Superyacht Charities

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £300,000+ (based on recent financial year)
• Total Raised to Date: Over £1,080,000
• Decision Time: 4 weeks
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £80,000 (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales, Spain (Palma), Antigua and Barbuda
• Application Method: Rolling basis via Cash4Causes program

Contact Details

Website: www.superyachtcharities.com

Email:

• General enquiries: Derek@superyachtcharities.com
• Cash4Causes applications: glen@superyachtcharities.com

Phone: 07733462581

Registered Charity Number: 1166259

Address: 60 Wellands Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7AD

Overview

SUPERYACHT CHARITIES was founded on 8 May 2015 by five industry friends and became a formally registered charity on 30 March 2016. The charity operates primarily within the superyacht industry, raising funds through events and distributing them to maritime-focused charities and good causes. In nine years, the organization has raised over £1,080,000, with 99% of donations going directly to charitable causes. The charity's mission is to bring together superyacht industry professionals to support smaller non-profit and non-government funded charitable organizations connected to the yachting world. Founder Derek Munro was awarded the ISS Business Person of the Year Award in 2018 for his work establishing and chairing Superyacht Charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Cash4Causes (C4C) - Action Fund

• Rolling application process
• Smaller ad-hoc grants throughout the year
• Recent distribution: Over £37,000 distributed across seven applications
• Designed for emergency and urgent needs
• Contact: glen@superyachtcharities.com

Event-Nominated Beneficiaries

• Larger grants awarded to charities nominated as event beneficiaries
• Recent example: £80,000 raised at 2024 Charity Ball for three beneficiaries (Blind at Sea, Oarsome Chance, Scaramouche)
• Six annual fundraising events across UK, Spain, and Caribbean
• Selection process: Organizations invited to apply for beneficiary status

Priority Areas

The charity focuses on organizations that meet four key tenets:

1. Efficiency: At least 90% of funds must go directly to charitable work
2. Volunteer-led: Must be run primarily by volunteers
3. No government funding: Cannot already receive government grants
4. Yachting connection: Must be connected to the maritime/yachting world

Specific funding interests include:

• Marine safety and lifeboats (SNSM, Hamble Lifeboat, Antibes Lifeboat)
• Sailing charities for disabled and disadvantaged groups (Blind at Sea, Oarsome Chance, Scaramouche Sailing Trust, Wetwheels)
• Mental health support for maritime workers (Mental Health Mallorca)
• Youth sailing initiatives (Rona Trust, Turn2Starboard)
• Marine conservation (Save the Med)
• Crew welfare and support (ISWAN, Serve On)
• Emergency disaster relief (particularly in superyacht locations)

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations receiving government grants
• Charities spending less than 90% on direct charitable work
• Large, well-funded organizations (preference for “the little guy”)
• Causes unconnected to the yachting/maritime world
• Short-term solutions without lasting impact

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees (2024):

• Derek Munro - Chairperson and Founder
• Ken Hickling - Founding Trustee
• Glen Taylor - Treasurer (joined as trustee in 2019, previously Ambassador)
• Ed Taylor - Trustee
• Liam Dobbin - Trustee

Original Founding Trustees (2015): Derek Munro, Vanessa Hodgson, Kerry Pettitt, Ken Hickling, and David Goldie

Derek Munro founded the charity after organizing a spontaneous fundraising event that raised £28,000. As Munro explains: “I woke up the next day and thought how awesome it was and that as an industry we could do so much more. I went out and purchased superyachtcharities.com and put together a business plan.” On the growth of industry philanthropy, Munro notes: "There's definitely more philanthropic work going on across the whole industry. There are initiatives like Cogs for Cancer, and the London to Monaco bike ride – it's a very positive thing."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Cash4Causes (Action Fund):

1. Download application form from www.superyachtcharities.com/cash4causes/
2. Complete with comprehensive details justifying the funding request
3. Email completed form to glen@superyachtcharities.com
4. For additional assistance, contact glen@superyachtcharities.com

For Event Beneficiary Status:

• Organizations are invited to apply to become nominated beneficiaries for upcoming events
• Beneficiaries benefit from larger grants raised through the annual event calendar
• Contact Derek@superyachtcharities.com for enquiries about beneficiary nomination

Application Requirements:

• Must demonstrate connection to superyacht/maritime industry
• Must prove at least 90% of funds go directly to charitable work
• Must confirm no government funding received
• Must be volunteer-led organization
• Provide detailed information on how funds will be used and impact achieved

Decision Timeline

• Cash4Causes: Trustees review applications and respond within 4 weeks of application date
• Applications are evaluated on merit by the trustee board
• Fast-track capability for emergency situations

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the charity has supported dozens of beneficiaries over nine years, and in one recent distribution, seven out of an undisclosed number of Cash4Causes applications were approved for a total of £37,000.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply to the Cash4Causes fund. Previous beneficiaries are eligible to receive support again if they meet the criteria and demonstrate ongoing need.

Application Success Factors

Selection Criteria Priorities:

The trustees evaluate applications based on three key considerations:

1. “The Little Guy” Principle: Preference for smaller organizations over large concerns
2. Lasting Impact: Long-term benefits prioritized over short-term solutions
3. Publicity Potential: Opportunities to publicize both the organization and Superyacht Charities

What Makes Applications Stand Out:

• Strong yachting industry connection: The charity specifically supports causes within the superyacht community
• High efficiency ratio: Demonstrable proof that over 90% of funds reach beneficiaries
• Volunteer-led operations: Organizations run primarily by volunteers rather than paid staff
• Independence from government: No government funding received
• Clear, measurable impact: Specific outcomes and lasting benefits rather than temporary fixes
• Emergency or urgent need: The Action Fund is designed to “act fast to send money where needed”

Recent Successful Applications Include:

• SNSM lifeboat station in Saint-Tropez (emergency equipment)
• International Response Team (emergency radio system installation in Virgin Gorda after hurricane)
• Multiple sailing charities supporting disabled sailors
• Mental health support services for yacht crew and maritime workers

Alignment with Mission: As stated in their materials, the charity emphasizes that “Every penny donated goes towards a worthy cause that needs support.” Applications should demonstrate both genuine need and alignment with the charity's focus on maritime/yachting causes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Industry connection is essential: Your organization must have a clear link to the superyacht or maritime industry to be eligible
• Demonstrate efficiency: Be prepared to prove that at least 90% of your funding goes directly to charitable work, not administration
• Emphasize volunteer leadership: Highlight your volunteer-led structure and minimize reliance on paid staff
• Target the right program: Small, urgent requests suit Cash4Causes (4-week turnaround); larger funding needs may benefit from event beneficiary nomination
• Think small and specific: The charity prefers supporting “the little guy” with focused, lasting impact over large organizations or temporary fixes
• No government funding: Confirm you don't receive government grants and explain why this matters to your sustainability
• Highlight publicity value: Explain how your work can raise awareness for both your cause and Superyacht Charities within the industry
• Build relationships at industry events: The charity hosts six events annually across the UK, Spain, and Caribbean - attending these can help establish connections

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• SEAFARERS UK (KING GEORGE'S FUND FOR SAILORS)
• The Whirlwind Charitable Trust
• The William Arthur Rudd Memorial Trust
• THE CHELLARAM FOUNDATION
• The Carmela & Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation
• The Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund
• The Marandi Foundation
• The Gosling Foundation Limited
• THE CORPORATION OF TRINITY HOUSE OF DEPTFORD STROND
• Chapman Charitable Trust

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities. “SUPERYACHT CHARITIES - 1166259.” Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1166259&subid=0
• Superyacht Charities Foundation. Official Website. www.superyachtcharities.com
• Superyacht Charities Foundation. “Cash4Causes.” Available at: https://superyachtcharities.com/cash4causes/
• Superyacht Charities Foundation. “Beneficiaries.” Available at: https://superyachtcharities.com/beneficiaries/
• Superyacht Charities Foundation. “About Us.” Available at: https://superyachtcharities.com/about-us/
• Superyacht Life. “#humansofyachting – Derek Munro.” Available at: https://thesuperyachtlife.com/humansofyachting/derek-munro/
• Yachting Pages. “Superyacht Charities Foundation Raises £31,000 at Annual Golf Event.” Available at: https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/superyacht-charities-foundation-raises-31000-at-annual-golf-event-news.html
• Superyacht Times. “Superyacht Charities raises £31,000 at annual Golf Event for local beneficiaries.” Available at: https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-charities-golf-event-money-raised