Moondance Foundation

Quick Stats

• Cumulative Giving: £180 million+ (since 2010)
• Success Rate: Not disclosed
• Decision Time: Up to 12 weeks
• Grant Range: £500 - £1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Wales (with bias), some international

Contact Details

• Website: www.moondancefoundation.org.uk
• Email: moondancefoundation@gmail.com
• Phone: Not provided
• Address: c/o Bevan Buckland LLP, Britannia House, Penny Lane, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7EG

Overview

Founded in 2010 by Diane Briere de l'Isle Engelhardt OBE and Henry Engelhardt CBE (CEO Emeritus of Admiral Group plc), the Moondance Foundation has distributed over £180 million since inception. The charity focuses on creating “transformational changes in communities in Wales and beyond,” with a particular emphasis on Welsh organisations. Henry Engelhardt believes philanthropy should “step in where governments either cannot, dare not or do not have sufficient resources.” The foundation operates with experienced trustees who use their judgement to determine appropriate grant amounts, emphasising sustainable funding approaches for beneficiaries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• General Funding: £500+ (rolling applications, no deadlines)
• Big Donation: Awards of up to £1 million each for transformational educational improvement initiatives in Wales
• Covid-19 Relief Fund: Established during pandemic
• Moondance Cancer Initiative: Specific health-focused programme
• Out of School Childcare: £1,500 sustainability grants, £3,500 for new clubs

Priority Areas

• Children and young people
• Education and training
• Health (illness/crippling diseases)
• Elderly support
• Environmental conservation
• Poverty prevention
• Community development
• Women's initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• Political activities
• Religious activities
• Research projects
• Schools/PTAs
• Sports clubs
• Individual applications
• Organisations not operating in Wales (for general funding)

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Governance and Leadership

Founder and Chairperson: Diane Briere de l'Isle Engelhardt OBE - Founded ResolveIt and established Moondance Cancer Initiative

Co-Founder: Henry Engelhardt CBE - Believes in philanthropic intervention where government resources are insufficient

Director: Rebecca Watkins - Joined 2017, describes role as “dream job - helping, supporting and empowering others”

Trustees: Damien, Adrian, Shanna, and Tara Engelhardt (family members), plus Louisa Scadden

No trustees receive remuneration. All trustees are experienced grant-makers who exercise judgement on appropriate funding levels.

How to Apply to Moondance Foundation

How to Apply

• Online application form only (no pre-application discussions)
• Rolling basis with no strict deadlines for general funding
• Cannot discuss potential applications before submission
• Must provide detailed breakdown of funding requirements

Decision Timeline

• Aim to respond within 12 weeks
• If no response within 12 weeks, assume unsuccessful
• Quick response and funding distribution emphasised

Success Rates

Not disclosed publicly

Reapplication Policy

Must wait 6 months between applications if unsuccessful

Application Success Factors

Key Advice from Foundation:

• “Develop sustainable funding sources” - don't become overly reliant on single funder
• Provide clear explanation of organisational purpose and impact
• Demonstrate genuine need in Welsh communities
• Follow word count guidelines precisely
• Complete application thoroughly

Recent Funding Examples:

• Support to Kidney Wales for Well-being Voucher project
• Multi-year support to Surfers Against Sewage for environmental education initiatives
• Multi-year commitments to various Welsh organisations

Foundation Language: Focus on “transformational changes,” “meaningful difference,” and “empowering vulnerable people”

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Not operating in Wales
• Unclear or incomplete applications
• Lack of demonstrated need or impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Focus Critical: Wales bias is explicit - ensure strong Welsh connection
• Sustainable Funding Approach: Demonstrate diversified funding strategy
• Transformational Impact: Use language about transformation and meaningful change
• Family Foundation Values: Personal, relationship-based approach with experienced trustees
• No Feedback Policy: Applications must be strong first time as detailed feedback isn't provided
• Flexibility on Amounts: Trustees may award partial funding if full request deemed inappropriate
• Rolling Applications: No pressure of fixed deadlines for general funding allows for thorough preparation

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• National Lottery
• Welsh Government
• The Waterloo Foundation
• The Arts Council Of England
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
• The Scottish Government
• The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Bbc Children In Need
• The Oakdale Trust
• The Cadogan Charity
• Peacock Charitable Trust
• Army Benevolent Fund
• The John Scott Charitable Trust
• The Sir James Knott Trust
• The Constance Travis Charitable Trust
• The Veterans' Foundation
• Masonic Charitable Foundation
• The Stone Family Foundation
• Bloomberg

References

• Moondance Foundation official website: https://moondancefoundation.org.uk/
• Charity Commission records for charity 1139224: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=1139224
• Foundation FAQs: https://moondancefoundation.org.uk/funding-faqs
• Application guidance: https://moondancefoundation.org.uk/general-howtoapply-1
• Big Donation programme: https://moondancefoundation.org.uk/bigdonation
• Leadership information: https://moondancefoundation.org.uk/aboutourpeople
• Quote from Henry Engelhardt about philanthropic approach
• Rebecca Watkins quote about her role as Foundation Director
• Surfers Against Sewage partnership information: https://www.sas.org.uk/take-action/partnerships/trusts-and-foundations/the-moondance-foundation/