The Harpur Trust
Analysis
The Harpur Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Bedford. It was registered in December 1997, 29 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, the prevention or relief of poverty and recreation, which this site groups under poverty relief. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 03475202). It says it makes grants to individuals, makes grants to organisations and provides services.
In the financial year ending June 2025, The Harpur Trust reported income of £73.0m and spending of £72.8m, spending 100% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2021 to June 2025, income grew from £55.1m to £73.0m (+32%), an average of +7.2% a year. Over the whole period it spent 99% of the income it received.
Among 15,276 England and Wales charities whose main cause is poverty relief and that reported income, The Harpur Trust sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Migrant Help (£69.8m), Shelter, National Campaign for Homeless People Limited (£77.0m) and Matw Project (£67.6m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 91%, investments 5.4% and donations and legacies 2.3%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £240k. Charitable activities took 98% of spending and raising funds 1.7%. Grants to other organisations totalled £1.3m. Reserves of £17.2m would cover about 3 months of spending at that rate. It employed 1,134 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 1.9%
- Legacies 0.3%
- Charitable activities 91%
- Trading 0.3%
- Investments 5.4%
- Other 0.5%
In the charity's own words
A local foundation that uses the legacy of Sir William Harpur, the founder in 1566, to benefit the inhabitants of the Borough of Bedford through the promotion of education; the relief of poverty, sickness and distress; and the provision of recreational facilities with a social welfare purpose.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Migrant Help | London | £69.8m |
| Shelter, National Campaign for Homeless People Limited | London | £77.0m |
| Matw Project | Greater London | £67.6m |
| Tearfund | Middlesex | £80.2m |