Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust)

Could Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £150,000 – £350,000
Applications: Existing partners only

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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nessgardens.org.uk

About Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust)

The Ness Gardens (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) is a charitable endowment created in 1948 through the bequest of Lois Agnes Bulley to the University of Liverpool. It safeguards Ness Botanic Gardens, originally established by her father Arthur Kilpin Bulley in 1898. The Trust's mission is to maintain the gardens as an accessible public park and flower garden, promoting enjoyment, education, and public benefit. Its values include inclusivity, environmental stewardship, horticultural excellence, and scientific advancement. The Trust works in close partnership with the University to support botanical research, conservation, and public engagement, ensuring the gardens remain open to all. As a place-based endowment, it focuses all its resources on the ongoing operation and development of this single horticultural site in Wirral.

What Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) funds

The Trust funds the operation, maintenance, improvement, and educational programmes of Ness Botanic Gardens. Its priorities include environmental conservation, plant science, biodiversity—such as the National Collections of Sorbus and birch—sustainable gardening, and bio-diverse habitats. It also supports initiatives like the Hedgehog Friendly Campus. Funding covers core revenue for the upkeep of greenhouses, landscapes, and facilities, as well as enhancements for public outreach, volunteer programmes, and botanical research. Geographically, the Trust's work is limited to Ness Gardens in Wirral, benefiting audiences across Cheshire West, Merseyside, Cheshire, and the North West of England.

Who can apply

Eligibility is highly restricted. The Trust funds only the University of Liverpool, which acts as both beneficiary and steward of Ness Botanic Gardens. No unsolicited applications are accepted from external charities, organisations, or individuals. The public are the ultimate beneficiaries through free access, educational activities, and volunteer opportunities, but all funding is channelled exclusively through the University's management of the gardens.

What Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) doesn't fund

The Trust does not fund any external organisations, projects, or individual requests. It also excludes any activity or initiative that takes place outside Ness Botanic Gardens. Direct support for people or community groups is not provided. All funding is reserved solely for the operation and enhancement of the gardens and their programmes.

How they like to fund

The Trust provides ongoing core revenue funding for the gardens' day-to-day operation and capital improvements. It also supports educational and research programmes linked to the site. The Trust works exclusively with the University of Liverpool and does not accept unsolicited approaches. Funding is transferred as part of the University's internal budgeting arrangements.

How much does Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) give?

£150,000 – £350,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

EnvironmentEducation

How to apply to Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust)

Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust).
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) provide?

Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) typically provides grants of £150,000 - £350,000.

Where does Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) fund charities?

Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) accept unsolicited applications?

Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust)?

Ness Gardens - (Agnes Lois Bulley Trust) does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.