The Evie Dove Foundation Cio

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £181,738 (2024)
• Total Raised: £350,000+ (since 2022)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £5,000 (estimated)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (Kent-based)
• Total Recipients: 180+ healthcare professionals supported
• Application Method: Rolling annual cycle (January-December)

Contact Details

Website: https://theeviedovefoundation.org

Email: info@theeviedovefoundation.org

Phone: 07974 141696

Applications: https://theeviedovefoundation.org/applications/

Overview

The Evie Dove Foundation CIO was founded in 2022 by Howard and Katie Dove in memory of their daughter Evie, who died from a brain tumour in March 2022 at age 13. The charity aims to improve the speed and pastoral quality of medical care for sick children in the UK by increasing the number of compassionate paediatric nurses, doctors, and consultants through awarding grants to help fund progression through higher education. With total income of £179,384 and expenditure of £181,738 in 2024, the foundation has exceeded all expectations, raising over £350,000 in just three years against an original goal of £90,000 over five years. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers, with no trustees receiving remuneration, ensuring every penny raised goes directly to funding specialist training for paediatric healthcare professionals. To date, over 180 'Evie Dove Heroes' have received grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Education Grants: Awards to paediatric healthcare professionals for tuition fees and/or maintenance/living fees for courses that advance their clinical careers. Specific grant amounts vary based on course needs, with at least one £5,000 award documented.

• Application method: Online application via website (rolling basis within annual funding cycle)
• Funding cycle: Runs annually from January to December

Priority Areas

The foundation funds:

• Tuition fees for higher education and specialist qualifications not funded by the NHS
• Maintenance and living fees for healthcare professionals pursuing relevant education
• Courses that develop clinical skills for frontline staff caring for sick children
• Training for paediatric nurses, doctors, therapists, consultants, and oncologists
• Qualifications for professionals remaining in employment or leaving full-time work to study (such as nursing degrees)
• Programs that enable progression to more senior and influential roles in paediatric healthcare

Eligibility

• Existing paediatric professionals at any level
• Those returning to paediatrics after a career break
• Must demonstrate proven track record in paediatrics
• Must show empathy and compassionate care for sick children and families
• Must be unable to obtain funding from other sources
• Must have preliminary acceptance on an appropriate course within the funding cycle

What They Don't Fund

• Courses or studies already in progress (applications must be made in advance)
• Training available through NHS funding
• Non-clinical professional development unrelated to direct patient care

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (8 total, all unpaid volunteers):

• Howard Dove - Chair of the Board of Trustees, Co-founder
• Katie Dove - Trustee, Co-founder
• Matt Paxton - Trustee
• Simon Hagger - Trustee
• Additional trustees not publicly named

The foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission.

Key Quote from Howard and Katie Dove: “Evie was the most funny, kind, caring and goofy teenager who loved life.” They were inspired to create the foundation after witnessing the exceptional care Evie received from hospital staff.

Quote from Trustee Matt Paxton: Original goal was to raise £90,000 over five years; the foundation has exceeded this by raising over £300,000 in just two years, with an aim to support "50 Evie 'heroes' every year."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Review eligibility criteria and ensure course aligns with foundation's mission
2. Obtain preliminary acceptance on the desired course
3. Complete online application form at https://theeviedovefoundation.org/applications/
4. Applications must be submitted in advance of course start with adequate time for review
5. If uncertain about course eligibility, contact the foundation before applying

Pre-application contact: The foundation welcomes enquiries from prospective applicants uncertain whether their course fits the criteria.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Supporting statement: Evidence of passion and commitment to treatment of sick children and career development plans
• Testimonials: Objective and independent evidence demonstrating empathy and compassion in treating sick children and families
• Line manager statement: Supporting the applicant's compassionate nature and passion in child healthcare, plus details of how training supports career progression
• Funding confirmation: Evidence that funding is not available from other sources (particularly NHS funding)
• Course acceptance: Preliminary acceptance on an appropriate course within the next funding cycle
• Commitment statement: Agreement to support the foundation's fundraising goals and promote its benefits

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the annual funding cycle (January-December). Specific decision timelines are not publicly stated, but applicants are advised to apply with “enough time for review and processing.”

Success Rates

With over 180 healthcare professionals supported since 2022 and a goal of supporting 50 recipients annually, the foundation demonstrates strong grantmaking activity. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly stated. Applicants uncertain about eligibility are encouraged to contact the foundation for guidance.

Application Success Factors

The foundation prioritises applicants who demonstrate:

1. Proven track record and compassionate care: “Successful applicants will be chosen by evidencing their track record to date in paediatrics and for their proven empathy and care in looking after sick children and their families.”

1. Clear career progression plan: Strong supporting statements showing how the course will advance their paediatric career and directly benefit sick children

1. Independent validation: Testimonials and line manager endorsement confirming compassionate nature and commitment to paediatric care

1. Genuine funding need: Clear evidence that NHS or other funding sources are unavailable

1. Foundation alignment: Willingness to support fundraising efforts and promote the foundation's work

1. Passion over paperwork: The foundation values genuine commitment to paediatric care over formal qualifications alone

Example Success Story: Amber Selvey, a paediatric nurse from Seasalter, received a £5,000 grant to pursue a degree in counselling, coaching, and mentoring. She stated: “After the birth of my second child... I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of high-quality medical care... The Foundation has allowed me to follow my dreams.” Katie Dove commented: “Her passion for paediatric care is deeply personal... This course will equip her with vital skills.”

Example Success Story: Cuba Parris, a nurse at the Royal Marsden, received foundation support to train as a doctor and regularly attends fundraising events.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply early: Submit applications well in advance of course start dates, as applications for courses already underway are not accepted
• Demonstrate compassion: The foundation prioritises empathy and compassionate care over academic achievements alone - secure strong testimonials
• Show genuine need: Clearly evidence why NHS or other funding is unavailable for your chosen course
• Connect to Evie's legacy: Align your application with the foundation's mission to honour Evie through improving paediatric care
• Engage with the foundation: Pre-application enquiries are welcomed - reach out if uncertain about eligibility
• Think long-term impact: Show how your training will benefit sick children and families, not just your career progression
• Be prepared to give back: Demonstrate willingness to support the foundation's fundraising and promotional activities
• Target clinical development: Focus on courses that enhance direct patient care skills rather than general professional development

References

1. UK Charity Commission Register - The Evie Dove Foundation CIO (Charity No. 1200169): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/?regId=1200169
2. The Evie Dove Foundation Official Website: https://theeviedovefoundation.org
3. The Evie Dove Foundation Applications Page: https://theeviedovefoundation.org/applications/
4. Kent Online: “Foundation set up in memory of Evie Dove from Worth near Sandwich has raised more than £300,000,”: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sandwich/news/how-the-tragic-death-of-a-schoolgirl-has-inspired-an-extraor-312435/
5. Kent Online: "Seasalter nurse receives £5,000 boost from charity in Evie's memory,": https://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/nurse-receives-5-000-boost-from-charity-in-evie-s-memory-325089/
6. insideKENT Magazine: "The Big Coastal Walk Returns This September To Fund Training For Children's Healthcare Heroes,": https://www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/the-big-coastal-walk-returns-this-september-to-fund-training-for-childrens-healthcare-heroes/
7. 360Giving GrantNav - The Evie Dove Foundation CIO: https://grantnav.threesixtygiving.org/org/GB-CHC-1200169
8. Find that Charity - GB-CHC-1200169: https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1200169