Our constitution and area of operation

The Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity was set up to support people living in Market Harborough, Great Bowden and Little Bowden. Our focus is on improving living conditions and life chances for those in need in our area.

The Charity has money to assist local groups and individuals suffering hardship, distress or ill-health and to support welfare, leisure and education facilities.

Our constitution states:
The objects of the Charity are to further such charitable purposes for the general benefit of the inhabitants in the area of benefit in one or more of the following ways, or in such ways as the trustees see fit:

1. in relieving persons who are in need, hardship or distress;
2. in relieving persons who are sick;
3. in providing and supporting with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants in the interests of social welfare, facilities for recreation and other leisure time occupation;
4. in providing and supporting educational facilities.

GRANTS CAN ONLY BE MADE TO APPLICANTS FROM OUR “AREA OF BENEFIT” - MARKET HARBOROUGH, GREAT BOWDEN AND LITTLE BOWDEN.

How we work

The Charity is run by a small group of volunteer trustees who meet every couple of months to consider applications for financial assistance. In assessing applications they judge how well the Charity’s objects would be met if they make a grant, and then how much to give, considering other applications and the funds available. The Charity’s income derives from the interest generated by its endowment.

Our grant application form is available here.

The Trustees are able to make grants to a wide range of applicants, including individuals, voluntary groups, local organisations, sports clubs and schools.  Our News pages include examples of successful applications.

We also work in partnership with others to develop initiatives that respond to changing needs in the area.