The Caron Keating Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £189,800 (FY 2023-24)
• Total Income: £102,113 (FY 2023-24)
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £25,000 (majority £2,000 - £5,000)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Application Method: No formal application form - submit by contact
• Decision Time: Applications considered annually

Contact Details

• Website: www.caronkeating.org
• Phone: 07787100854
• Address: P.O. Box 122, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UB
• Registered Charity Number: 1106160

Overview

The Caron Keating Foundation was established in 2004 by broadcaster Gloria Hunniford and her sons Paul and Michael following the death of Caron Keating from breast cancer at age 41. This small, family-run charity operates with minimal overheads (one part-time secretary) ensuring that funds raised are directed toward cancer charities. In FY 2023-24, the foundation distributed £189,800 in grants across the UK. The foundation's philosophy is to “give a significant number of grants to small charities throughout Britain, as opposed to trying to raise money towards huge building projects or research which involves millions.” Gloria Hunniford serves as Chair and administrator, working alongside fellow trustee Michael Don Keating and approximately 10 volunteers. The foundation has no trading subsidiaries and trustees receive no remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program supporting cancer charities and organizations assisting individuals affected by cancer, their families, and carers. Grants range from £2,000 to a maximum of £25,000, with most falling in the £2,000 - £5,000 range.

Priority Areas

Medical Equipment & Detection:

• Specialized scanning equipment (e.g., Contrast Enhanced Mammography)
• Ultrasound machines
• Syringe drivers for pain relief administration
• Specialist beds and chairs for patient comfort

Patient Support Services:

• Professional counseling services
• Complementary therapies (aromatherapy, reflexology, massage)
• Psychological services for children with brain tumours
• Lymphedema services
• Support groups

Hospice Care:

• Hospice at Home services
• Facility-based hospice care
• Bereavement counseling and support
• Projects supporting children and young people dealing with grief

Transportation & Access:

• Mobile cancer units
• Driver services for patients attending treatment centres

Family & Carer Support:

• Services for families dealing with cancer
• Financial assistance for treatment-related burdens
• Patient grant funds

Recent Grant Examples (April 2023 - March 2024)

• Hope for Tomorrow (Kent): £5,000 for "Caron's Mobile Cancer unit"
• Action Cancer (Northern Ireland): £25,000
• Variety Sunshine Coach (Northern Ireland): £42,000
• The Norfolk Hospice: £5,000 for hospice services
• Willow Wood Hospice (Lancashire): £4,000 for replacing beds
• Buckinghamshire Scannappeal: £3,000 for Contrast Enhanced Mammography
• Cambridge Melanoma Focus: £2,000 for Melanoma Trial Finder
• Tom's Trust: £2,000 for psychological services for children with brain tumour
• Cheshire St Luke's Hospice: £2,000 for supporting cancer patients and families
• Wirral Hospice St John's: £3,000 for bereavement project and support for children and young people

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly focuses on small charities and practical support. While not explicitly stated, their approach suggests they do not fund:

• Large building projects
• Major research programs requiring millions in funding

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Mary Winifred Gloria Hunniford (Chair): Renowned broadcaster and the foundation's administrator. Gloria has described the foundation as “very important to me” and “my healing; I am very proud of it, because it is table-top run - we do it as a family.”
• Michael Don Keating: Co-founder alongside his mother and brother Paul

Operational Structure:

The foundation is run as a family operation with only one part-time secretary on staff. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The foundation relies on approximately 10 volunteers to support its work.

Quote from Gloria Hunniford: "It's my healing; I am very proud of it, because it is table-top run - we do it as a family. We do get great support - people are very kind in helping us."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Caron Keating Foundation does not have a formal application form or online portal. To apply for a grant, organizations should contact the foundation directly and provide:

1. The amount of grant requested
2. Detailed explanation of what the grant will be used for
3. A copy of the organization's audited accounts
4. A copy of any pamphlets or informational materials the organization distributes

Contact methods:

• Phone: 07787100854
• Website: www.caronkeating.org
• Post: P.O. Box 122, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UB

Decision Timeline

Applications can be submitted at any time and are considered annually. Specific decision timelines or notification dates are not publicly advertised. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for information about the current application cycle.

Success Rates

The foundation acknowledges that it “receives more requests for grants than they can deal with at any one time,” indicating a competitive application environment. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available. In FY 2023-24, the foundation distributed £189,800 across multiple grants to cancer charities throughout the UK.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication opportunities.

Application Success Factors

While the Caron Keating Foundation does not publish detailed application guidance, the following factors appear important based on their funding patterns and stated priorities:

Focus on Small Charities:

The foundation explicitly states its aim is to support “small but significant cancer charities throughout the UK.” Small organizations providing direct services appear to be favored over large institutions.

Practical Impact:

The foundation prioritizes tangible, practical support that directly benefits cancer patients and their families. Successful grants fund equipment, services, and support that make an immediate difference rather than long-term research or infrastructure projects.

Clear Purpose:

Based on the requirement to explain “what the grant will be used for,” applications should clearly articulate the specific purpose and expected impact of the funding requested.

Geographic Spread:

The foundation supports charities across all regions of the UK, demonstrating commitment to nationwide impact. Regional location does not appear to be a barrier.

Types of Organizations Funded:

• Hospices (both facility-based and home services)
• Cancer support charities
• Patient advocacy organizations
• Complementary therapy providers
• Children's cancer services
• Mobile healthcare services

Financial Documentation:

The requirement for audited accounts suggests the foundation values financial transparency and organizational stability. Ensure your accounts are current and clearly demonstrate responsible financial management.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Target small charities: The foundation explicitly aims to support smaller organizations with practical needs rather than major institutions with large-scale projects. If your organization is small but delivers direct cancer patient support, you align with their mission.

• Request realistic amounts: With the majority of grants falling between £2,000 - £5,000, requests should be modest and specific. The £25,000 maximum appears reserved for exceptional cases.

• Emphasize practical impact: Focus your application on tangible benefits for cancer patients, their families, and carers. Equipment, direct services, and support programs appear most successful.

• Be prepared for competition: The foundation receives more requests than it can fulfill. Applications must clearly demonstrate need and impact to stand out.

• Keep it simple: With no formal application form, a clear, concise written proposal explaining your request, its purpose, and your organization's capacity to deliver is essential.

• Support the family mission: The foundation is deeply personal to the Hunniford-Keating family. Applications that resonate with their mission to provide comfort and support to those affected by cancer align best with their values.

• Demonstrate organizational credibility: Having audited accounts and professional informational materials ready suggests the foundation values established, well-governed organizations even if they are small.

References

1. Charity Commission Register of Charities - The Caron Keating Foundation (Charity No. 1106160): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1106160&subid=0

1. The Caron Keating Foundation official website - About the Foundation: https://caronkeating.org/about/

1. The Caron Keating Foundation official website - Beneficiaries: https://caronkeating.org/beneficiaries/

1. Support Staffordshire - The Caron Keating Foundation information page: https://supportstaffordshire.org.uk/the-caron-keating-foundation/

1. The Newsletter - "Gloria Hunniford: 'When I find a white feather I believe it's Caron's calling card'": https://www.newsletter.co.uk/lifestyle/gloria-hunniford-when-i-find-a-white-feather-i-believe-its-carons-calling-card-985280

1. Giving is Great - The Caron Keating Foundation Charity Factsheet: https://givingisgreat.org/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1106160