The Rotary Club Of Whitstable

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £176,000
• Grant Range: £100 - several thousand pounds
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Whitstable and Kent, with some international projects
• Application Method: Rolling basis via email contact
• Charity Number: 1023624
• Founded: 1957 (Charitable Trust registered 1993)

Contact Details

General Contact:

• Website: www.whitstablerotary.org
• Email: malcramsey@hotmail.com
• Phone: 01227 721873
• Address: Wraik Hill, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3BY

For Grant Applications:

• Contact: Mike Bantin, Community Services Chairman
• Submit applications via email (contact details on website)
• Include “as many details and costings of your project as possible”

Overview

The Rotary Club of Whitstable was founded in 1957 and registered its Charitable Trust in 1993 (Charity Number 1023624). With an annual income and expenditure of £176,000 (2024), the club operates primarily through grant-making to individuals and organizations. Their charitable objective is “to apply the capital and income in the relief of the poor and needy or to or for such other charitable purposes.” The club has grown significantly from just £6,770 in income in 2020 to £176,000 in 2024, demonstrating increased fundraising capacity and community impact. The club operates with approximately 30 volunteers and is part of Rotary District 1120. Their motto “Service Above Self” guides their community service approach, emphasizing local and international charitable support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The club operates a flexible grant-making program with no fixed deadlines:

• Community Grants: £100 - several thousand pounds (rolling basis, email application)
• Funds can support local, national, or international purposes
• Applications assessed by the Community Services Committee

Priority Areas

Youth and Education:

• School trips for children
• Educational equipment
• Kent Music School support
• Pantomime trips for local families (20+ year tradition, 2000+ children supported)
• 5th Whitstable Scout Group

Disability and Health:

• Specialist equipment for disabled individuals
• Support for adults with learning difficulties (annual Christmas party)
• Swalecliffe Opportunity Centre
• Strode Park Foundation
• Prostate Cancer Support Association (£7,000 grant for medical equipment)
• Martha's Trust

Community Projects:

• Swimming pool renovations (Joy Lane)
• Sports equipment
• Environmental initiatives (beach cleanups, partnership with Beach Guardian)
• Sailing opportunities (Westbere Sailing)

International Relief:

• Ukraine humanitarian aid (administered over £400,000 in emergency grants)
• Support for 57 Ukrainian refugee families in Whitstable (nearly £20,000 raised)
• Kiswa education centre in Uganda
• Mercy Ships
• Tools With a Mission

Emergency Services:

• RNLI
• Hounds for Heroes

Medical Charities:

• Teenage Cancer Trust
• Demelza House

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are published on their website. However, as a Rotary club, they emphasize practical community benefit and projects that demonstrate clear impact.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

1. Malcolm Murray Ramsey (appointed 1 July 2014) - Past President, organizes fundraising events
2. Andrew John Gough (appointed 1 July 2017) - Treasurer
3. Anthony David Rix (appointed 11 January 2022)

Community Services Committee

• Chairman: Mike Bantin
• Members: Kim Foster, Tony Rix, Javaid Malik, David Cavell, Ced Moore, Angie Northern

The Community Services Committee is described as “one of the most important committees,” responsible for evaluating funding requests and demonstrating the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.”

Club Operations

• Meets every Tuesday at 18:00 at the Crescent Turner Hotel in Whitstable
• Part of Rotary District 1120
• Partner clubs in Hazebrouck (France) and Cham-In-Bayern (Germany)
• 30 volunteers

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. No formal application form - email submissions accepted
2. No fixed deadlines - applications considered on a rolling basis

The club emphasizes that "even if we can't directly help, we may be able to guide you to alternative funding sources."

Decision Timeline

• No specific decision timeline published
• Applications reviewed by the Community Services Committee
• Decisions appear to be made at regular club meetings (meets weekly on Tuesdays)
• Estimated timeframe: Likely within 4-8 weeks based on typical Rotary club processes

Success Rates

No specific success rate data is published.

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions mentioned. The club's welcoming approach suggests unsuccessful applicants can reapply, particularly if circumstances or project details change.

Application Success Factors

Key Priorities from the Club

1. Clear, detailed costings - The club explicitly requests “as many details and costings of your project as possible”

• Young people and families
• People with disabilities or learning difficulties
• Community facilities (swimming pools, youth groups)

• Joy Lane swimming pool renovation (physical infrastructure)
• Specialist equipment for disabled individuals (specific items)
• £7,000 for medical equipment (BK bladder scanner)

• Community service
• Helping those in need
• Practical solutions to real problems

• Pantomime trips (2000+ children over 20 years)
• Ukrainian refugee support (57 families)
• Environmental cleanups (community-wide benefit)

Recent Funding Examples

• £7,000 to Prostate Cancer Support Association (Kent)
• Nearly £20,000 raised for Ukrainian refugees in Whitstable
• Over £400,000 administered for Ukraine humanitarian aid (international partnership)
• £3,602.80 collected in single Christmas collection (2014)
• £1,150 raised for Kent Sinfonia concert
• £500 to Martha's Trust

Strategic Approach

The club raises funds through:

• Collections at local supermarkets (Sainsbury's, Tesco)
• Members auctioning their services
• Public and business donations
• Fundraising events and concerts

The club emphasizes that “nearly 100% of donations go directly to causes, with minimal administrative costs.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Keep it local and specific - Strongest funding for Whitstable and Kent projects with clear community benefit, particularly for youth, disability, and community facilities

1. Provide detailed costings - The club explicitly requests comprehensive financial details; vague budget requests unlikely to succeed

1. Think practical impact - Swimming pools, specialist equipment, and tangible resources receive funding; abstract or administrative costs less likely to be supported

1. Wide funding range - Don't assume you're too small (£100+) or too large (several thousand pounds); the club considers diverse request sizes

1. No formal barriers - Simple email application process with no forms or deadlines removes bureaucratic obstacles; focus on clear, compelling case

1. International is possible - Despite local focus, the club has administered over £400,000 for Ukraine and supports projects in Uganda; international projects with clear humanitarian need can succeed

1. Build relationships - The club meets weekly and values community connections; engaging with Rotary members at local events may strengthen applications

References

1. The Rotary Club of Whitstable Official Website - www.whitstablerotary.org
2. “How can I Apply for Rotary Funding?” - https://whitstablerotary.org/how-to-apply-for-funds.html
3. “Community Services Committee” - http://whitstablerotary.org/community-services.html
4. “Recent Events” - http://whitstablerotary.org/recent-events.html
5. Charity Commission Register - “The Rotary Club of Whitstable - 1023624” - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1023624/full-print
6. “The Rotary Club” - Whitstable Views, January 24, 2023 - https://whitstableviews.com/2023/01/24/the-rotary-club/
7. “Whitstable Rotary Club” - The Net Magazine - https://thenet.uk.net/charities-and-voluntary-groups/whitstable-rotary-club/