Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria do I need to meet to apply for funding?
Any requests for funding must come within our charitable objects, which are to support Christian ministry both in the UK and internationally through UK registered charities or churches.
How much money can I apply for?
Foundation Grants are typically one off and the ask shouldn’t exceed £2000. Strategic, Development and Partnership grants are by invitation only.
How many years of funding can I apply for?
Foundation Donations are typically one-off payments. Multiyear grants are awarded. These grants are collaborative, development or partnership donations which are by invitation only. All active Foundation Grants are reviewed annually using Grant Impact Form
Does BRT give to overseas charities?
Yes, but we only make grants through UK registered charities. A significant portion of the overseas giving goes through a strategic donation.
What BRT does not support?
Building/capital projects – this includes renovation & restoration works, boilers, stained glass etc.
Non-UK registered charities
Charities that do not have a Christian ethos and Christian ministry in their charitable objectives.
Activities that have already taken place i.e. retro-funding
Pilot schemes, except where the charity has been previously funded by the Trust or is known to the Trustees.
Charities that have not yet filed at least one set of accounts with the Charity Commission.
What criteria increase the chances of the grant request being successful?
- Projects/work being carried out in areas of high deprivation (using the IMD rating scale) are prioritised.
- It is helpful to supply a detailed budget breakdown showing how the money will be spent.
- Impact measurement: we like to see clearly defined projected outcomes from the activity with measurable targets.
- It is helpful if you can show you consider environmental and diversity and inclusion factors.
- If you can demonstrate any element is match funded.
- We believe it is good practice to look for other sources of funding. If a portion of the total project funding has been secured, this increases the likelihood of us supporting the grant.
- The Trustees tend to favour small charities and organisations over larger organisations because small charities often miss out on funding with 95% of UK charitable giving going to only 5% of the charities (predominantly the larger charities). We also feel that the impact of the BRT funding will be greater with smaller charities and churches.
How do I apply for a grant?
Complete our eligibility quiz. If eligible you will be able to complete the form at the end.
Will all applications be acknowledged?
Yes, we acknowledge the receipt of all applications have been received. Trustee meetings are quarterly, we aim to notify grantees within a week of the meeting with the application decision.
How are the grant applications assessed?
Grants are reviewed by the office team. Proposals to commit funds are reviewed on a regular basis. We aim to respond within eight weeks of applications closing.
Is there a cut off deadline for applications for the year?
No, you can apply for funds throughout the year. If we have received applications to fill our allocation for the quarter, then we will close the grant application process on the website. Dates for re-opening are published on the homepage.
What should I do if my grant application is declined?
If your grant application is unsuccessful because it does not fit our eligibility criteria, we ask that you do not reapply in the future. You are welcome to re-apply if the reason for refusal can be addressed.
What does the grant agreement form stipulate?
The Grant Agreement Form stipulates that you commit to using the funds for the agreed activity. It also requires you to fill in and return our ‘Grant Impact Form’ at the completion of the activity or within 12 months, whichever comes first.
Where do we find the 'Grant Impact Form'?
The Grant Impact Form can be found here
Why is it called the Bishop Radford Trust?
The Trust was named after Bishop Andrew Radford, a very dear family friend for many years who died unexpectedly when the trust was being set up.
What should I do if my grant application is approved?
If your grant is approved, we ask for the organisation’s safeguarding policy and also for the bank account details as we only pay monies by bank transfer. We will also ask you to sign a Grant Agreement Form.