Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust Funding

About 

The East Riding Charitable Trust has historic roots in the business community of Hull and the East Riding. Our hard-working trustees share these local roots and are passionate about the Trust’s objective of supporting charities and deserving causes (both national and local) that directly benefit the people who live in this locality.  

In 1933 George Henry Hollingbery founded Comet Battery Store in Dock Street, Hull employing two people who charged batteries for customers wireless sets. During the late 1930’s the business grew as it moved into radio rentals and was maintained over subsequent years.  

Following his demise in 1958, George was succeeded by his son Michael John Hollingbery. Growth of the business continued apace with the first COMET superstore opened in Hull in 1968. 

After acquisition of the business by British retailer, Kingfisher, the founding family shareholders in COMET were instrumental in signing a Trust Deed on the 12th September 1985 establishing The Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust. 

What the Trust supports

The Trust is open-minded to the nature of applications, from both national and local charitable groups, provided the direct benefit serves the people living within Hull and the East Riding.

Donations will not be made for education, political or religious purposes. Participation by young people under the age of 18 years, in UK or overseas visits or projects with a leading organisation will be considered. Requests for notable buildings with a good level of community use will be evaluated.

For significant community projects demanding major fund raising, support may be given by way of a pledge, payment being conditional upon all other funds being sourced. Funding of both capital and revenue costs will be considered given the right circumstances.

Making an application

Each application must be made in writing. Wherever possible, each request must include the following information: 

• A brief history of the applicant/organisation and the relevant development strategy. 
• Where relevant, both company and charity registration numbers. 
• A copy of the most recent financial accounts of the applicant. 
• A detailed description of the project or activity. 
• Provision of a detailed cost breakdown/ budget for the use of funds. 
• Where the applicant is a national organisation, details of historic activity providing specific benefit for Hull and/or East Riding residents. 
• Strategy for fundraising and other potential sources of support being pursued. 
• Contribution from own fund raising activities. 
• Description of the benefit being provided for local people and the numbers who are projected to enjoy the benefit. 
• Future viability of the activity or project. 
• Full postal address and post code. 
• Email address. 
• Organisation, or home, telephone number and mobile number of person writing the letter. 
• Bank sort code and account number, and name of the bank account holder. 

All applications must be directed to: 

John R Barnes, Secretary 

Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust, 

Greenmeades, Kemp Road, Swanland, 

East Yorkshire, HU14 3LY  

Email: john.barnes@herct.org.uk  

Please note that the Trust only meets twice each year, early in May and November. To ensure consideration of a request at one of these meetings, the final date for receipt of a request is 20th April or 20th October respectively.