Frequently asked questions

Is there a list of things you do not fund?

Check that your application matches our criteria. If you fail to match our criteria, we will not consider your application. If your application includes any of the following you will NOT be awarded a grant: -

  • To fund trips or projects abroad

  • For awareness-raising work

  • For political activity

  • For private individuals (unless an eligible organisation is applying on their behalf or former employees of HP Bulmer Holdings PLC)

  • To be passed on to other organisations

  • To help with budget shortfalls or debt repayments.

  • For projects where the grant expenditure is due to start before the grant award date (retrospective funding).

  • For projects unable to start within 12 months of the grant award date

  • For work which statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) have a duty to fund

  • For unspecified expenditure

  • Projects that do not directly benefit people that reside in the county of Herefordshire

  • Environmental projects - unless the project can provide evidence that the outcomes match our criteria

  • Arts projects - unless the project can provide evidence that the outcomes match our criteria

How often can I apply?

Applicants may apply once a year maximum whether an application was successful or not. We advise against reliance on The EF Bulmer Trust for consistent annual running costs.

Can I apply for work that has already taken place?

No

Can CICs or social enterprises apply?

Yes

Can schools apply?

Schools may apply for funding where the project outcomes meet the trust’s objectives of relieving hardship, distress or need. However, if the application is to fund services that are a statutory requirement, the application will be rejected.

Can NHS bodies apply?

NHS bodies may apply for funding where the project outcomes meet the trust’s objectives of relieving hardship, distress or need. However, if the application is to fund services that are a statutory requirement, the application will be rejected.

Can national charities apply?

National charities or branches of national charities may apply, but they should take particular care to evidence the benefit of their work to people living in Herefordshire.

Do you put a limit on the amount of reserves we hold?

We examine the accounts of all applicants and take each case on its merits. Reserves of more than twelve months or above would require detailed and specific explanation.

Why was my application unsuccessful?

Reasons may include:

  • Incomplete application or evidence of a cut and pasted document from previous applications

  • Failure to respond to requests for more information

  • Local groups starting up with poor business cases and high-risk projects

  • Lack of evidence of appropriate safeguarding

  • Little evidence of public benefit – it is the applicant’s responsibility to make this clear

  • A high level of reserves with no indication of a particular purpose for these reserves.

  • Failure to file reports with the Charity Commission (if appropriate)

  • Trustee list is out of date and does not match Charity Commission records

  • It is not clear what the grant will be used for

  • Evidence of particularly high fundraising costs

  • The application is for fundraising costs or a fundraiser’s salary

  • The grant beneficiaries do not live in Herefordshire

  • The grant will not be spent on a cause within our remit

  • The budget is unclear

  • There is not enough evidence of need for the service or project.

  • There is evidence of issues with the governance of the charity.

  • It is not clear that the charity has the resources or capacity to deliver the proposed service or project.

  • The medium to long term sustainability of the organisation is unclear and high risk

  • The service provided by the applicant is already sufficiently provided for in the county

  • High demand from other good causes.

Will I get feedback if my application is unsuccessful?

The trustees do not give feedback on their decisions and there is no right of appeal.

Will the EF Bulmer Trust fund core costs?

The trust will fund core costs, but we will expect you to: tell us why this is necessary; provide a budget for the organisation; be transparent about your core costs; and provide details of your other funding.

Will you wholly fund projects, or do you prefer to part fund?

The EF Bulmer Trust may in exceptional cases wholly-fund projects, but we prefer organisations to develop their sustainability by working with several funders.

Is there a limit on how much I can apply for?

We advise that you speak to us before applying. Demand is high and the trust has limited funds.

Will you award multi-year grants?

No.