1. How much can we apply for?

Our programmes do not have specific limits to the size of awards. However, applications for very large amounts will generally only be successful if the organisation has successfully run Harpur Trust projects in the past, and has discussed the project with the Trust for some time before applying. Applications for more than £50,000 in any one year need to be approved by our full Board of Governors, which extends the decision making period.

If you are unsure about what is a reasonable amount to ask for, look at our annual report for a list of grants made in the previous year. The majority of successful applications are for figures up to £20,000. We encourage applicants to look at a broad range of funding sources, rather than relying on the Harpur Trust to meet the full costs of a project.

2. Can we apply for a repeat grant if we have already been funded for a particular project?

In some circumstances yes, but we advise projects to continue to look for a wide range of funders. We do not guarantee repeat funding and we do not encourage groups to become dependent on our funding. In very rare cases we offer groups long term funding, but this is subject to a number of conditions being met and to regular reviews.

3. Can we apply for funding for more than one year?

Yes you can apply for funding for more than one year, but we would not offer support for more than three years.

4. We already have one grant from the Harpur Trust. Can we apply for funding for another whilst the first project is still running?

Normally we would expect you to complete the first grant before applying for additional support. However, there may be some unusual situations in which the Trustees will consider applications for a second grant.

5. There are a number of projects we would like to get funding for. Can we find out which have the best chance of getting a grant?

You are welcome to discuss your ideas with the grants team. If they are all theoretically eligible we may suggest that you mention them all on your preliminary proposal form and ask the Trustees for guidance. However, they may suggest that you need to decide which project is a priority for you.

6. If our application is unsuccessful will you tell us why?

We always try to give you feedback if your application has been unsuccessful. Like most funders, we find applications often fail because they:

• Have unclear legal status or weak governance arrangements; for example a balance of power held by related Trustees.
• Haven’t answered specific questions raised by Trustees or supplied enough information for a decision to be made.
• Don’t demonstrate how they will work with and complement other services rather than duplicate them
• Haven’t supplied convincing evidence of need for the project
• Appear unsustainable in the long term
• Have failed to provide monitoring information concerning previous projects funded by the Trust.

We encourage unsuccessful applicants to seek capacity building advice from specialist organisations so they can improve their chances of success in future.

7. What information will you use to make a decision on our application?

Our grants staff will ask you a number of questions about your application and your organisation. Our Trustees will discuss your application and the additional information supplied by grants staff. They will look at a range of issues including:

• Fit with our objectives and priorities,
• Need and demand for the project
• Governance and finances
• How well run the project is
• How you assess whether you are making a difference

If appropriate, we will ask other organisations about your work.