The Rose Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,308,711 (charitable activities expenditure, FY 2024)
• Success Rate: Competitive - funds approximately 60 schemes simultaneously from a much larger application pool
• Decision Time: Applications submitted by March 31 are reviewed with decisions communicated by second week of July
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £10,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: London area only

Contact Details

• Website: www.rosefoundation.co.uk
• Phone: 020 7299 1400
• Address: 28 Crawford Street, London, W1H 1LN
• Charity Number: 1167144

Overview

THE ROSE FOUNDATION was registered as a charity on May 17, 2016. As of October 2024, the charity reported total income of £1,347,247 (primarily from investments) and charitable expenditure of £1,308,711. The foundation's mission is to provide financial assistance and property advice to registered charities and exempt bodies requiring help with building projects undertaken for the public benefit. The charity also makes donations toward revenue funding of other charities and provides direct support through accommodation, professional expertise, and other resources. The foundation operates with 6 trustees and 2 employees, with no trustees receiving remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Building Projects Grant: £5,000 - £10,000 (typical grant amount)
• For registered charities and exempt bodies
• Projects must be under £200,000 total cost
• Rolling applications accepted July 1st through March 31st
• Funds approximately 60 schemes simultaneously

Priority Areas

The foundation defines “building projects” broadly to include anything requiring the use of builders:

• General refurbishment work
• Specific schemes such as roof or window repairs
• Creation of disabled access
• Health and safety upgrades
• Accessibility improvements

Property Requirements:

• Preference for freehold properties
• Leasehold properties must have at least 5 years remaining on the lease

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside the London area
• Projects over £200,000 in total cost
• Organizations without registered charity or exempt body status
• Multiple projects from the same organization within the same year

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Governance and Leadership

Structure: The foundation is governed by 6 trustees who serve without remuneration, payments, or benefits. The charity employs 2 staff members to support its operations.

Approach: The foundation emphasizes efficient use of funds and provides advisory support from trustees during project planning and implementation phases.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Application Window: July 1st through March 31st annually
• No formal application forms required
• Submit a letter including:
• Charity registration number
• Detailed project description
• Approximate cost
• Anticipated start and completion dates
• Status of planning/building consent
• Property tenure information (freehold or lease terms)

Decision Timeline

• Submission Deadline: March 31st (for projects to be undertaken in the following year)
• Board Review: Applications are shortlisted and reviewed, with formal commitments made at the June meeting
• Notification: Successful applicants are advised by the second week of July
• Funds Available: January of the project year
• Project Commencement: Projects should commence within the first 8 months of the following year

Success Rates

The foundation receives significantly more applications than it can fund, making the process competitive. The foundation funds approximately 60 schemes simultaneously, suggesting they support a substantial number of projects each cycle, though specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants should contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations:

• Location is Critical: The foundation explicitly focuses on London-area projects only. Projects outside London are “most unlikely” to receive funding.
• Project Scale Matters: Keep total project costs under £200,000. The foundation's typical grants of £5,000-£10,000 suggest they prefer to contribute to, rather than fully fund, most projects.
• Property Tenure: Strong preference for freehold properties or leases with 5+ years remaining, indicating the foundation wants to ensure long-term benefit from their investment.
• Efficient Use of Funds: The foundation states it prioritizes organizations that use funds efficiently, suggesting detailed budgeting and cost-effectiveness are important.
• Planning Readiness: Include information about planning and building consent status, suggesting more developed projects may be preferred.

What Works:

• Clear, detailed project descriptions in letter format
• Realistic timelines for project commencement and completion
• Demonstration of how the project will serve the charity's beneficiaries
• Evidence of efficient resource management

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Vague or unclear project descriptions
• Projects that don't match the foundation's criteria (non-London location, over £200,000, non-building related)
• Multiple applications from the same organization in one year
• Insufficient information about property tenure

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is non-negotiable: Only London-based projects will be considered - ensure this is prominently stated in your application.
• Apply early in the window: With a July-March application period and competitive funding, submitting earlier may be advantageous.
• Keep it simple: No formal application forms are required - a well-crafted letter with all necessary details is the preferred approach.
• Plan for timing: Decisions come in July for January funding, so plan your project timeline accordingly and ensure you can commence within the first 8 months of the following year.
• One shot per year: Since only one project per organization can be funded annually, ensure you're applying for your highest priority project.
• Property matters: Address property tenure clearly and preferably demonstrate freehold ownership or substantial remaining lease term.
• Budget realistically: With typical grants of £5,000-£10,000, position this as part of a larger funding strategy rather than sole source of funding for most projects.

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• The Arts Council of England
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Trust for London
• THE A B CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE RUFFORD FOUNDATION
• JOHN LYON'S CHARITY
• Denise Coates Foundation
• BBC Children in Need
• Ecological Restoration Fund
• Synchronicity Earth
• The Whitley Fund for Nature
• BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
• Academy of Medical Sciences
• The Golden Bottle Trust
• THE MORRISONS FOUNDATION
• The Henry Smith Foundation
• Salesforce
• THE BIG GIVE TRUST
• THE CONSTANCE TRAVIS CHARITABLE TRUST
• WATES FAMILY ENTERPRISE TRUST

References

• The Rose Foundation official website: www.rosefoundation.co.uk
• UK Charity Commission Register of Charities: THE ROSE FOUNDATION, Charity Number 1167144, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1167144&subid=0
• Charity Commission Financial Data for year ending October 31, 2024