Harpur Trust

The Harpur Trust, one of the UK's oldest endowed charitable foundations established in 1566 by Bedford-born Sir William Harpur, is deeply rooted in promoting education, relieving poverty, sickness, distress, and providing recreational facilities with social welfare purpose exclusively within Bedford Borough. Its mission centers on helping residents realize their potential and fostering community pride, guided by core values of learning and opportunity, support for the disadvantaged, and stewardship through proactive local investment. Distinctive for blending grant-making with direct services—like operating schools (Bedford School, Bedford Modern, Bedford Girls’, Pilgrims Pre-Prep) and almshouses—its four-century legacy embeds it in Bedford's civic fabric, prioritizing sustainable, place-based interventions over generalist funding.

The Trust funds education for low-income children aged 0-11, youth mental health, wellbeing, and inclusion; elderly welfare and hardship relief; poverty alleviation, employability, basic skills for vulnerable residents; and community recreation via sports, arts, and facilities enhancing social infrastructure. It supports projects tackling school readiness, food poverty, social isolation, and inequality, with most grants aiding children/young people facing barriers and older adults.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, or academic institutions operating solely in Bedford Borough, favoring small/medium-sized local entities and grassroots initiatives; no strict income thresholds apply. Funding is invitation-only—no unsolicited applications—with the Trust proactively approaching aligned organizations.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £100,000 (often £10,000-£50,000) for projects, core costs, capital, or individual hardship, excluding non-Bedford activities or misaligned causes. University bursaries (£4,500 each) have a 22 April 2025 deadline. This targeted, non-competitive approach, informed by annual strategies and local insight, sets it apart for high-impact, Bedford-specific community transformation.