Frequently Asked Questions and Misconceptions

Grant Application & Updates

How do I submit an update on a grant?
Use the UPDATE form available on the Grant Administration Page. If you don’t have access, Contact Us to request it.

How can I check if you have everything to assess our application?
It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents and information are submitted as outlined in our guidelines. Applications with missing information will not be prioritised and may face significant delays. We strongly recommend double-checking your submission.

We have raised more funding for our project. Do I need to inform you?
Yes, please keep us updated on your fundraising progress during the application process.

We are an exempt charity but not registered. Are we eligible to apply?
Yes, any charity that is exempt, registered, and/or regulated by the Charity Commission, FCA, HMRC or other recognised body can apply.

Why do applicants now need a website?
A functioning website helps us verify your organisation’s work and assess public benefit. It is a key part of our due diligence process. Applications without a website cannot be considered.

We received a grant last year, can we apply again?
If you have claimed your grant from us and, we have released your payment, then you may submit an application for a new project or new phase of your project after a period of 24 months has passed from the settlement date.

Submitting Documents

There isn’t an Upload a PDF on CONTACT US
You must be logged into the portal to have the facility to upload documents

I uploaded a bank charges statement. Is that sufficient?
No, we require a full, unredacted bank statement.

My files are too large to upload. Can I email them?
No, you must attempt to compress your files, try using I Love PDF, it really works.

I submitted a SETTLEMENT REQUEST form 7 working days ago but haven’t received a letter.
Check your inbox and spam / junk folders for a confirmation email from webadmin with the subject “Commitment to be settled” and review your submission to ensure it meets the conditions.
Allow for postal delays.
If you WFH, contact the office to double check it hasn’t arrived

Technical & Portal Issues


I get errors when submitting forms. What should I do?

Please contact us and provide full details of the error.

I completed a form but am concerned you haven’t received it.
If a submission date and time appear on the form button, we have received it.

I am leaving my role, do I need to inform you?
Yes, please use the CONTACT US form and pass on the portal login details to your replacement.

I am new, my predecessor hasn’t passed on the login details to the portal.
The username is your charity number or reference, if you have forgotten your password, you can follow the reset password link and a verification email will be sent to the registered generic email address used at registration.

Grant Recognition & Receipts

Can we recognise this grant on our website?
Yes, as long as:
1. Other Trusts and Foundations are also recognised on the same page.
2. We are referred to as ‘The Hobson Charity’.
3. You can Download our logo here.

Can we do a Social Media Acknowledgment?
No, The Hobson Charity and all the trustees decline to appear on social media platforms.

Is it okay to send the receipt after we receive the funds?
Yes, that’s fine, but please ensure you don’t forget to send.

Principles of Grant Giving


Our trustees consider applications that align with the charity’s stated objectives and meet the following criteria:

✅ The applicant must be a registered charitable organisation based in England and Wales.
✅ The organisation must have a functioning website that outlines its charitable activities and provides contact information.
✅ The request must be for a specific project or item, not for general running costs.
✅ Applications must be for one-time funding – we do not fund multi-year requests.
✅ The request must relate to items not yet purchased.

Common Misconceptions


❌ “Can we apply for staff salaries or core running costs?” – No, we do not fund salaries, personnel, or any operational expenses.
❌ “Can we apply again next year if we received funding before?” – You may submit an application after a period of 24 months has passed from the settlement date of your grant.
❌ “Are exceptions possible?” – Only in very exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the trustees.

We encourage all applicants to carefully review these principles before applying to ensure eligibility.