The Community Foundation For Wiltshire & Swindon

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1.6 million (2023/24)
• Total Assets: £30 million endowment
• Decision Time: Quarterly (March, June, September, December)
• Grant Range: £500 - £18,000 (depending on program)
• Geographic Focus: Wiltshire and Swindon
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed

Contact Details

Website: www.wiltshirecf.org.uk

Email: info@wiltshirecf.org.uk

Phone: 01380 729284

Pre-Application Support: The Grants Team welcomes contact before applying and can provide advice on application development. The Foundation also offers training workshops and advice sessions designed to improve funding knowledge and skills.

Overview

The Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon (registered charity 1123126) was founded on May 6, 1975, as the Thamesdown Community Trust by Lord Joel Joffe (Nelson Mandela's lawyer during the Rivonia Trial), making it the first community foundation established in the UK and Europe. In 1991, Thamesdown Trust merged with Wiltshire Community Trust to form what is now known as Wiltshire Community Foundation. With an endowment exceeding £30 million, the Foundation has awarded over £22 million in grants since 1975 and currently distributes over £1.6 million annually. In 2023/24, they made 211 grants to 157 different voluntary and charitable groups, supporting more than 72,000 people. Led by Joint Chief Executives Fiona Oliver and Vicky Hickey, the Foundation's mission is to tackle disadvantage and strengthen local communities by inspiring philanthropy and supporting the voluntary sector. The endowment provides approximately 45% of the Foundation's total annual grant-making capacity of £2.5 million.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Programme

£500 - £5,000 per year (up to three years)

Supports projects and activities that improve lives of people in need across Wiltshire and Swindon. Applications are assessed quarterly by an independent panel, with decisions usually made in March, June, September, and December. Application cut-off dates are the 17th of the month, two months prior to the panel meeting (e.g., applications due by January 17th for March panel). Prioritises grassroots and small to medium-sized organisations working with people on low incomes and those particularly impacted by the cost of living crisis.

Heritage and Nature Programme

Small grants: £5,000 - £8,000 | Larger grants: £15,000 - £18,000

Awards two or three small grants or one larger grant annually for work that preserves land or buildings of beauty or historic interest, including preservation of animals and plant life in Wiltshire.

Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund

Variable amounts

Supports community projects in partnership with Wessex Water.

Solar Park Community Benefit Fund

£500 - £2,500

Small grants to enhance the lives of residents in specific parishes near the Science Museum Group Wroughton Solar Park.

Surviving Winter Programme

In 2023/24, awarded over £420,000, benefitting 2,855 individuals in 1,688 households.

Education Bursaries

In 2023/24, awarded £348,800 to 68 students for subjects including STEM, arts, health, business, education, and law.

Priority Areas

• Supporting people on low incomes and those impacted by cost of living challenges
• Working with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups
• Community cohesion and refugee/asylum seeker support (through Welcome Programme)
• Youth empowerment and outdoor adventure activities for vulnerable young people aged 11-16
• Heritage and nature conservation
• Women and girls' initiatives
• Reducing violence and serious harm, tackling crime, supporting victims (through Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Action Fund)
• Community safety and reducing knife crime and domestic abuse vulnerability

What They Don't Fund

• Activities the government and other public bodies currently have a statutory responsibility to provide
• Groups or activities supporting political parties
• Work that has already been undertaken (retrospective funding)
• Schools (however, PTAs and 'friends of' groups are eligible for non-statutory activities)
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by shares
• Organisations holding more than 12 months of annual expenditure in unrestricted reserves

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Governance and Leadership

Joint Chief Executives: Fiona Oliver and Vicky Hickey

Vicky Hickey and Fiona Oliver were appointed as Joint Chief Executives in 2020. Both were recognised among Swindon and Wiltshire's Most Inspiring Women in 2024. Fiona Oliver joined the Foundation in 2013 as Finance Manager and became Director of Finance & Operations in 2018 before her appointment as Joint Chief Executive.

Chairman of Trustees: Ashley Truluck CB CBE

Key Quotes from Leadership

Fiona Oliver and Vicky Hickey on their priorities: “The last six months have been a huge challenge for the voluntary sector and there is plenty of hard work ahead as we strive to support and encourage the incredible work undertaken by so many amazing groups to make life better for every community in Wiltshire and Swindon.”

On their strategic commitment: “We remain committed to delivering on our strategic plan, to further develop our endowment as a long-term community asset and deliver £10million of funding, advice and support to help disadvantaged people in Wiltshire and Swindon.”

On collaboration: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” (quoting Helen Keller)

Fiona Oliver on the Foundation's mission: They are “dedicated to improving their lives by connecting people who care, with causes that matter.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online application system via the Foundation's website (wiltshirecf.org.uk). The system guides applicants through the process, providing advice and help as you complete the application form.

Before Applying:

• Contact the Grants Team (01380 729284 or info@wiltshirecf.org.uk) for pre-application advice
• Ensure your Trustees are aware the application will be submitted
• Prepare required documentation (see below)
• If applicable, obtain planning permission and three quotes for required work

Required Documentation:

• Copy of constitution/governing document
• Evidence of bank account in the organisation's name (with two signatories who are not related)
• Most recent annual accounts or financial records
• Up-to-date safeguarding policy

Eligibility Requirements:

• Constituted voluntary or community organisation, registered charity, or not-for-profit company (including Community Interest Companies where the majority of directors receive no payment)
• Active voluntary management committee with at least three unrelated people (not in long-term relationship or living at same address)
• Bank account with two unrelated signatories
• Operating in Wiltshire or Swindon (or regional organisations working in South/South West England)
• Less than 12 months running costs in unrestricted reserves

Decision Timeline

Community Grants Programme: Quarterly decisions (March, June, September, December). Applications must be submitted by the 17th of the month, two months before the panel meeting.

Other Programs: Timeline varies by program. For example, SWEF business grants aim for decisions within six weeks.

Assessment Process:

1. Staff assess application upon receipt (including all supporting documents)
2. Staff may contact applicant for further information or arrange a meeting to discuss in detail
3. Application goes to independent community panel for decision

Notification: Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified after panel decisions.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2023/24, 211 grants were awarded to 157 organisations, indicating that many organisations received multiple grants or multi-year funding.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not explicitly stated in public materials. Contact the Grants Team directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

• Allow sufficient time: Leave adequate time to develop a strong application
• Prepare documentation: Have all required documents ready, including planning permission (if needed) and three quotes for proposed work
• Inform trustees: Ensure your board is aware of the application submission
• Seek pre-application support: Contact the Grants Team for advice before applying - they actively encourage this

What the Foundation Values

• Grassroots focus: Priority is given to grassroots and small to medium-sized organisations
• Focus on disadvantage: Strong emphasis on supporting people on low incomes and those affected by cost of living challenges
• Community impact: Projects that demonstrably improve lives and strengthen communities
• Collaboration: Partnership approach, as evidenced by their emphasis on “together we can do so much”
• Connecting care with causes: Projects that align with both community needs and donor interests

Recent Funded Projects Examples

• Youth Adventure Trust: Outdoor adventure and one-to-one support for vulnerable young people aged 11-16
• Welcome Programme: Assistance and practical activities for refugees and asylum seekers, supporting resettlement and community cohesion
• Surviving Winter Programme: Cost of living support including fuel grants for vulnerable households
• Heritage and nature conservation projects preserving Wiltshire's landscape and biodiversity

Language and Terminology

The Foundation uses terms such as “tackling disadvantage,” “strengthening local communities,” “inspiring philanthropy,” “grassroots organisations,” and “connecting people who care, with causes that matter.”

Application Tips

• Be prepared for staff engagement during the assessment process
• Demonstrate clear community need and impact on people experiencing disadvantage
• Show how your project aligns with the Foundation's strategic priorities
• For new organisations without proper documentation, explore applying through another charitable organisation
• Take advantage of the Foundation's training workshops and advice sessions to strengthen your organisational capacity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Timing is critical: Applications for Community Grants must be submitted by the 17th, two months before quarterly panel meetings - plan accordingly
• Pre-application engagement pays off: The Foundation actively welcomes contact before applying and offers free training and advice - use these resources
• Focus on disadvantage: Clearly demonstrate how your project supports people on low incomes or those experiencing disadvantage in Wiltshire or Swindon
• Grassroots advantage: Small to medium-sized, grassroots organisations are explicitly prioritised - emphasise your community roots
• Reserve limits matter: Organisations with more than 12 months' running costs in unrestricted reserves are ineligible - check your financial position before applying
• Multi-year potential: Grants can be awarded for up to three years - consider longer-term project planning
• Build relationships: With a 50-year history and deep local roots, the Foundation values ongoing relationships with grantees - this is a long-term partnership opportunity

References

1. Wiltshire Community Foundation - Community Grants Programme. Available at: https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-and-support/groups/community-grants/

1. Wiltshire Community Foundation - Our Impact. Available at: https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/about/our-impact/

1. Wiltshire Community Foundation - Eligibility Criteria. Available at: https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/eligibility-criteria/

1. Wiltshire Community Foundation - Our People. Available at: https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/about/our-people/

1. The Business Exchange - "Swindon and Wiltshire's Most Inspiring Women 2024 | Vicky Hickey and Fiona Oliver". Available at: https://tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk/business-news/swindon-and-wiltshires-most-inspiring-women-2024-vicky-hickey-and-fiona-oliver/

1. Swindon Link - “Wiltshire Community Foundation celebrates half a century”. Available at: https://swindonlink.com/charity/wiltshire-charity/half-a-century/

1. 360Giving GrantNav - Wiltshire Community Foundation. Available at: https://grantnav.threesixtygiving.org/org/GB-CHC-1123126

1. Wiltshire Community Foundation - Heritage and Nature Grants. Available at: https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-and-support/groups/heritage-and-nature-grants/

1. Charity Commission - THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR WILTSHIRE & SWINDON (1123126). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1123126