Bowland Charitable Trust
About This Funder
The Bowland Charitable Trust, established in 1985 by philanthropist Tony Cann and registered in England and Wales, is a grant-making charity administered by a small group of trustees. Its core mission is to provide transformative opportunities for personal and character development, particularly through outdoor and educational activities that foster resilience, teamwork, confidence, and well-rounded growth for young people. Rooted in values of inclusion, opportunity, and real-world learning beyond the classroom, the trust takes a discretionary, trust-led approach, making proactive grants or responding to written applications without rigid processes or published strategies.
It prioritises funding outdoor adventure trips, youth expeditions, and character-building programmes, especially for young people and communities in North West England (notably Lancashire). Additional support goes to educational initiatives like specialist equipment, innovative resources (e.g., Bowland Maths for maths teaching), cultural projects, and religious institutions promoting community cohesion. Grants cover project, capital, and occasional revenue costs for registered charities, community groups, and individuals, backing grassroots to medium-sized organisations delivering measurable impact.
Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities and community groups with no income thresholds or religious restrictions, prioritising North West projects but open to strong UK-wide alignments. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £20,000 (averaging £5,000–£10,000), with smaller awards up to £300 for individuals. Unsolicited applications are accepted rolling via detailed written letter by post, including budgets and accounts; no online forms or deadlines apply, with trustee decisions as received.
Distinctively personal and regionally focused, the trust avoids formal calls or themes, differentiating it through unwavering commitment to youth outdoor education and innovative tools, while unlikely funding unrelated causes like non-educational or non-UK activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowland Charitable Trust
How much funding does Bowland Charitable Trust provide?
Bowland Charitable Trust typically provides grants ranging from £1,000 - £20,000.
Is Bowland Charitable Trust accepting applications?
Yes, Bowland Charitable Trust is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Bowland Charitable Trust fund charities?
Bowland Charitable Trust funds charities operating in North West of England, Lancashire, UK.
How do I apply for funding from Bowland Charitable Trust?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Bowland Charitable Trust, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.