Isle Of Wight Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £80,000-£100,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4-5 months
• Grant Range: £3,000 - £16,000
• Geographic Focus: Isle of Wight only

Contact Details

• Website: http://www.islandroads.com
• Email: IWFoundation@IslandRoads.com
• Phone: 01983 822440
• Address: Island Roads, St Christopher House, 42 Daish Way, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5XJ

Overview

The Isle of Wight Foundation is a registered charitable trust (Charity Number: 1163489) established in 2014 by the network of companies forming Island Roads - Ringway Island Roads, Island Roads Services, Vinci Concessions, and Meridiam. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded approximately £900,000 to local good causes, focusing on tackling social exclusion on the Isle of Wight. The Foundation operates independently from the Highways PFI contract, with funding provided directly by the companies behind Island Roads. It combines financial assistance with the skills and volunteer support of Island Roads staff to help community schemes and projects across the Island.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Project Grants: £3,000 - £16,000 (annual funding round with approximately £80,000 total pot)
• Application method: Annual application window (typically February to May)
• Submission via email or post

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on two key themes:

• Supporting people excluded from the job market
• Providing basic training for unqualified individuals
• Improving mobility for accessing employment, healthcare, and education
• Work readiness programs and skills development

• Promoting youth citizenship and engagement
• Helping excluded individuals regain self-confidence
• Facilitating housing access for underprivileged individuals
• Reducing social isolation
• Creating active citizens working together

What They Don't Fund

• Political or religious activities
• Day-to-day operating costs
• Ongoing staff costs
• Projects that cannot be completed within 12 months
• Projects a statutory body is legally obligated to provide
• Land or building projects without ownership
• Individuals
• Private sector/profit-making organizations
• Schools and educational institutions

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation operates with 4 trustees and 15 volunteers, with no paid employees. It maintains charitable status under the Charity Commission (Number: 1163489) with annual income of approximately £103,873 and expenditure of £102,965 (as of 2024). The selection committee includes representatives from Island Roads, funding partners, and a local community representative.

Paul Herbert, Island Roads Service Director, has noted: "While there is clearly much still to do, a great deal has already been achieved. It represents a major investment in the Island's infrastructure."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via email to IWFoundation@IslandRoads.com or by post/hand delivery to Island Roads headquarters. The Foundation requires completion of their official application form (PDF format) with no handwritten forms accepted. Full eligibility criteria and application guidance are available on the Island Roads website.

Decision Timeline

• February: Application window opens
• Early May: Application deadline (12 noon)
• June-August: Panel visits to shortlisted projects
• End of September: Final funding decisions made
• December: Grants announced
• January (following year): Successful programs begin

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. The Foundation typically funds 8-10 organizations per annual cycle from its £80,000-£100,000 annual pot.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent funding rounds. The Foundation encourages applications “whether from a group applying for the first time or having previously applied.” They particularly welcome first-time applicants while also accepting applications from previous grant recipients.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's funded projects and stated priorities, successful applications typically demonstrate:

• Clear social impact: Projects that directly address social exclusion on the Isle of Wight
• Innovation: The Foundation values “innovative solutions to tackle social exclusion”
• Sustainability: Projects that create lasting change within the 12-month funding period
• Community engagement: Strong evidence of local need and community involvement
• Measurable outcomes: Clear objectives that align with either employment access or community building themes
• Insurance compliance: Organizations must have public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
• Project completion: Ability to complete the project within 12 months of funding

Recent successful projects include funding for community minibuses (Aspire, The Way Forward Programme), specialist equipment for disabilities support (St Catherine's School), and community engagement initiatives (Vectis Radio, YES! Creative Beats).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus applications on one of two themes: access to employment or building better communities
• Demonstrate clear plans to tackle social exclusion on the Isle of Wight
• Ensure your project can be completed within 12 months of receiving funding
• Consider involving Island Roads staff as project sponsors for additional support
• Applications from first-time applicants are particularly encouraged
• The Foundation funds both material investments (equipment, vehicles) and non-material investments (training, programs)
• Annual application window is limited - prepare applications early for the February-May period

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Community Foundation
• The Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation
• The Shanly Foundation
• Milton Keynes Community Foundation Limited
• Hays Travel Foundation
• The David Brownlow Charitable Foundation
• Oxfordshire Community Foundation
• Heathrow Community Trust
• Gatwick Airport Community Trust
• The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust

References

• Island Roads IW Foundation website: https://islandroads.com/iw-foundation/
• Island Roads Application Guidance: https://islandroads.com/iw-foundation/how-to-apply-for-funding/
• Island Roads FAQs: https://islandroads.com/iw-foundation/faqs/
• Island Roads Eligibility Criteria: https://islandroads.com/iw-foundation/would-my-project-be-eligible-for-funding/
• Island Roads Impact Report: https://islandroads.com/iw-foundation/our-impact/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5064542/charity-overview
• OnTheWight news articles on Isle of Wight Foundation grants 2023-2024