Strabane - Tyrone - £1,000; Aghalee Village Hall Management Committee - Armagh - £1,000; 2009; Girlguiding Ulster - £2,000; 2008; Cedar Foundation Belfast £5,000; Boys Brigade Belfast £2,000; 2007; Lagan Watersports Centre £1,000, Belfast; Age Concern Northern Ireland £2,000; Arbour House, County Down £1,000; 2006; United Church Schools Trust - Lord Carey Pilgrimage to Holy Land £5,000; Rainbow Centre for Conductive Education, Fareham £25,000; Turner Contemporary Gallery - new build arts centre, £500,000; Martha Trust, hospice extension £25,000; Barnabas Trust, new accommodation centre, £20,000; Cricket Foundation - £10,000; Age Concern, Cowplain, Waterlooville, £10,000; Cill Rialaig Project, Dublin £2,000; Concern Worldwide £2,000; Girlguides Northhamptonshire £1,000; YMCA Exeter £3,000; Scouts (over 2 dozen scout troups received £2,000 each)