The Cherry Family Foundation

Charity Number: 1193349

Annual Expenditure: £0.3M
Geographic Focus: Throughout England

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~£255,000 (based on 2023/24 expenditure)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (competitive - high volume of applications received)
  • Decision Time: 10 weeks from application window close
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £50,000
  • Geographic Focus: London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and South East England

Contact Details

Overview

The Cherry Family Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) established in 2021 by brothers Graham and Richard Cherry. The founders have strong roots in property development, having both held senior executive positions at Countryside Properties, a company founded by their father Alan Cherry CBE in 1958. Graham served as Group Chief Executive from 1996 to 2013, while Richard was Chief Executive of the Partnerships Division before retiring in 2017.

The Foundation was created to “give back to the communities where they have grown up, live and work.” It supports young people aged 10-30 from difficult circumstances across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and the South East of England, helping them lead healthy, happy, and successful lives. The Foundation focuses on grassroots charities with turnover below £2 million, providing grants for projects that develop skills, advance education, relieve unemployment, support mental and physical health, provide recreational activities, and create opportunities.

In the financial year ending March 2024, the Foundation had total income of £204,799 and expenditure of £254,843.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Standard Grants: £1,000 - £50,000 (one annual grant per organisation; funds must be spent within 18 months)
  • Application Method: Online portal only, during fixed 10-day application windows (February 1-10 and August 1-10)

Important Funding Ratio: The ratio of grant funding to total expenditure of the organisation must be less than 50%. For example, if a charity's expenditure is £50,000, the maximum grant would be £25,000.

Priority Areas

  • Education & Learning: Advancing education through partnerships with education providers
  • Mental Health: Funding mental health support services for young people
  • Employment & Opportunity: Creating employment opportunities and helping young people reach their potential
  • Skills Development: Programmes that build practical and life skills
  • Physical Health: Services that advance physical wellbeing
  • Recreational Activities: Leisure programmes that benefit young people

What They Don't Fund

While the Foundation has not published a formal exclusions list, the following are implicit from their criteria:

  • Organisations with turnover above £2 million annually
  • Projects benefiting individuals outside the 10-30 age range
  • Work outside London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and South East England
  • Organisations that are not UK registered charities
  • Requests where the grant would exceed 50% of the charity's total expenditure
  • Applications submitted outside the designated 10-day windows
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Governance and Leadership

Founders

  • Graham Cherry - Co-founder; former Group Chief Executive of Countryside Properties (1996-2013), later Chief Executive of Communities until retirement in 2019
  • Richard Cherry - Co-founder; former Chief Executive of Partnerships Division at Countryside Properties until 2017

Trustees

  • Amelia Cherry
  • Kevin Thomas
  • Lucy Bradley
  • Lizzie Scutt

Staff

  • Phoebe Cherry - Foundation Manager

Founder Quote

"We are delighted to launch the Cherry Family Foundation to support those who need it most in a meaningful and long term way so that we can make a real difference to those who haven't been so fortunate as we have in life."

— Graham and Richard Cherry

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation operates a two-stage application process:

Stage 1:

  • Provide essential organisational information
  • Submit a 100-word summary covering:
  • Your work and beneficiaries
  • Purpose of the funding requested
  • Amount requested
  • If successful, invited to Stage 2

Stage 2:

  • More detailed application with supporting materials
  • Photos and videos are encouraged
  • Full cost breakdown required

Applications are only accepted through the online portal during the designated windows.

Application Windows

  • February round: Applications open 1-10 February; decisions announced in May
  • August round: Applications open 1-10 August; decisions announced in November

Decision Timeline

  • Funding decisions are communicated within 10 weeks of each application window closing
  • All applicants are notified of the outcome

Success Rates

The Foundation receives “an overwhelming number of applications that showcase numerous worthy projects.” While specific success rates are not published, the Foundation has indicated that competition is high and many applications are declined.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Organisations are limited to one annual grant, suggesting unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent rounds.

Application Success Factors

The Foundation has published detailed guidance on what makes applications stand out, using their "Five I's" framework:

1. Individual (Show Personality)

The Foundation explicitly states: “We encourage you to seize this opportunity and demonstrate to us exactly why you and your organization are truly exceptional.” They note that their shortlisting process occasionally results in dismissal of applicants whose submissions “lack the necessary personality and fail to convey the unique essence of their charitable endeavours.”

2. Interactive (Use Multimedia)

Include photos and videos to bring your work to life. The Foundation wants to “picture your practice as a charity, to help visualise the spaces and environments you are running.” Video content showcasing daily operations and beneficiary testimonials is particularly valued.

3. Impact (Spotlight Beneficiaries)

Feature beneficiary voices prominently. The Foundation notes: “Their heartfelt testimonials provide a genuine reflection of the difference you have made.” Don't be modest about achievements—celebrate growth and transformation.

4. Itinerary (Provide Clear Timelines)

Since funding operates on six-monthly cycles, provide clear timelines for project launch and expected outcomes. The Foundation values understanding “when things might get moving, or might need some reinforcement.”

5. Information (Detailed Cost Breakdown)

Include detailed breakdowns showing exactly how funds will be allocated. This helps the Foundation explore alternative support options and maximize their input.

Examples of Successfully Funded Projects

Power2 - Teens & Toddlers Programme

  • Engaged young people as mentors to toddlers across Greater London
  • Delivered 17 groups during the academic year, reaching 154 young participants
  • Achieved 80% showing meaningful positive changes in wellbeing, confidence, and education engagement

Settle - Mental Health Project

  • Flexible, personalised mental health support for care-experienced young people
  • 18 young people accessed therapy; 101 hours of mental health services delivered
  • 100% of participants reported improved self-perception post-therapy

Step by Step Kids - Sensory Garden

  • Support for children with additional needs
  • Development of sensory garden facilities

Other funded organisations: BOSP (Brighter Opportunities for Special People), Little Heroes ASD, Teen Action (MoneyWise financial literacy programme), LifeLites, Renaissance Foundation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Strict application windows: Applications are only accepted for 10 days twice yearly (February 1-10 and August 1-10). Missing these windows means waiting 6 months for the next opportunity.
  1. The 50% rule is critical: Your grant request cannot exceed 50% of your organisation's total expenditure. Calculate this carefully before applying.
  1. Turnover cap: Only charities with turnover below £2 million are eligible. Larger organisations should not apply.
  1. Show personality, not just data: The Foundation explicitly warns that applications lacking personality get dismissed. Use the "Five I's" framework to structure your application.
  1. Visual content matters: Photos and videos are actively encouraged and help applications stand out. Include beneficiary testimonials where possible.
  1. Geographic alignment is essential: Projects must benefit young people aged 10-30 in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, or South East England.
  1. Small grassroots charities are preferred: The Foundation's stated mission is to support “small grassroots charities” - this is their sweet spot.

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References