The Buckinghamshire Foundation
Unit 4, Farmbrough Close
Stocklake Park
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP20 1DQ
Tel: 01296 330134

General:

What is a Community Foundation?
Please see our home page.

Are there other Community Foundations?
Yes, there are currently over 60 operating in the UK.

What is the picture nationally?
We are members of the Community Foundation Network who support and supervise Foundations. They may be found at www.communityfoundations.org.uk.

Who decides on who gets what?
Our professional grants panels meet on a regular basis and draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience gained about the Buckinghamshire community and the people in it.

Who runs the Foundation?
A Board of Trustees, supported by an advisory panel, are responsible for The Buckinghamshire Foundation. In addition there are a number of distinguished Patrons. The President is the Lord Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire. On a daily basis there is a full-time Executive Director supported by a team of four other managers and officers. Please click here for a list of all those involved.

Giving:

Who decides on how our money is spent?
Our professional grants panels meet on a regular basis and draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience gained about the Buckinghamshire community and the people in it.

Is there a minimum amount?
We ask for minimums of £100 for Individual Friends and £500 for Corporate Friends, although all donations, however small, are very welcome. Donations to our Endowment Fund are from £500 upwards. Named Funds within the Endowment need to show a workable income and in practice this is a minimum of around £20,000. We can of course handle charitable budgets for direct spend starting at a few hundred pounds on behalf of Trusts, Individuals or Companies.

What tax benefits are available?
There are various. By signing a Gift Aid Declaration an individual can help the Foundation reclaim income tax from the Revenue thereby increasing the amount of the donation. Higher rate tax payers may claim additional tax relief. Both income and capital gains tax relief is achievable on gifts of company shares. Inheritance tax can also be reduced by a charitable bequest.

How is the Endowment Fund invested?
This money is professionally invested by Coutts, M&G and CAF. The profile is low-risk with an objective of above average income and protection of capital. The Trustees regularly review the split between equities and fixed interest products.

Who are your Trustees and Officers?
Please click here.

If I establish a Fund, are there any restrictions about what it might do?
The broad remit of The Buckinghamshire Foundation means it makes grants to a very wide range of organisations and bodies. As a result a Donor who establishes a named fund may elect where the money should be focussed to support their own charitable concerns and interests. The only caveat is that the grants made must be for charitable purposes and benefit those in Buckinghamshire.

Can I identify different possible recipients of my Funds as we go along?
Yes, but the final decision as to whether a grant is made or not must lie with the Foundation's Grant Committee.

Can you help me with all the requests I receive?
Most definitely. The Buckinghamshire Foundation is happy to help donors in every way possible. Many companies receive a heavy post bag of charitable requests and this is a key area of support we provide. All requests can be forwarded for us to deal with. This way the problem is solved for both the company and applicant.

Can I change my mind?
Yes. When a named fund is established a simple and short agreement will be drawn up which will allow for changes in direction and concerns to be made. With the donor's agreement we can even advertise that on this web site.

Can I set up a named fund as part of my Will?
Yes. While you should discuss this with your legal advisors we are happy to meet and discuss this with you. Of course, setting this up to make grants during your lifetime will enable you to see the benefits of your donation at work.

Grant Making:

Who cannot be funded?
Individuals, religious activities, party political activities and any organisation operating solely outside Buckinghamshire.

How much can we possibly get in grants?
Please refer to the Funds Available page.

Where can I get an application form?
For LNF applications please call 0845 1130161 for a form and return it to us; for all others please click here.

Can we get help filling the form out?
Yes, please call our officers.

Who decides if we get a grant?
Our professional grants panels meet on a regular basis and draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience gained about the Buckinghamshire community and the people in it.

Do we need to be a registered charity?
No, but your objectives must be of a charitable nature and aimed at your community in Buckinghamshire.

Do we need to provide accounts?
Yes, unless you are a new group in which case we will want to see a planned budget.

Do you fund running costs?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances.