Grant applications now open for Weston Charity Awards 2023
We are delighted to inform you that applications for the Weston Charity Awards 2023 are officially open. Once again we will be partnering with Garfield Weston to offer a unique package of support worth over £22,000 to small charities in the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales. The Awards nurture leadership talent while amplifying a charity’s potential impact.
We know this help is more vital than ever as the cost-of-living crisis escalates. Charities across the sector are seeing user numbers rocket while donations continue to decline with the threat of recession looming.
Through the Weston Charity Awards, unrestricted grants of £6,500 are available for up to 22 ambitious charities like yours. The cash contributions are available to instigate strategic change and accelerate innovative growth despite current challenges. Winning applicants also gain free access to the Pilotlight 360 programme - a ten-month package of leadership coaching worth an estimated £16,000.
The awards are open to registered charities working with beneficiaries in the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales and which specialise in the fields of Community, Welfare, Youth, and, for the first time, Environment (in recognition of the growing pressures on conservation and environmental charities). Charities with at least one paid full-time member of staff in a leadership position and an income of less than £5 million per year are eligible to apply.
Feedback shows that two years after receiving Pilotlight support, charities on average increase their reach by 30%, income by 44%, and leadership skills in 94% of participants.
Philippa Charles, Director of The Garfield Weston Foundation, said:
“As the cost-of-living crisis hits families and communities hard, we see a critical role for small charities in key regions who are supporting vulnerable people. Now more than ever, charities are seeking support to ensure a robust strategic future. The Awards can be critical in helping a charity grow their services for people in real need.”
Alongside grants, award winners receive an unrivalled package of leadership mentoring from four senior professionals across diverse private and public sector organisations. These empathetic “Pilotlighters” offer in-depth expert coaching on everything from creative operational efficiencies to sustainable long-term business strategies that take an organisation to the next level. Winning charities also access:
collaborative opportunities and events through Pilotlight’s network of UK charities
two peer-to-peer support sessions with other award winners to share best practice
a celebratory event for all award-winners on conclusion of the programme
the enhanced profile associated with receiving this award grant for excellence.
The application deadline is 5pm Friday 6 January 2023.
For further information about the awards grants and full entry criteria, visit: https://www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards