Moondance Foundation

Charity Number: 1139224

Annual Expenditure: £180.0M
Geographic Focus: United States, Throughout Wales

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Quick Stats

  • Annual 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
  • Big Donation 2025: rebecca@moondancefoundation.org.uk

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 organizations. 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 judgment to determine appropriate grant amounts, emphasizing sustainable funding approaches for beneficiaries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • General Funding: £500+ (rolling applications, no deadlines)
  • Big Donation 2025: Up to 4 awards of £1 million each for educational transformation in Wales
  • Covid-19 Relief Fund: Established during pandemic
  • Moondance Cancer Initiative: Specific health-focused program
  • 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
  • Organizations 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 judgment on appropriate funding levels.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  • Online application form only (no pre-application discussions)
  • Rolling basis with no strict deadlines
  • 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 emphasized

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 organizational purpose and impact
  • Demonstrate genuine need in Welsh communities
  • Follow word count guidelines precisely
  • Complete application thoroughly

Recent Funding Examples:

  • £5,000 to Kidney Wales for Well-being Voucher project
  • Support to Surfers Against Sewage for environmental initiatives
  • Multi-year commitments to various Welsh organizations

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 allows for thorough preparation

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