Apply for a grant

To make sure that we’re donating our grant money wisely and fairly, we’ve developed a process for managing grant applications.

If you'd like to apply for a grant, this is how the process works If you'd like any help with your application, please contact our grants team.

Step one: check

First, read our guidance notes to make sure your project is eligible.

Step two: call

If you think your project is eligible for a grant, call us. It's always better if you do this before you fill in a preliminary proposal form. 

Remember, some grant applications won't be successful so before you spend time filling in forms, please contact our Grants Manager, Lucy Bardner or our Grants Officer, Peta Frost on 01234 369500 to discuss your project in more detail.

It’s really important for organisations based outside of the Borough of Bedford who run projects in the Borough to call us before applying.

Step three: preliminary proposal form

The fastest and simplest way to apply is to complete and submit our online application form. This form asks you to create a password. Once you’ve submitted the form it goes straight to our grants database.

Alternatively you can apply by using one of the following two methods:

Make sure your application form reaches us by the deadline.

This is the first stage of your application process. It will enable our grants team and our trustees to give you some initial guidance.

Step four: feedback

We'll read and discuss your preliminary proposal and give you feedback. If you've been successful, we'll ask you to fill in a full application form.

Step five: full application form

PLEASE DON'T fill in a full application form unless we've asked you to. We'll do this in step four, above.

Online applications

If you used our online application process to send us your preliminary proposal, you can also use the online system to complete and submit your final application. 

Offline applications

If you sent us your preliminary proposal as a PDF or hard copy, you can either 

 

  • Download the PDF version of  the Full Application Form. You can email or post it back to us
  • Request a hardcopy of the form and notes. Call or email Lucy on 01234 369500 or lbardner@harpur-trust.org.uk

Make sure your application form reaches us by the deadline and that you attach all of the relevant documents we've asked you for on the form.

Step six: acknowledgement

Our grants team will usually contact you by phone to let you know that we've received your full application. We may ask you to visit us to discuss your application in more detail.

Step seven: decision

We'll discuss your proposal at the next meeting of our grants committee. If your application is successful, we'll write to you and let you know. We usually do this within seven working days of the meeting.