Grants to Individuals

Each year we give a small number of grants to individuals who live in Bedford Borough. This programme aims to significantly improve the financial circumstances or quality of life for low income adults by helping them to access education, leading to a return to work or career change.

What we look for in applicants:

Shortlisted applicants are all interviewed by our Grants to Individuals Panel. In the interview we will discuss a number of issues with you, including:

• your motivation for taking the course
• the skills and experience it will provide
• prospects for future employment
• your future plans
• how the course provider and qualification is viewed by the profession/industry you want to work in

Applicants must :

• be on a low income • be returning to work or planning a career change. • have left formal education a minimum of five years ago • be a permanent resident of Bedford Borough

We also look for evidence that you will use your training to work in the Borough furthering our three charitable objects; education, relief and recreation with a social welfare purpose. Please note that the sum of money allocated to this particular programme is relatively small, and the majority of The Harpur Trust’s grant giving is targeted at organisations. Competition for individual grants is considerable and, even if an application is successful, it is likely that only a modest contribution towards the costs of study can be made