Bristol Charities

“Over a quarter of a million pounds awarded to people and organisations in need”

Bristol Charities administers a wide range of grant giving charities.

Washing machines, household goods, wheelchairs and security locks, were among those items and services provided to more than 1,400 Bristolians in need during 2008/2009. Individual grants to a value of £140,000 were awarded, by Bristol Charities, to men and women from all over Bristol, and £38,714 to 22 local organisations.

The majority of the grants were for household items such as white goods, furniture, carpet and bedding. However, grants were also made to cover a wide range of other equipment and services including medical equipment, clothing, materials for repairing or decorating homes, educational equipment, resettlement and respite care.

Retained ownership scheme
Bristol Charities fund items, such as those listed below, as part of a ‘retained ownership’ scheme, whereby applicants are assessed and Bristol Charities supply and maintain the appropriate equipment on behalf of the Trustees.

Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs
Electric powered chairs / electric scooters
Standard stair lifts
Stair lifts with manual platform
Stair lift with powered platform

The Trustees retain ownership of the items and they are regularly serviced.

When the items are no longer required, they are serviced and refurbished and then stored until they are required by another recipient.

Funds come from a series of charitable endowment funds administered by Bristol Charities, whilst many date back hundreds of years, the most recent charity was created in 2003.

All applications for grants are sponsored by people such as social workers, housing and advice workers and other support organisations.

“There is an interesting challenge of accurately defining what constitutes ‘need’ in modern times. Historically, it was much easier as there was not state network to help the poorest of society. We do not award grants that would replace state benefits. Instead, we look to fill the gaps by helping with items that most of us take for granted these days. Bristol has some of the most deprived wards in England, and there is plenty of scope to make a difference, with relatively small value grants”

David Jones, Chief Executive

Criteria for the Grant Giving Charities