Thandizo

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £66,134 (2024 expenditure)
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: At trustee discretion
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Malawi (primary), Southern Africa, UK (Sheffield)

Contact Details

• Website: www.thandizo.org
• Email: thandizo@thandizo.org
• Phone: 01433 639910
• Address: Warren Lodge, Bar Road, Curbar, Calver, Hope Valley S32 3YR

Overview

Thandizo (meaning “help” in Chichewa) is a small family-based UK charitable trust established in 2012 that provides grants and support primarily in Malawi's Lower Shire region. With annual expenditure of approximately £66,000, the charity focuses on sustainable development, poverty relief, and disaster response. Operating with minimal administrative costs and volunteer trustees who take no expenses, Thandizo works through established partner organizations on the ground in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Tanzania, with some additional work in Sheffield, UK. The trust is recognized by HMRC for Gift Aid purposes and maintains a strong commitment to direct impact through its partner network.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Thandizo provides grants through trustee discretion to:

• Partner charities and voluntary organizations in Malawi
• Individuals facing poverty or financial hardship
• Emergency relief during natural disasters

Priority Areas

• Sustainable development projects in Malawi, particularly Lower Shire region
• Support for orphans, elderly people, and people with disabilities
• Environmental preservation and conservation
• Improving living conditions in disadvantaged communities
• Economic growth and regeneration initiatives
• Emergency relief during floods and droughts

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in available documentation

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Governance and Leadership

The charity operates as a trust with four trustees, all appointed on November 28, 2012. As a family-based charity, the trustees work on a voluntary basis and take no expenses, ensuring maximum funds reach beneficiaries. The trust structure allows for flexible, responsive grant-making based on trustee knowledge of needs in their target communities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at trustee discretion to established partner organizations and individuals identified through their existing network in Malawi and other target regions.

Getting on Their Radar

Thandizo works primarily through established partner organizations including:

• Pashello Charitable Trust
• Shire Valley Charitable Trust
• Alinafe Child & Youth Development Centre
• Iris Mission
• Ministry of Health of Malawi
• TWAM (Tools with a Mission)

Organizations working in similar areas or with these partners may be able to establish connections through the existing network.

Decision Timeline

Decisions are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

As Thandizo operates through trustee discretion and established partnerships, successful grant recipients typically:

• Work directly in Malawi's Lower Shire region or other areas where Thandizo has established presence
• Focus on sustainable development, poverty relief, or disaster response
• Demonstrate direct impact on vulnerable groups (orphans, elderly, disabled individuals)
• Have established credibility through connections with Thandizo's existing partner network
• Align with the charity's philosophy of minimal administrative costs and maximum direct impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Thandizo is a small family trust without a public grant application process
• Focus area is primarily Malawi, especially the Lower Shire region
• Works through established partner organizations rather than open applications
• Prioritizes sustainable development, poverty relief, and disaster response
• Values minimal administrative costs and direct impact
• Best approach is through connections with their existing partner network
• Small scale with annual expenditure around £66,000

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Capricorn Africa Trust
• The Sai Ram Trust
• Ida Davis Family Foundation
• AN EXTRA MILE CHARITABLE TRUST
• Ewell Parochial Trusts (Relief in Need)
• Ambergate Charitable Trust
• MJB Charitable Trust
• The Shanley Charitable Trust
• Impact Trust
• Louis Nicholas Residuary Charitable Trust

References

• UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1150152. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5032214/full-print..
• Thandizo Official Website. www.thandizo.org..
• OpenCharities Database - Thandizo Profile. http://opencharities.org/charities/1150152..
• TotalGiving Charity Profile - Thandizo. https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/thandizo..