The Francis Winham Foundation

Charity Number: 278092

Annual Expenditure: £1.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,000,000 (approximately)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: £5,000 - £40,000
  • Geographic Focus: England and Wales (primarily England)

Contact Details

Address: 18 Gilston Road, London SW10 9SR

Phone: 020 7795 1261

Email: francinetrust@outlook.com

Website: No website maintained

Note: The foundation does not have a website. All enquiries and applications should be made in writing to the address above or via email.

Overview

The Francis Winham Foundation was registered as a charity in England and Wales on 18 July 1979 (Charity Number 278092). The foundation distributes approximately £1 million annually through grants to registered charitable organisations. Its charitable objective is to apply the trust fund and income towards the benefit of old and aged people in England. The foundation operates as a traditional grant-making trust, receiving written applications from eligible organisations and awarding grants primarily in the £5,000 to £10,000 range, though larger grants up to £40,000 are also made. The foundation operates throughout England and Wales, focusing exclusively on projects that improve the quality of life for elderly people.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with the following characteristics:

  • General Grants for Elderly Welfare: £5,000 - £40,000
  • Most grants awarded are in the £5,000 - £10,000 range
  • Some larger grants up to £40,000 are available
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis
  • All applications must be made in writing

Priority Areas

The Francis Winham Foundation funds organisations undertaking social welfare projects for elderly people in England. Eligible activities include:

  • Projects that help elderly and aged people achieve a better quality of life
  • Welfare support for older people
  • Services and facilities that benefit elderly populations
  • Charitable activities compatible with supporting the wellbeing of older people

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, the foundation's charitable objectives are narrowly focused on elderly welfare in England. Implied restrictions include:

  • Projects not benefiting elderly/aged people
  • Individual applications (grants are made to organisations only)
  • Organisations without registered charity status or compatible charitable aims
  • Projects outside England (though Wales may be considered)
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The Francis Winham Foundation is governed by a board of trustees:

  • Josephine Winham - Chair
  • Desmond Corcoran - Trustee (appointed 2014)
  • Elsa Peters - Trustee
  • Fuschia Peters - Trustee (appointed 2015)

All trustees serve on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. This ensures that the maximum amount of funding is available for grant-making activities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Francis Winham Foundation does not maintain a website or online application portal. Applications must be submitted in writing to:

Mrs J Winham

The Francis Winham Foundation

18 Gilston Road

London SW10 9SR

Alternatively, initial enquiries can be made via:

  • Email: francinetrust@outlook.com
  • Phone: 020 7795 1261

Eligibility: Applicants must be registered charitable organisations in England, or organisations in England with charitable aims compatible with the trust's objectives and exempt from charity registration requirements.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Applicants should contact the foundation directly to enquire about expected timeframes for application review and decision-making.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed. Recent financial information shows:

  • April 2024: Total income £202,073, Total expenditure £1,494,393
  • April 2023: Total income £223,430

The high level of annual expenditure (approximately £1 million) relative to income suggests the foundation actively distributes grants from its endowment.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organisations should enquire directly with the foundation about their approach to reapplications.

Application Success Factors

While the Francis Winham Foundation does not publish detailed application guidance, the following factors are likely to strengthen applications:

Clear Focus on Elderly Beneficiaries: Applications must demonstrate direct benefit to old and aged people. Projects should clearly articulate:

  • How elderly people will benefit
  • The number of elderly beneficiaries
  • The specific quality of life improvements expected

Registered Charitable Status: Priority is given to registered charities or organisations with compatible charitable aims. Ensure your organisation's charitable objectives align with supporting elderly welfare.

Geographical Scope: Projects must operate in England (Wales may also be considered). Clearly state where the project will take place.

Realistic Budget and Grant Request: Most grants fall in the £5,000-£10,000 range. Applications requesting amounts in this range may have higher success rates, though larger grants up to £40,000 are made for substantial projects.

Written Communication: As the foundation does not have a website or online system, well-crafted written applications are essential. Applications should be clear, concise, and professional.

Social Welfare Focus: The foundation supports welfare projects specifically. Applications should emphasise the welfare and wellbeing aspects of proposed work.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Narrow Focus: The foundation exclusively funds elderly welfare projects in England - ensure your project clearly fits this remit before applying
  • Traditional Application Process: No website or online portal exists; all applications must be in writing, so invest time in crafting a compelling written case
  • Flexible Grant Sizes: While most grants are £5,000-£10,000, larger grants up to £40,000 are possible for substantial projects
  • High Distribution Rate: With approximately £1 million distributed annually, the foundation is actively grant-making despite limited public information
  • Direct Contact Recommended: Given limited public information, contact the foundation directly via email or phone to discuss your project and clarify application requirements before submitting
  • Charity Status Matters: Registered charity status is strongly preferred, though organisations with compatible charitable aims may be considered
  • Quality of Life Focus: Frame your project in terms of improving quality of life for elderly people rather than just providing services

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