The annual Weston Charity Awards has opened to entries, with support packages worth over £22,000 each available for up to 22 front-line charities specialising in community, environment, welfare, or youth support.
The Awards were created to support ambitious charities working in the fields of Community, Welfare and Youth.
Following a successful pilot in 2014, they now amplify the impact of charities across the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales, as well as charities working in the field of environmental action. A full list of eligible locations is available at this LINK.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on Wednesday 8th January 2025.
Through the Weston Charity Awards, unrestricted grants of £6,500 are available for up to 22 ambitious charities. 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 – an eight-month package of leadership coaching worth an estimated £16,000.
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:
o Collaborative opportunities and events through Pilotlight’s network of UK charities.
o Two peer-to-peer support sessions with other award winners to share best practice.
o A celebratory event for all award-winners on conclusion of the programme, and
o The enhanced profile associated with receiving this award grant for excellence.
To be eligible to apply, charities must have:
o A registered charity number
o At least one paid full-time member of staff in a leadership position
o Delivered a service for at least two years
o Income of less than £5 million per year
o Provide direct services to beneficiaries or take practical action on the environment
o A degree of financial stability that enables full engagement in the programme
A majority of activity or beneficiaries based in the North or Midlands of England or Wales. To check that your area is eligible to apply to the Awards, take a look at the full location list here.
o A willingness to meet in person for three out of eight meetings (two in London and one at your charity’s location).
For further information about the Weston Charity Awards, please visit its website, where a short overview of the Awards can also be found.
