Notes to Editors
Please copy and paste the text below and add to the end of your press release under the Notes to Editors section:
Ever since Sir William Harpur’s founding gift in 1566, The Harpur Trust has been providing education and supporting the most disadvantaged people in Bedford. The Trust has grown and evolved hugely over more than 450 years, yet it remains true to its roots. Today the charity aims to promote education, support Bedford residents who are sick or in need, hardship or distress and to provide recreation facilities to help improve people’s living conditions, by:
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Giving more than £1m through grants ever year to support diverse initiatives to improve people’s lives in the community.
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Enabling children and young people facing disadvantage to achieve their potential through a long-term collaborative plan Together for Bedford. The aim of the 15-year strategy is to invest in people’s futures and create opportunities for people to thrive.
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Running first class independent schools and sponsoring the HEART Academies Trust.
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Operating an impactful bursary programme supporting children of all backgrounds to access The Harpur Trust schools.
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Providing a generous bursary scheme to university students from low-income families, as well as uniform grants for pupils starting secondary school.
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Sponsoring projects and events to bring the local community together.
The Harpur Trust is one of the largest employers in Bedford with more than 1,120 staff. Last year the Trust committed almost £4million (including bursaries) to the needs of the local community. Although its focus is Bedford Borough, the Trust’s impact flows far beyond.
For further information visit www.harpurtrust.org.uk.