TRAILBLAZER FUND - APPLICATIONS OPEN

About the Fund

The Trailblazer Fund is an annual charitable fund of £15,000 (reviewed annually for 1 successful local charity). This contribution is ringfenced and allocated exclusively for charitable fund making.

For generations, Joseph Holt pubs have served as more than just places for patrons to gather; they are integral landmarks and central hubs all around the North West. We recognise that our long history places us at a unique position at the heart of these communities, and the Trailblazer Fund is our commitment to reinvesting in the people and places that have supported our pubs and brewery for so long.

Designed to support our local community charities, The Trailblazer Fund is there to ensure our support makes a meaningful difference, the fund is structured as follows:

A Focused Investment: The Fund provides an annual, one-off financial award of £15,000 to one successful charity.

Ringfenced Funding: This contribution is strictly ringfenced and allocated exclusively for charitable purposes, ensuring our resources go directly toward strengthening effective local services.

We believe that by focusing our resources on a single, impactful project each year, we can help local charities – particularly those based in close proximity to our pubs – achieve real, lasting outcomes for the communities they serve.

Application Form

Alternatively, you can download the form here and email your application to [email protected] along with your Safeguarding Policy.

Criteria

• To be eligible for funding, projects must be located in Greater Manchester.
• The project being funded must be a registered charity.
• The Trailblazer fund can only make funds to support activity which is charitable in law. All funds made are of a restricted nature and can only be used for the purpose given.
• Applications for support must be made using the Trailblazer Fund application form.
• The fund welcomes applications for funding new initiatives.
• Joseph Holt expects that The Trailblazer Fund will normally support the following outcomes:
  1. Services and activities that improve lives within the local community
  2. Initiatives addressing homelessness, poverty, community wellbeing (including LGBTQIA+), mental health or social inclusion
  3. Projects that expand or strengthen effective local services
  4. Capital items, equipment or essential operational costs
  5. New initiatives
  6. Grassroots sports charities
  7. Children and charities supporting young people
• The fund will not normally support:
  1. General fundraising appeals or circulars
  2. Religious activity not providing wider public benefit
  3. Public bodies carrying out statutory obligations
  4. Activities that have already taken place
  5. Grant-making by other organisations
  6. Animal welfare-only activities

Terms & Conditions

Download the full Policy Criteria here.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via Trailblazer Fund application form to the Fund Panel.

Applications must clearly state:

• The purpose of the funding
• Whether it supports new or existing activity
• Costs of the project
• Number of beneficiaries
• Expected outcomes and impact

Applicants who have previously received funding must have submitted all required reports before reapplying.

When Will Decisions Be Made?

The Trailblazer Fund is usually awarded annually.

Applicants will be informed of:

• The closing date (typically end of August/early September)
• The decision date for shortlisted applications
• Shortlisted applicants are visited and any additional information is requested
• Trailblazer Fund is awarded (typically November)

Contact

For any other enquiries related to the fund, please email [email protected]