FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Charity for?
The Charity exists to support young people who are going into further and higher education, training and apprenticeships. It does this by offering Grants of money.

How long has it been running?
The Charity has been in existence for several hundred years. In its present form, however, it has been running since 2007.

When can I apply and when and how will I find out if I have been successful?
You can apply at any time during the year, but the deadline for applications is always 30th
September. When the Trustees have met and made a decision about your application the Clerk will write to tell you. She likes to do this as soon as possible after the Trustees’ meeting.

Where will I find Application Forms?
Application forms are found on the Charity’s Website – http://www.hhforward.org.uk. Look on the website, find the section about Applications and download an Application Form. It is a Word or LibreOffice Writer file so you could print it and fill it in by hand or complete it and then forward it to the Clerk (her details are on the form). 

One important factor to remember is that each application needs a countersignature from someone connected with your University, College or Training Course or your Apprenticeship. If you have a problem with this, please contact our Clerk who will help as much as possible.

How will I receive my Grant?
When the Clerk delivers the Trustees’ decision, she will also enclose a cheque for any money you are to receive, along with a receipt form that you need to return to her, and an account form that. she needs when you have spent all your grant. These forms are important to make sure that the Trustees know you have received your money safely and to tell them the kinds of things that your Grant has been spent on. If you don’t have your own bank account, please let the Trustees know to whom their cheque (if you are successful) should be paid.

Who makes the decision about my application?
The decisions made by the Charity are made collectively by the 5 Trustees. When the Charity was first set up the ‘Vicar, Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor’ were the Trustees. In the newer, more modern form the decisions are made by two Trustees nominated by the Parish Council, two members nominated by the Parochial Church Council and either the vicar for the time being or the Chair of the Church Council.

What is the connection to the Countess & Earl of Devonshire?
The Charity was set up by the Countess and Earl of Devonshire. It was their wish to help as many young people from poorer families to access education and training as they could. They offered money to help them. There are nine areas in Derbyshire where this Charity is active.

Can I apply just once?

Yes, you can apply just once, but you can also apply each year that you are in further education or training. So long as you continue to have your home address within the Civil Parish of Holmewood and Heath, are aged between 16 and 26, and are continuing in further education and training you can apply.

If I am working would this affect my application?
No, the Trustees do not want to know anything about any sources of income you might have.
However, it is helpful to the Trustees to know if you are to receive any Grants from other sources. This is so that they can signpost you to any other providers of grant support who might be helpful.

Will it fund educational school/college/university study programmes abroad?
Yes. The Trustees make no stipulations as to how you use your money, though they prefer it not to be spent in the local bar.

Can I use the Trust money to pay for an educational training course?
Yes, that is exactly what it is for.

If there is more than one person in our family eligible to apply can we?
Yes – there is no problem with this happening. In recent years the Trustees have helped fund two and even three siblings in a family. Whilst ever they qualify to apply their application will be considered.

What do I do with my Grant if I drop out of my course?
If this should happen and you have money left from your Grant the Trustees would ask that you return to them the unspent money. This can then be applied to supporting other young people. You would not be expected to repay the whole Grant.