The Shanly Foundation

Charity Number: 1182155

Annual Expenditure: £1.8M
Central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex ... [3 more]

Contact Info

Website: www.shanlyfoundation.com

Phone: 01494 683800

Email: clare.junak@shanlyfoundation.com

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,800,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 8-10 weeks (minimum 8 weeks before deadline; decision within 10 days of monthly board meeting)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £150,000
  • Geographic Focus: South East England (Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, West Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire)

Contact Details

Website: www.shanlyfoundation.com

Email: clare.junak@shanlyfoundation.com (Clare Junak, Shanly Awards Officer)

General Email: info@shanlyfoundation.com

Phone: 01494 683800

Online Application Portal: shanlyfoundation.benefactorcloud.co.uk

Pre-Application Support: Monthly “Meet the Funder” sessions hosted online on the last Tuesday of each month. Contact info@shanlyfoundation.com to book.

Overview

The Shanly Foundation, originally established in 1994 (re-registered as charity number 1182155 in 2018), is the charitable arm of the Shanly Group of companies. Founded and chaired by Michael Shanly, the Foundation has contributed over £28 million to local communities since 1969. In 2024, the Foundation awarded 493 grants totaling £1.8 million, representing an 11% increase from the previous year. The Foundation's philosophy centers on helping local good causes and improving the welfare and quality of life of disadvantaged community members. With annual giving of approximately £1.75 million, the Foundation offers rolling general applications alongside targeted funds for homelessness and construction careers. In 2024, the Foundation significantly increased multi-year grants to over £500,000 (a 167% rise). The Foundation operates on a streamlined model with minimal eligibility criteria, reflecting its commitment to making funding accessible.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants (Rolling basis, 90% of all grants)

  • Single and multi-year grants (up to 3 years)
  • Project, capital, core, and unrestricted grants welcome
  • Grant amounts: £500 - £150,000
  • No minimum or maximum funding levels for standard applications
  • Applications accepted year-round through online portal
  • Board meets monthly to consider applications

Action Against Homelessness Fund (Targeted, application windows closed until January 2026)

  • Grants up to £150,000
  • Multi-year awards (maximum 3 years)
  • Core and unrestricted funding available
  • Focus on organizations providing practical opportunities for vulnerable people to build skills and return to work
  • Shortlisted applicants may present to Board of Trustees

Training & Careers in Construction Fund (Targeted, currently open)

  • Grants for organizations supporting pathways into construction careers
  • Multi-year grants available (maximum 3 years)
  • Core and unrestricted funding considered
  • Focus on disadvantaged groups, disabled individuals, long-term unemployed, and youth
  • Open to charities, CICs, CIOs, colleges, and schools

Grant Distribution (2024)

  • 16% of awards: up to £2,000
  • 50% of awards: £2,001 - £9,999
  • 16% of awards: £10,000 - £24,999
  • 6% of awards: £25,000 - £49,999
  • 12% of awards: over £50,000

Priority Areas

  • Children & Young People: Youth clubs, scouts and girl guides, schools, Duke of Edinburgh's Award programs, disadvantaged youth support
  • Disability Services: Centers for adults with physical and learning disabilities
  • Elderly Support: Programs for older community members
  • Homelessness: Organizations helping get people off the streets, wraparound care, rehabilitation support, housing support
  • Mental Health: Organizations supporting mental health needs
  • Life-Limiting Illnesses: Support for individuals with serious health conditions
  • Community Activities: Local community events and festivals, sports and social clubs, Rotary and community organizations
  • Environmental Conservation: Woodland projects, outdoor activity centers
  • Construction Sector: Training and career development in construction industry

What They Don't Fund

  • International projects (except disaster response)
  • Research
  • Military charities
  • Single faith charities (those serving only one religious community)
  • Animal welfare charities
  • Direct grants to individuals
  • Organizations that have not existed for at least 12 months

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Michael Shanly - Founder and Chairman (appointed 2018). Michael personally chairs the board and reviews grant applications.
  • Tamra Booth - Deputy Chair, Director (appointed 2018)
  • Nicholas Young - Trustee, Chartered Surveyor (appointed 2019)
  • Timothy Potter - Trustee, Director (appointed 2018)
  • Nick Trott - Trustee

Philosophy from Leadership:

Michael Shanly has articulated his personal philosophy: "All I want is for us to be able to look back and say, 'we did a great job there.' It's not about profit. At the end of the day, you're brought into this world with no money, and you go out with no money. It's about fighting for quality, being conscientious, learning, surviving, enjoying what we do, and giving back."

Unique Governance Feature: Staff from Shanly Group companies are invited to attend monthly trustee meetings and can introduce charities they're passionate about. Award recipients are determined by trustees and supported by Shanly Group staff. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Future Vision: By 2024, Michael Shanly finalized plans for the Shanly Foundation to fully own the trading businesses (Shanly Homes and Sorbon Estates), enabling the Foundation to grow and give more back to those in need.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

General Grants:

  1. Applications accepted year-round (rolling basis)

Optional Pre-Application Support:

  • Book a “Meet the Funder” session (held last Tuesday of every month) by emailing info@shanlyfoundation.com
  • Contact Clare Junak (Shanly Awards Officer) with questions before applying

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CIC), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), or organizations exempt/excepted under Charity Commission guidance
  • Must have existed for more than 12 months
  • Must have a dedicated bank account
  • Must be located in specified postcodes (primarily South East England)

Decision Timeline

  • Application submission: Minimum 8 weeks before funding needed (10-12 weeks recommended for time-sensitive events)
  • Board meetings: Monthly
  • Decision notification: Within 10 days of board meeting
  • Payment: Within 2 weeks of receiving signed awards confirmation letter

Total timeline: Approximately 8-10 weeks from submission to decision

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. However, in 2024, the Foundation awarded 493 grants totaling £1.8 million, demonstrating significant grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation has not published a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations interested in reapplying after an unsuccessful application should contact the Foundation directly for guidance.

Post-Award Requirements

  • Grant recipients must keep the Foundation informed of progress
  • Complete monitoring and evaluation form through online account
  • Provide updates as requested

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

Keep It Simple: “In keeping with our belief that accessing funding should be a simple process, our criteria have been kept to a minimum.”

Use of Bullet Points: “The use of bullet points throughout the application form are an acceptable and clear way to show key points.”

Financial Transparency: “If your accounts do not tell the full picture, you can attach a word document explaining any anomalies.”

Timing: Apply 8-12 weeks before funding is needed, particularly for events or time-sensitive projects.

Engage Early: Take advantage of monthly “Meet the Funder” sessions to discuss your application before submitting.

Recent Funded Projects (2024 Examples)

  • Wycombe Homeless Connection: Night shelter coordinator funding
  • Hope and Vision Communities: Three-year commitment for pilot training program supporting ex-offenders to prevent homelessness
  • Amber Foundation, Youth Concern, Aylesbury Homeless Action: Support for getting people off the streets with wraparound care
  • The Renova Trust: Comprehensive support for individuals and ex-offenders experiencing homelessness in Berkshire
  • Duke of Edinburgh's Award: Resilience Funds support
  • The Juno Project: Empowering vulnerable teenage girls
  • Sal's Shoes School Shoes Fund: Providing school shoes for children in need

Key Language and Terminology

The Foundation emphasizes:

  • “Local good causes”
  • “Improving the welfare and quality of life”
  • “Disadvantaged within the community”
  • “Practical opportunities to help vulnerable people build skills”
  • “Return to, or join, the world of work”
  • “Wraparound care”

Strategic Considerations

Current Priorities: The Foundation is particularly keen to increase its impact with organizations working to eradicate homelessness and those promoting/developing the UK construction skills base.

Multi-Year Funding: The Foundation has significantly increased multi-year grants (167% rise in 2024), demonstrating willingness to commit to longer-term partnerships with aligned organizations.

Core/Unrestricted Funding: The Foundation explicitly welcomes applications for core and unrestricted funding, particularly for targeted funds (homelessness and construction).

Presentation Opportunities: For targeted funds, shortlisted applicants may be invited to present to the Board of Trustees, offering a chance to make a compelling case in person.

What Makes Applications Stand Out

  1. Local connection: Strong ties to South East England communities
  2. Supporting disadvantaged groups: Clear focus on vulnerable populations
  3. Practical skill-building: Programs that help people gain employment or return to work
  4. Alignment with current priorities: Homelessness and construction sector training
  5. Financial need: Organizations responding to statutory income cuts or cost of living pressures
  6. Clear outcomes: Specific, measurable impact on beneficiaries

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Simple, accessible process: The Foundation deliberately keeps criteria minimal and values straightforward applications using bullet points.
  • Rolling applications work in your favor: With monthly board meetings and no fixed deadlines for general grants, you can apply when ready rather than competing in funding rounds.
  • Build a relationship first: Take advantage of monthly “Meet the Funder” sessions before applying—this demonstrates commitment and allows you to tailor your approach.
  • Think multi-year: With a 167% increase in multi-year grants in 2024, the Foundation is actively seeking longer-term partnerships, particularly for homelessness and construction training work.
  • Geographic fit is essential: You must serve communities in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, West Sussex, Surrey, Kent, or Hampshire. Ensure your postcode matches their service area.
  • Core funding is welcome: Unlike many funders, Shanly actively encourages applications for core and unrestricted funding, particularly for larger targeted grants.
  • Timing matters: Apply 10-12 weeks before you need funds (minimum 8 weeks). Monthly board meetings mean predictable decision-making cycles.
  • Follow the Foundation's values: Michael Shanly's personal philosophy emphasizes “giving back” and “doing a great job”—applications should reflect quality, conscientiousness, and community impact rather than just organizational need.
  • Staff engagement is valued: The Foundation's unique model means Shanly Group employees influence funding decisions. Consider how your work might resonate with construction industry professionals.
  • Be prepared for flexibility: The Foundation's income depends on discretionary contributions from Shanly Group companies, meaning grant amounts can fluctuate. Build relationships for potential ongoing support rather than assuming single grants.

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

  • Community Foundation For Surrey
  • The Ian Askew Charitable Trust
  • Helen Robertson Charitable Trust
  • The Christopher Rowbotham Charitable Trust
  • The Company Of Arts Scholars Charitable Trust
  • The E H Smith Charitable Trust
  • The Patrick & Helena Frost Foundation
  • The Betty Riseley Trust For Children
  • Colefax Charitable Trust
  • Louis Baylis (Maidenhead Advertiser) Charitable Trust

References

  1. Shanly Foundation Official Website - Homepage. https://shanlyfoundation.com/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Our Grants. https://shanlyfoundation.com/our-grants/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Who Can Apply. https://shanlyfoundation.com/who-can-apply/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Operating Guidelines. https://shanlyfoundation.com/operating-guidelines/
  1. Shanly Foundation - About Us. https://shanlyfoundation.com/about-us/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Core Grants. https://shanlyfoundation.com/core-grants/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Action Against Homelessness. https://shanlyfoundation.com/action-against-homelessness/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Careers in Construction. https://shanlyfoundation.com/careers-in-construction/
  1. Shanly Foundation - Our Story. https://shanlyfoundation.com/our-story/
  1. Charity Commission - THE SHANLY FOUNDATION (Charity Number 1182155). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1182155&subid=0
  1. “Building Communities: How the Shanly Foundation Has Donated £28 Million and Counting.” Noobpreneur, July 23, 2025. https://www.noobpreneur.com/2025/07/23/building-communities-how-the-shanly-foundation-has-donated-28-million-and-counting/
  1. "Michael Shanly's Foundation-Owned Model: Turning Profit Into Perpetual Purpose." BOSS Publishing. https://thebossmagazine.com/post/michael-shanly-foundation-owned-model/
  1. "Michael Shanly's legacy of strengthening communities through Shanly Foundation." London Business News. https://londonlovesbusiness.com/michael-shanlys-legacy-of-strengthening-communities-through-shanly-foundation/
  1. Shanly Foundation - LEAP. https://leapwithus.org.uk/funding/shanly-foundation/
  1. Michael Shanly - About. https://www.michaelshanly.co.uk/about