Dennis Wise In The Community

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £180,306 (2024/25)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: In-kind donations (minibuses and wheelchairs)
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
• Total Raised: Over £1 million since 2000
• Minibuses Donated: 22+ to date (goal of 100)

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.dwcommunity.co.uk/
• Email: admin@dwcommunity.co.uk
• Phone: 01306 884277
• Application: Year-round rolling applications accepted

Overview

Dennis Wise In The Community was founded in 2000 by ex-Chelsea FC captain Dennis Wise as a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities. With annual expenditure of £180,306 (year ending June 2025) and over £1 million raised since inception, the charity focuses primarily on providing in-kind support through the donation of fully accessible minibuses and specialist wheelchairs to charitable organizations across the UK. The charity operates through fundraising events, most notably its annual fundraising ball at The Savoy Hotel, which raised £69,000 in recent years. The charity is run by three unpaid trustees and two volunteers, ensuring all funds go directly to charitable activities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Minibus Donation Programme: The charity's flagship initiative aims to donate 100 minibuses to educational and charitable organizations. To date, 22+ minibuses have been donated.

• Grant Type: In-kind donation of fully accessible 17-seater minibuses with four wheelchair bays
• Application Method: Rolling basis via downloadable application form on website
• Value: Standard accessible minibuses (estimated £30,000-£50,000+ per vehicle based on typical market values, though specific values not disclosed by charity)

Wheelchair Programme: Over 15 years, the charity has purchased specialist wheelchairs for disabled children and adults.

• Grant Type: In-kind donation of specialist wheelchairs
• Application Method: Contact charity directly
• Value: Not disclosed

Financial Support: The charity also provides direct financial support to deserving organizations and individuals, though this is not the primary focus.

Priority Areas

• Organizations supporting children and adults with disabilities
• Special needs schools and educational facilities
• Charitable organizations serving sick, disabled, and disadvantaged populations
• Organizations where improved mobility will enable integration with the wider community
• UK-based organizations serving UK residents

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the UK
• Services for people who are not UK residents
• For-profit organizations
• Projects not related to disability, disadvantage, or special needs support

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by three trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. While the founder Dennis Wise is clearly the public face of the organization, the specific names of all current trustees are not publicly disclosed on readily available materials. The charity operates with minimal overhead costs, employing no staff and relying on two volunteers alongside the trustee board.

The charity's website states: “Dennis and the trustees are committed to helping improve the quality of life for young people and adults across the country” and notes that “the trustees of the Charity are passionate about improving the mobility of young children and adults.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The charity accepts applications year-round on a rolling basis. Applications are accepted from:

• Schools (particularly special needs schools)
• Non-profit organizations
• UK charitable organizations serving sick, disabled, and/or disadvantaged children and adults who are residents within the UK

For minibus donations, applicants must complete the “Dennis Wise in the Community Minibus Application Form,” which is available for download on their website at dwcommunity.co.uk.

Applications can be submitted via:

• Download and complete the application form from the website
• Contact via email: admin@dwcommunity.co.uk
• Contact via phone: 01306 884277

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As the charity operates on a rolling basis and relies on fundraising to purchase minibuses for donation, the timeline likely depends on:

• Available funds raised through events
• Number of applications in the queue
• Strength of individual applications

Applicants should expect that there may be a waiting period as the charity raises funds and acquires vehicles.

Success Rates

The charity does not publish specific success rates or the number of applications received versus awards made. With 22+ minibuses donated since 2000 and ongoing fundraising efforts toward a goal of 100 minibuses, the charity is actively making awards but likely receives more applications than it can fulfill at any given time.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated. Organizations are encouraged to apply, and presumably unsuccessful applicants may reapply, though specific guidance on timing is not provided.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's stated mission and funded projects, successful applications likely demonstrate:

1. Clear disability/special needs focus: The charity explicitly states that “the main focus has been on providing minibuses to charitable organisations in need, with a particular focus on special needs children and adults.” Applications should clearly articulate how the organization serves this demographic.

1. Impact on integration and quality of life: The charity emphasizes that minibuses “make a huge difference to their lives by enabling them to integrate with the wider community.” Successful applications should demonstrate how improved mobility will enable beneficiaries to participate more fully in community activities, education, or social opportunities.

1. Transformational impact: The charity notes that their wheelchair donations have “transformed the lives of not only the users, but their families, care staff, friends, and support networks allowing them a better quality of life.” Applications should show the ripple effect of the donation beyond just the direct users.

1. UK focus and UK residents: Eligibility is limited to organizations “catering for sick, disabled and/or disadvantaged children and adults who are residents within the UK.”

1. Charitable/non-profit status: The charity only accepts applications from “schools, non-profit making groups or organisations.”

Example of funded organization: BeyondAutism/Park House School received a minibus donation, with Dennis Wise and fellow trustees attending the official handover. NASSA (North & South Allstars) received a 17-seater vehicle to transport basketball teams and support disabled young people attending inclusive wheelchair basketball sessions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• In-kind, not cash: This charity donates physical items (primarily minibuses) rather than providing cash grants. Applications should request specific equipment.
• Rolling applications welcome: With year-round applications accepted, there's no pressure to meet specific deadlines, though earlier applications may be funded sooner.
• Demonstrate community integration: Emphasize how the minibus will enable beneficiaries to access education, social activities, sports, or other community opportunities they currently cannot reach.
• Show the ripple effect: Successful applications will likely show impact beyond direct users—how families, care staff, and support networks also benefit.
• Fundraising dependency: The charity raises funds through events to purchase equipment, so timing of awards may depend on fundraising success. Be prepared for potential waiting periods.
• Focus on special needs: While the charity supports broadly defined “disadvantaged” populations, special needs children and adults are the stated priority.
• No application fees or complex processes: The straightforward application form and rolling acceptance suggest an accessible, applicant-friendly process.

References

• Dennis Wise In The Community Official Website -
• Charity Commission Register - Dennis Wise In The Community (1157390) -
• Lawrence Stephens - Dennis Wise in the Community Annual Fundraising Ball -
• BeyondAutism - Dennis Wise In The Community Donate Minibus -
• NASSA - Dennis Wise presents minibus -