Rsm Uk Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,015,003 (2023-24)
• Total Funding Since Inception: £4+ million (since 2018)
• Grant Range: Up to £20,000 per applicant per financial year
• Geographic Focus: Local, national, and international (UK and worldwide, excluding countries with existing RSM foundations)
• Number of Charities Supported: 92 charities (2023-24)
• Decision Time: At formal trustee meetings throughout the year

Contact Details

Website: http://rsmukfoundation.com/

Email: info@rsmukfoundation.com

Phone: +44 20 3201 8313

Application Method: All grant proposals must be submitted by email to info@rsmukfoundation.com

Overview

The RSM UK Foundation was established in 2018 as an independent corporate foundation committed to supporting local, national, and international charities and community groups. Since inception, the Foundation has provided more than £4 million in essential funding, with £1,015,003 donated in the 2023-24 financial year alone, supporting 92 charities. The Foundation actively supports organisations focusing on health, social mobility, disability, and the environment through targeted grants and initiatives. Funded primarily through donations from RSM UK (a professional services firm), fundraising events held by RSM employees, and donations from clients and friends, the Foundation operates with a dedicated board of trustees bringing cross-disciplinary expertise. In 2023, the Foundation received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Anthony Nolan Support Awards, recognising its sustained commitment to blood cancer charity support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Core Grant Programme: Up to £20,000 per applicant per financial year

• Can fund up to 100% of a project's cost
• Applications considered at formal trustee meetings throughout the year
• Application method: Email proposals to info@rsmukfoundation.com
• Two-year exclusion period between applications (cannot reapply if received funding in previous two years)

Strategic Charity Partnerships: Minimum £150,000 over three-year periods

• Six designated strategic charity partners receive sustained funding
• Partners reviewed every three years to ensure alignment with Foundation objectives

Match-Funding Programme: Up to £250 per individual

• Available to RSM Group members, consultants, and employees
• Matches funds raised through individual charitable fundraising activities

RSM Together Initiative: £100,000 annually distributed to local charities

• Funding split between RSM offices across the UK
• Each office selects a local charity to support throughout the year

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on four key areas:

1. Health: Supporting medical charities, patient support services, and health-related initiatives
2. Social Mobility: Programmes that create opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to access education, employment, and personal development
3. Disability: Initiatives that improve access, inclusion, and quality of life for people with disabilities
4. Environment: Environmental protection, conservation, and climate crisis solutions

Additional priorities include:

• Community development
• Education advancement
• Supporting marginalised and disadvantaged young people

Current Strategic Charity Partners

1. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Youth development through DofE programme
2. Anthony Nolan - Blood cancer charity supporting stem cell transplants
3. British Red Cross - Humanitarian emergency response
4. The Woodland Trust - Ancient woodland restoration and conservation
5. Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB) - Employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people
6. EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) - Golf access for people with disabilities

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (except occasionally in exceptional circumstances at trustee discretion)
• Projects in countries where another RSM Group corporate or charitable foundation is based
• Repeat applications within two years of receiving a grant
• Organisations that have previously failed due diligence checks (typically excluded)

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Governance and Leadership

The RSM UK Foundation is governed by a dedicated board of trustees responsible for setting strategic direction, monitoring delivery of objectives, and upholding high governance standards. The Foundation is registered as a charity in England, Wales, and Scotland (Charity Number: 1179349) and operates as a company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 11166200).

Board of Trustees

Nick Sladden, Chair of Trustees

With three decades of professional advisory experience for charities, Nick heads RSM's charities and independent schools teams. He leads the board in ensuring the Foundation delivers on its vision to create positive community impact. Nick stated: "We are immensely proud of the partnerships we've built with local, national and international charities. These collaborations are not just about funding; they are about shared values and a mutual commitment to making a real difference."

Catherine Riches, Trustee

With over 25 years of experience in global business growth and marketing (including work with Coca-Cola, Hovis, and Hallmark Cards), Catherine is responsible for steering the Foundation's strategic communication efforts, ensuring the mission and impact are effectively conveyed to stakeholders and the public.

John Taylor, Trustee

A member of the RSM UK leadership team since becoming a trustee in 2020, John is passionate about “making a wider contribution to society” through the Foundation's charitable causes, linking foundation activities with the firm's objectives.

Kelly Adams, Trustee

A charity auditor and volunteer who became a trustee in 2019, Kelly was instrumental in establishing the RSM Together initiative, which provides RSM UK employees opportunities to give back to local communities. She contributes to setting strategy and strengthening community impact.

Lisa Mills, Trustee

With financial expertise and hands-on charity experience, Lisa advocates for community involvement and brings significant contributions through her professional finance background.

Aoidín Gormley, Trustee

An active member of diversity and inclusion networks within RSM UK and a trustee for Young Enterprise, Aoidín seeks “innovative ways to enhance our impact” and brings a focus on inclusive approaches.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: All grant proposals must be submitted by email to info@rsmukfoundation.com

Proposal Requirements: Applications must include:

• Detailed explanation of how the grant will be used
• Strong case for support demonstrating how activities will benefit beneficiaries
• Evidence of how the project advances the Foundation's funding priorities
• Project budget and timescale
• Details of key individuals responsible for project management
• Information about other funding sources

Eligibility Check: Applicants must be:

• A registered charity with UK charity regulators or equivalent international regulatory bodies
• Not have received a grant from the Foundation in the previous two years
• Not have previously failed due diligence checks

Due Diligence: When considering grant proposals, trustees undertake due diligence checks on applicants, with the extent of checks varying according to trustees' assessment of risks.

Decision Timeline

• Applications are considered at formal meetings of the trustees throughout the year
• Applications will not usually be considered between formal trustee meetings, except in exceptional circumstances at trustee discretion
• Specific meeting dates are not published; applicants should submit proposals when ready
• The Foundation does not operate on fixed deadlines or a rolling basis but rather periodic trustee meetings

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, in 2023-24, the Foundation supported 92 charities with total giving of £1,015,003, suggesting a competitive but accessible process for organisations aligned with priority areas.

Reapplication Policy

Two-year exclusion period: Organisations that have received funding cannot apply again for two years following their grant award. This policy ensures broad distribution of funds across the charitable sector.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment

The Foundation emphasises “shared values and a mutual commitment to making a real difference.” Successful applications clearly demonstrate:

• Strong alignment with one or more priority areas (health, social mobility, disability, environment)
• Measurable impact on beneficiaries
• Community-focused outcomes
• Innovation in addressing social challenges

Recent Funded Projects (Examples of Success)

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

• Funding enabled 34,200 young people to start their DofE over three years
• Grants to 5,200 marginalised young people
• Funded 13 additional support needs schools to launch DofE programmes
• Projects included practical life skills training (cooking, self-care) and community volunteering for young people with additional needs

Anthony Nolan

• Over £1.7 million raised since 2010 partnership began
• 1,423 patient grants funded (as of December 2022)
• 7,741 lifesaving stem cell courier journeys facilitated

The Woodland Trust

• Restored 17.6 hectares of ancient woodland across the UK
• Focus on climate crisis solutions through conservation

EDGA

• Trained 146 volunteers to introduce golf to individuals with disabilities
• Trained 87 PGA professional coaches to enhance performance of golfers with disabilities

Leadership Through Sport & Business

• Helped 35 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds find meaningful work opportunities

RSM Together Local Charity Examples (2024)

• The Ben Kinsella Trust (London) - educating young people on knife crime dangers
• Jessie May (Bristol) - specialist nursing care for terminally ill children
• SensationALL (Aberdeen) - supporting neurodivergent individuals
• It's Time (Reading) - bereavement support

Key Language and Terminology

The Foundation uses language emphasising:

• “Shared values and mutual commitment”
• “Measurable social impact”
• “Beneficiary-focused outcomes”
• “Community involvement”
• “Innovation and inclusivity”
• “Making a real difference”

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

Grant recipients must provide:

• Regular financial records showing how funds are used
• Progress updates during the project
• A final project report upon completion
• Be prepared for potential site visits and interviews with foundation representatives

The Foundation may exercise clawback provisions if funds are misused or conditions are not met.

Trustee Advice

Aoidín Gormley, Trustee, emphasises seeking “innovative ways to enhance our impact,” suggesting the Foundation values creative approaches to social challenges rather than traditional service delivery alone.

Nick Sladden, Chair, highlights that partnerships are “not just about funding; they are about shared values,” indicating the Foundation seeks long-term relationships with organisations that share their commitment to meaningful social change.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Alignment is critical: Ensure your project clearly fits within one of the four priority areas (health, social mobility, disability, environment) and articulate this explicitly in your proposal
• Maximum grant of £20,000: Structure your project budget accordingly or identify this as part of a larger funding package
• Two-year rule: If you've received funding previously, you cannot reapply for two years—plan your funding strategy accordingly
• Demonstrate measurable impact: Include specific, quantifiable outcomes and beneficiary numbers in your proposal
• Email applications only: Submit via info@rsmukfoundation.com with all required documentation (budget, timescale, management details, other funding sources)
• Trustee meeting schedule: Applications are reviewed at periodic trustee meetings throughout the year, not on a rolling basis—allow time for this process
• Build relationships: The Foundation values partnerships based on “shared values and mutual commitment”—consider how to demonstrate values alignment beyond just project fit
• Innovation matters: Trustee Aoidín Gormley's emphasis on “innovative ways to enhance our impact” suggests creative, novel approaches may strengthen applications
• Match funding opportunity: If you have connections with RSM UK employees, explore the match-funding programme for additional support
• Due diligence readiness: Be prepared for thorough due diligence checks; ensure your governance, financial management, and regulatory compliance are robust

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• MOONDANCE FOUNDATION
• Rosetrees Trust
• PROJECT GIVING BACK
• The Swire Charitable Trust
• Charity of Sir Richard Whittington
• The Wimbledon Foundation
• THE MICHAEL BISHOP FOUNDATION
• The Band Aid Charitable Trust
• P F Charitable Trust
• THE FORRESTER FAMILY TRUST
• Q Charitable Trust
• FRAZER TRUST
• Wellcome Trust
• BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH
• STELIOS PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION
• SWAROVSKI FOUNDATION
• THE CONSTANCE TRAVIS CHARITABLE TRUST
• BRINGING HOPE
• THE HUGH SYMONS CHARITABLE TRUST

References

1. RSM UK Foundation Official Website - https://www.rsmukfoundation.com/
2. RSM UK Foundation Grant Making Policy - https://www.rsmukfoundation.com/grant-making-policy/
3. RSM UK Foundation Our Charity Partners - https://www.rsmukfoundation.com/our-charity-partners/
4. RSM UK Foundation Our Trustees - https://www.rsmukfoundation.com/our-trustees/
5. Charity Commission Register - RSM UK Foundation (1179349) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1179349
6. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - “RSM UK Foundation makes DofE possible for young people with additional needs” - https://www.dofe.org/thelatest/rsm-uk-foundation-visit/
7. RSM UK - “RSM UK wins Outstanding Contribution award at Anthony Nolan Support Awards” - https://www.rsmuk.com/news/rsm-uk-wins-outstanding-contribution-award
8. RSM UK Societal Contribution Impact Statement - https://www.rsmuk.com/about-rsm/our-reports/impact-statement/societal-contribution
9. Companies House - RSM UK Foundation (11166200) - https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11166200