Spread Your Wings
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Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £50,000 reserved for family grants (2025)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: £500 per family (target to increase to £1,000)
- Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
Contact Details
- Website: www.spreadyourwingsuk.com
- Phone: 0208 446 0006
- Email: Hello@SpreadYourWingsUK.com
Overview
Spread Your Wings is a UK-registered charity (No. 1201650) founded in 2023 by Alex & Jenny Vainella, parents to Leo who lives with Angelman syndrome, along with friend Clare Hegarty. With total income of £186,740 in their latest financial year, the charity operates entirely through volunteers with no paid staff, ensuring maximum funds reach beneficiaries. The organization focuses on supporting families affected by Angelman Syndrome through direct financial assistance for equipment and therapies, while also contributing to research efforts. In 2023, they made a significant £60,000 research donation to the Oxford Natural History Study via FAST UK.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Family Grants: £500 per family (2025 allocation: £50,000 total fund)
- Application through membership system
- Rolling application rounds (members notified when open)
- Target to increase individual grants to £1,000
Priority Areas
- Equipment for children with Angelman Syndrome
- Therapy services and interventions
- Essential services for affected families
- Research into UBE3A gene and potential treatments
- Physical activities and sports participation for affected children
What They Don't Fund
- General fundraising appeals
- Projects outside Angelman Syndrome and similar conditions
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Governance and Leadership
The charity was founded by Alex & Jenny Vainella and Clare Hegarty. The board consists of 4 trustees who serve without remuneration. Tasha, appointed as trustee in December 2023, is a chartered surveyor managing business partnerships and sponsorships. The charity maintains 25 regular volunteers supporting operations.
As an Angelman family themselves, the founders bring personal understanding: “As an Angelman family we know how hard life can be at times and how a piece of equipment, a course of therapy or some other services can help, particularly when you are relieved of the financial burden.”
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
Families must first become members through the charity's website. Once registered, members are notified when application rounds open. The charity partners with AngelmanUK to maximize funding distribution.
Decision Timeline
Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. The charity operates on a rounds-based system rather than rolling applications.
Success Rates
To date, the charity has awarded 35 family grants totaling over £10,000 since inception.
Reapplication Policy
Reapplication policies have not been publicly specified.
Application Success Factors
- Direct connection to Angelman Syndrome: Primary eligibility requirement is being a family affected by Angelman Syndrome or similar conditions
- Specific needs focus: Applications should clearly identify how equipment, therapy, or services will help
- Partnership approach: The charity works with AngelmanUK to coordinate support
- Membership engagement: Active membership and engagement with the charity community may strengthen applications
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Small, focused charity with personal understanding of beneficiary needs
- Modest grant amounts (£500) but working to increase to £1,000
- Must become a member before applying - not open application
- Strong emphasis on direct, practical support rather than general funding
- 100% volunteer-run ensures maximum funds reach beneficiaries
- Partnership with AngelmanUK suggests coordinated approach to avoid duplication
- Research funding demonstrates commitment to long-term solutions alongside immediate support
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References
- Spread Your Wings Official Website (www.spreadyourwingsuk.com) -
- Charity Commission Register - SPREAD YOUR WINGS (1201650) -
- Spread Your Wings Charity Overview Pages - Various dates 2024
- Partnership information with AngelmanUK - 2024