Bedern Hall

About the Client

Bedern Hall is a community interest company which seeks to share and preserve its rich history. Dating back to the 13th Century the hall was originally part of the College of the Vicars Choral. Later the hall was passed into private ownership where it was used by multiple stakeholders including schools and bakeries. Today, the hall faces significant challenges requiring extensive repairs for their roof.

Bedern Hall relies upon its volunteers and fundraising initiatives to manage its day-to-day running and operations and support for major work. The fundraising takes several forms; namely membership options (Bedern Hall Foundation), venue hire, run a roof-tile appeal and a Heritage Grant that they have secured to help cover running costs.

Objectives

• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of Bedern Hall’s current funding strategies including the Roof Tile Appeal, venue hires, and Bedern Hall Foundation membership program.

• Research and identify new funding opportunities that align with Bedern Hall’s values and mission, focusing on heritage preservation grants and community engagement initiatives.

• Create an actionable plan for Bedern Hall to diversify revenue streams and secure funding for essential roof repairs and long-term sustainability.

Project Outcome

YCC delivered a thorough funding diversification strategy for Bedern Hall through systematic analysis of current operations and extensive grant research. The team identified critical weaknesses in existing fundraising approaches, including the underperforming Roof Tile Appeal, and website navigation issues limiting access to the Bedern Hall Foundation membership program.

Through detailed research, five major grant opportunities were identified ranging from £1,000 to £100,000, specifically targeting heritage preservation. Each grant was assessed for eligibility, application requirements, and strategic fit with Bedern Hall’s community interest company status.

We also conducted primary research with students and the wider public which revealed significant opportunities for enhanced community engagement. Student surveys showed strong interest in volunteering, with 80% willing to contribute 1 to 3 hours weekly in areas such as administration, event planning, and social media management. Public interviews identified demand for weekend opening hours, walking tours, and improvement of online presence.

Our final deliverables included a comprehensive grant application timeline, enhanced social media strategy recommendations, and actionable steps for improving venue hire revenue through extended hours and themed events, positioning Bedern Hall for sustainable growth while preserving its historic significance.