Peter Coates Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ??794,367 (2023/24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: ??20,000 - ??300,000 (primarily for Fast Forward Programme graduates)
• Geographic Focus: Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire
• Foundation Capital: ??20 million initial donation

Contact Details

Website: www.petercoatesfoundation.org

Email: admin@tpcf.org

Phone: 01782 684757

Registered Office: Bet365 House, Media Way, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5SZ

Overview

The Peter Coates Foundation was established in November 2021 with a ??20 million donation from Peter Coates, co-founder of Bet365 and chairman of Stoke City Football Club. In its 2023/24 financial year, the foundation distributed ??794,367 in charitable activities, including ??440,000 in institutional grants. The foundation focuses exclusively on urban regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire through a distinctive three-pillar approach: educational philanthropy, venture philanthropy, and broader urban regeneration initiatives. Rather than operating as a traditional open grant-maker, the foundation primarily works through strategic partnerships, notably the Peter Coates Fast Forward Programme launched in 2022 with Staffordshire University. The foundation also provided a multi-million pound donation to City Learning Trust's Character & Arts Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Peter Coates Fast Forward Programme (Primary Program)

• Part 1 - Education Bursaries: Full and partial bursaries for MSc in Entrepreneurship at Staffordshire University (full bursaries cover complete tuition fees)
• Part 2 - Venture Capital Investment: ??20,000 growth grants for smaller businesses OR up to ??200,000-??300,000 equity investment for viable business plans
• Application Method: Applications through Staffordshire University; currently closed for September 2024 intake

Character & Arts Foundation Support

• Multi-million pound donation to City Learning Trust
• Supports 10,000+ young people annually through musical pathways programme
• Includes partnerships with Hall?? Orchestra, enterprise academy, international scholarships

Institutional Grants

• ??440,000 granted to institutions in 2023/24
• Focus on organizations supporting urban regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent area
• No public application process detailed

Priority Areas

The foundation's charitable objectives focus on:

• Relief of poverty and financial hardship in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire
• Relief of unemployment through business creation and skills development
• Advancement of education and training, particularly postgraduate studies in business and entrepreneurship
• Business setup assistance and employment training
• Provision of workspace and land on favorable terms
• Urban regeneration creating “a thriving and growing ecosystem of new high-tech businesses”

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire region
• Activities not aligned with urban regeneration objectives
• Organizations not committed to transforming the local area
• General operational costs unconnected to foundation's strategic priorities

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

• Peter Coates (appointed 11 November 2021) - Founder, co-founder of Bet365, chairman of Stoke City FC, also trustee of Denise Coates Foundation
• James Edward White (appointed 11 November 2021) - also trustee of Denise Coates Foundation
• Simon Hugh Galletley (appointed 23 May 2022) - also trustee of Denise Coates Foundation
• Oliver Richard Adams (appointed 23 May 2022)

No trustees receive remuneration or benefits from the charity.

Administration

The foundation's administration is managed by SORBUS.org, the not-for-profit division of SORBUS Partners (a leading Private Investment Office). Max Thowless-Reeves, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer of SORBUS Partners, is involved in the foundation's operations.

Leadership Vision

Peter Coates stated: “I was delighted to support the further development of culture, character and entrepreneurship in schools and colleges across the city. I congratulate the City Learning Trust for having the vision to establish the Foundation ??? one that will build a legacy and has the power to help transform the lives and fortunes of many children and young people across the area.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Fast Forward Programme Bursaries:

1. Apply for the Peter Coates MSc in Entrepreneurship at Staffordshire University
2. Submit bursary application to Peter Coates Foundation (when applications open)
3. Must demonstrate genuine commitment to establishing a business in Stoke-on-Trent area
4. Applications currently closed for September 2024 intake

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be resident and domiciled within the UK
• Preferably live within 20 miles of Stoke-on-Trent or Stafford campus
• Priority given to lower-income households and Staffordshire University graduates

For Institutional Grants:

No public application process is detailed. The foundation appears to work through strategic partnerships and direct approaches rather than open grant rounds.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. The Fast Forward Programme follows an academic year cycle with assessment at completion of the MSc program.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The programme appears highly selective, focusing on quality over quantity with intensive support for chosen participants.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified for the Fast Forward Programme. Given the nature of the MSc-linked bursaries, participants would typically go through the programme once.

Application Success Factors

For Fast Forward Programme Applicants:

Key Success Factors:

• Geographic commitment: Strong preference for applicants living within 20 miles of Stoke-on-Trent or Stafford campus who will establish businesses in the area
• Genuine entrepreneurial intent: Must demonstrate authentic commitment to founding a business, not just pursuing academic qualification
• Financial need: Priority given to “fire but not the funds” - those with drive and determination but limited financial resources
• Business viability: For the investment pitch stage, need compelling, viable business plans addressing real market needs
• Local impact: Business ideas that contribute to urban regeneration and high-tech ecosystem development in Stoke-on-Trent

Programme Structure Insights:

• The foundation seeks to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem, not just fund individual ventures
• Emphasis on high-tech businesses that can drive economic transformation
• Year-long MSc provides foundation for successful pitching at programme conclusion
• Investment offers include ongoing mentoring and support, not just capital

For Institutional Partnership Seekers:

Given the foundation's strategic approach:

• Alignment with urban regeneration mandate is essential
• Scale and impact: Ability to reach significant numbers in the Stoke-on-Trent community
• Partnership readiness: Foundation works through structured collaborations with established organizations (e.g., Staffordshire University, City Learning Trust)
• Sustainable impact: Projects building long-term legacy rather than short-term interventions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not a traditional grant-maker: The foundation operates primarily through strategic partnerships rather than open grant applications. Most funding flows through the Fast Forward Programme or major institutional partnerships.
• Geographic restriction is absolute: All activities must benefit Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. No exceptions appear possible given the charitable objects.
• Entrepreneurship is the core focus: The foundation's primary vehicle is supporting new business creation through education and venture capital, creating a “thriving ecosystem of new high-tech businesses.”
• Multi-million pound scale: The foundation thinks big - initial donation of ??20m, multi-million pound partnerships. Small-scale proposals unlikely to align with strategic approach.
• Access requires partnership pathways: Rather than applying directly, organizations should consider how they might partner with existing foundation programmes or approach through SORBUS.org about strategic collaboration.
• Family foundation with personal connection: Peter Coates has “deep roots in the Stoke-on-Trent area” and personal passion for giving back to his community. Local credibility matters.
• Professional administration: SORBUS Partners provides sophisticated philanthropy management, suggesting high standards for due diligence and impact measurement.

References

1. Charity Commission Register - Peter Coates Foundation (Charity No. 1202729), accessed via https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5200432/full-print, December 2024
2. Peter Coates Foundation official website, www.petercoatesfoundation.org
3. SORBUS Partners - “SORBUS.org launches new philanthropic collaboration with Peter Coates and Staffordshire University”, June 2022, https://sorbus.com/2022/06/21/peter-coates-foundation-and-staffordshire-university/
4. Daily Focus - “Entrepreneurs celebrated as they gear up to pitch business ideas to Peter Coates Foundation”, February 2024, https://daily-focus.co.uk/2024/02/entrepreneurs-celebrated-as-they-gear-up-to-pitch-business-ideas-to-peter-coates-foundation/
5. Daily Focus - “Stoke City Chairman and bet365 co-founder Peter Coates makes multi-million-pound donation to new City Learning Trust foundation”, May 2023, https://daily-focus.co.uk/2023/05/peter-coates-provides-multi-million-pound-donation-for-new-city-learning-trust-foundation/
6. City Learning Trust - Character & Arts Foundation information, https://citylearningtrust.org/character-arts-foundation/
7. Companies House - Peter Coates Foundation company information, https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13738665