The prestigious Weston Charity Awards 2025 are now open for applications, offering life-changing support packages valued at over £22,000 each for up to 22 ambitious front-line charities. Eligible charities specializing in community, environment, welfare, or youth support are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 8 January 2025.
Award winners will benefit from a unique combination of unrestricted grants and expert-led leadership coaching to help strengthen their organizations, drive long-term sustainability, and maximize their impact.
What the Awards Offer
Each successful charity receives:
- £6,500 in unrestricted grants to aid the development of a tailored sustainability plan.
- Free access to Pilotlight 360 – an eight-month leadership coaching programme valued at £16,000. Delivered by a team of four experienced “Pilotlighters” from diverse private and public sector organizations, this program focuses on income diversification, business model innovation, long-term strategy development, operational efficiencies, and volunteer recruitment.
Flora Craig, Interim Director at the Garfield Weston Foundation, emphasized the importance of the Awards:
“We know that charities are under pressure to deliver their great work – they face increased costs, a high demand for their services, and a competitive environment. The Weston Charity Awards programme is a great opportunity for charities to take stock, work with experienced experts, and develop plans for a resilient future.”
Eligibility Criteria
The Awards are open to charities that:
- Operate in Wales, the North of England, or the Midlands.
- Have been delivering services for over two years.
- Employ at least one full-time paid staff member in a leadership role.
- Generate an annual income of less than £5 million.
Past Success Stories
Since the Awards began in 2014, over 150 charities have benefited, with remarkable results:
- 100% of charity leaders reported improved effectiveness of their senior management team six months after participating in Pilotlight 360.
- On average, participating charities saw a 43% increase in income within two years of completion.
Ed Mayo, CEO of Pilotlight, highlighted the program’s impact:
“Small charities face immense challenges in income generation and management skills. Thanks to our partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation, these Awards provide not only financial support but also the tools and guidance needed to overcome these barriers and thrive.”
Inspiring Testimonials
- Meanwood Valley Urban Farm (Leeds) used the Awards to develop a new strategy, expanding their work with education institutions and community projects. CEO Adam Ogilvie said: “We now have the key ingredients, alongside the confidence, to produce a brand-new strategy for the organisation thanks to the work we have done with the Pilotlighters.”
- Buzz (South Yorkshire) transformed its approach to support families navigating conflict and separation, responding to a 200% increase in referrals. CEO Kath Mardles praised the Awards as “gold dust for our organisation. It was challenging, energising and transformative.”
Join the Conversation
Charities interested in applying can attend free Zoom sessions for guidance and tips:
- Monday 2 December: Weston Charity Awards: Meet the Funder (Leeds-based charities).
- Monday 16 December: Maximizing Your Application.
- Monday 6 January: Your Questions Answered.
Apply Now
The Weston Charity Awards are a collaboration between the Garfield Weston Foundation and Pilotlight, empowering charities to overcome challenges and build a resilient future.
For more details and to apply, visit: www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards.
About the Garfield Weston Foundation
Founded in 1958, the Garfield Weston Foundation is one of the UK’s largest and most trusted grant-makers. Last year alone, it awarded over £100 million to nearly 2,000 charities.
About Pilotlight
Pilotlight is a charity that connects social-purpose organisations with business experts to help them thrive, creating lasting positive change in communities.
Contact: Kathy Sharpe, Pilotlight UK
Email: kathy@sharpecommunications.co.uk
Website: www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards
