Kenilworth Lions Club (cio)

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity Number: 1183358
• Annual Income: £98,656 (year ending 30 June 2025)
• Annual Expenditure: £107,185 (year ending 30 June 2025)
• Grant Range: £125 - £14,000 (typical single projects up to £2,000)
• Geographic Focus: Kenilworth and immediate surrounding area (Warwickshire), plus selective international aid
• Decision Time: 2-4 weeks
• Members: Over 50 members, making it one of the biggest Lions Clubs in the UK

Contact Details

Website: www.kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk

Phone: 01926 864093

Email:

• secretarykenlions@gmail.com
• roar@kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk

Grant Application: Online form at https://forms.gle/se8i5kP2fUCWU6xj7

Address: John Price House, Farmer Ward Road, Kenilworth, CV8 2DH

Overview

Kenilworth Lions Club (CIO), registered charity number 1183358, is part of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization. With over 50 members, it is one of the largest Lions Clubs in the UK. The club has been serving the Kenilworth community for decades, particularly through its well-known charity furniture store which has been recycling furniture and household items for over two decades.

Operating under the Lions motto “We Serve,” the club focuses on serving both the local community through their “Pride of Lions Community Grants” scheme and supporting international humanitarian causes. Their annual expenditure of approximately £107,000 demonstrates significant charitable impact, generated through fundraising events including the annual Lions Grand Show, Duck Race, Carols at the Castle, and income from their furniture store operations. The club's strategic approach balances approximately 80% of funding for local charitable needs with around 20% for international aid projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Pride of Lions Community Grants

• Grant Range: £125 - £2,000 (typical individual grants)
• Application Method: Rolling basis through online application form or downloadable PDF
• Focus: One-off costs for specific items or activities rather than operational expenses
• Matched Funding: Normally expected, though 100% funding provided in exceptional cases
• Funding Pledge: Can issue 12-month funding pledge if applicant hasn't yet raised total required funds

Priority Areas

Local Community Support:

• Youth programs and education (school initiatives, equipment, activities)
• Disability support and accessibility
• Community welfare (bereavement support, stroke clubs, PHAB groups)
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Healthcare and wellbeing initiatives
• Environmental projects (“Green” initiatives)

International Aid:

• Disaster relief (earthquake appeals, humanitarian emergencies)
• Water well construction in Africa
• Ukraine support (ambulance deliveries - 30th ambulance delivered in 2024)
• Eye operations in developing countries

What They Don't Fund

• Fundraising for other charities
• National charity activities unless there is direct local benefit to Kenilworth
• Large well-funded charities
• Operational/running costs (strong preference for one-off project costs)
• Activities outside Kenilworth area

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Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (as of 2025):

• President: Bill Wanley
• Vice President: Steve Luff
• Secretary: Andy Cartwright
• Treasurer: Gordon Henderson
• Membership Director: Graham Pemberton
• Community Services Chairman: Bill Wanley

The club operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) with 9 Trustees. The Community Service Committee manages grant applications and community support.

Quote from Leadership:

President Sue Meads (2024): “Lions are delighted to be supporting an important youth programme in the community,” speaking about swimming lesson grants to local schools.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Primary Method: Online application form via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/se8i5kP2fUCWU6xj7

Alternative Method: Download PDF application form from website

Before Applying:

• Ensure your project clearly benefits Kenilworth or immediate area residents
• Prepare details about total project costs and any matched funding secured
• Be ready to demonstrate alignment with club's charitable objectives

Decision Timeline

Grants are decided at monthly club meetings held on the second Monday of each month. Decisions are typically made within 2-4 weeks from submission, depending on timing relative to monthly meetings. Grant decisions are published monthly on the club website.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly published. However, the club acknowledges they “receive far more applications than they have funds to support,” indicating competitive demand. Monthly grant rounds consistently award to 3-7 recipients with a mix of small (£125-£600) and larger grants (£1,000-£2,000).

Reapplication Policy

While not explicitly stated, unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Services Committee to discuss strengthening future submissions.

Application Success Factors

Key Alignment Factors:

1. Local Impact is Critical: Must demonstrate clear benefit to Kenilworth or immediate area residents
2. One-Off Project Costs Over Running Costs: Strong preference for specific items or activities rather than operational expenses
3. Demonstrate Matched Funding Effort: Show commitment to securing additional funding sources
4. Alignment with Lions' Mission Areas: Youth support, vision/health programs, elderly and disabled support, environmental initiatives
5. Clear, Specific Project Description: Vague or overly broad applications are less likely to succeed

What the Funder Says:

• "Strong preference will be given to funding 'one off' costs for specific items or activities, rather than covering operational running costs"
• "The Club may exceptionally provide 100% funding but will normally expect the applicant to raise an element of 'matched funding' from elsewhere"

Strategic Tips:

• Submit applications well before monthly meetings
• Clearly itemize costs and describe specific benefit to Kenilworth residents
• Include data about who will benefit and impact numbers
• Be prepared to present about your completed project if invited

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local focus is non-negotiable: Applications must demonstrate clear benefit to Kenilworth residents
• One-off project costs have the best chance: Capital equipment or defined project activities preferred
• Matched funding expectations: Demonstrating multiple funding sources strengthens applications
• Monthly decision cycle: Applications considered on second Monday of each month
• Wide funding range: Grants from £125 to several thousand pounds
• Youth and vulnerable populations are priorities: Consistent support for children, elderly, disabled individuals
• Simple application process: Straightforward online form or PDF download

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Kenilworth Lions Limited
• DJ Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme
• The Dulverton Trust
• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
• THE ALAN EDWARD HIGGS CHARITY
• Round Table Charitable Trust Fund
• Lions Club of Fleet (CIO)
• The Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation
• The Cumber Family Charitable Trust
• THE MANSFIELD BUILDING SOCIETY CHARITABLE TRUST

References

1. Charity Commission for England and Wales, “KENILWORTH LIONS CLUB (CIO) - 1183358,” Register of Charities, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5140272

1. Kenilworth Lions Club, “Pride of Lions - Community Grants,” https://kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk/pride-of-lions/

1. Kenilworth Lions Club, “Community Service,” https://kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk/community-we-serve/

1. Kenilworth Lions Club, Grant award announcements (September 2024 - May 2025), https://kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk/

1. Kenilworth Lions Club, Main website, https://kenilworthlionsclub.co.uk/