Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes
Could Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Where they fund
- Shefford, Central Bedfordshire
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Email application
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes
Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes is a historic charitable trust created through the founder's will, with a mission to relieve poverty and advance public benefit for the people of Shefford parish. Its values centre on neighbourly support, local inclusion, practical hardship alleviation, and empowering individuals through education. Trustees bring close knowledge of parish life to their work, favouring direct, responsive aid and grassroots partnerships that build resilience and long-term welfare. The Trust combines poverty relief with educational opportunity, giving priority to residents in acute need while supporting community-led welfare. Its funding character is deliberately hyper-local, focused on making a practical difference within Shefford and reflecting the founder's wish to help local people in times of hardship.
What Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes funds
The Trust funds three linked areas of work. Poverty relief is delivered through financial hardship grants to residents facing crisis, helping with essentials such as utility bills, emergency provisions, and other immediate needs. Social welfare is supported by funding voluntary organisations that provide community-led services, including befriending, outreach, and essential aid, as well as core funding for parish groups focused on prevention, such as carer support and family assistance. Education is advanced through bursaries that meet university costs for disadvantaged students from Shefford, supporting young people at risk of dropping out due to poverty. All funded work must benefit the parish of Shefford, with preference for the ancient township.
Who can apply
Both individuals and local organisations can seek support. Eligible groups include registered charities and community groups based in or serving Shefford parish. Priority is given to low-income families, isolated elderly residents, children and young people who need opportunity, and carers facing financial strain. Applicants should live in the parish of Shefford, with preference for those resident in the ancient township. The Trust looks for grassroots voluntary groups with strong local roots and residents demonstrating acute need. Organisations working beyond Shefford parish are not eligible, and individuals should be experiencing conditions of need, hardship, or distress as described in the charity's objects.
What Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund activities, individuals, or organisations outside Shefford parish, nor national or non-local causes. It also does not support purposes that are not charitable. All funding is focused on local need and community benefit within Shefford.
How they like to fund
The Trust provides financial hardship grants to individuals and core funding to parish groups delivering welfare services. It also awards bursaries to help students from Shefford meet university costs. Unsolicited applications are welcome, and the Trust works directly with local residents and grassroots organisations.
How much does Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes
Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes takes applications via email application.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes on the charity register
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as ROBERT LUCAS FOR THE POOR AND FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES, charity number 204345.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes directly for current funding levels.
Where does Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes fund charities?
Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes funds charities operating in Shefford, Central Bedfordshire.
Does Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes accept unsolicited applications?
Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes?
Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes takes applications via email application. Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
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Could Robert Lucas for the Poor and for Public Purposes be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.