The Vardy Foundation

Charity Number: 328415

Annual Expenditure: £1.8M
Throughout England And Wales, United States, Colombia, Scotland

Contact Info

Website: www.thevardyfoundation.org.uk

Phone: 0131 374 7144

Email: info@vardygroup.com

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £2,700,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified (rolling applications)
  • Grant Range: Small to large grants (examples: £100,000 - £900,000 for major projects)
  • Geographic Focus: Scotland (particularly), UK-wide, and international
  • Average Grant: Approximately £23,500 (based on 115 grants distributed)

Contact Details

Address: 110 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4LH

Email: info@vardygroup.com (please use reference “WA” on all correspondence)

Website: www.thevardyfoundation.org.uk

Phone: 0131 374 7144

Overview

Established in 1989 (over 30 years ago) by Sir Peter Vardy, The Vardy Foundation is a significant grant-making trust that has evolved from supporting charities primarily in the North East of England to becoming a major funder in Scotland following its relocation to Edinburgh in 2020. The Foundation distributed £2.7 million to over 115 charities and individuals in the most recent year. Founded on the principle that “Every Life is Worthy,” the Foundation takes a businessman's approach to philanthropy, emphasizing early intervention and prevention strategies. The Foundation was created as a means of distributing 10% of profits from Peter Vardy Limited to good causes, and maintains a strong commitment to both faith-based and social action projects addressing poverty, family breakdown, imprisonment, homelessness, and addiction.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation offers grants on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications are accepted at any time via email.

Grant Size: The Foundation provides both small and large grants:

  • Small grants to local projects
  • Major grants ranging from £100,000 to £900,000 for significant initiatives
  • Average grant size approximately £23,500

Match Funding Requirement: The Foundation will only provide up to 50% of project costs, with the remaining 50% expected to be matched by applicants from other sources.

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on social action and faith-based projects, with particular emphasis on:

  • Early Intervention Programmes: Projects focused on prevention rather than crisis response
  • Strengthening Families: Initiatives supporting family stability and cohesion
  • Relief of Poverty: Programmes addressing economic disadvantage
  • Supporting Ex-Offenders: Rehabilitation and reintegration projects for those in prison and leaving prison
  • Addiction Rehabilitation: Support for those struggling with substance abuse
  • Homelessness: Services for homeless individuals and families
  • Unemployment Support: Employment and training initiatives
  • Education: Educational advancement projects
  • Arts, Culture and Heritage: Cultural initiatives that serve communities

Faith-Based Focus: Approximately 39% of grants support faith-based initiatives, particularly Christian social action programmes.

Geographic Priorities: Following the 2020 relocation to Edinburgh, the Foundation has increased its focus on Scottish charities, with funding available across Scotland including Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Glasgow, Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Dundee. UK-wide and international projects are also considered.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but the Foundation focuses exclusively on UK registered charities working in the UK and/or overseas in the fields of arts, education, ex-offenders, relief, religion, and welfare.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Sir Peter Vardy - Chair (appointed 2011)
  • Victoria Helen Vardy - Trustee (appointed 2011)

Key Personnel:

  • Sir Peter Vardy - Founder & Chair
  • Victoria Vardy - Chief Education Officer
  • Samantha Bedford - Chief Operating Officer
  • Becca Dobson - Director of Education
  • Elizabeth-Anne Collier - Programme Manager

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Sir Peter Vardy's Approach: “Being a businessman, Sir Peter is keen to bring an early intervention and prevention approach to much of what he funds.” This business-minded perspective emphasizes measurable outcomes and sustainable impact.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Application Method: Email info@vardygroup.com with all correspondence marked with reference “WA”

Pre-Application Requirements:

  • Must be a UK registered charity
  • Must demonstrate ability to match 50% of project costs from other sources
  • Projects should align with the Foundation's priority areas

Decision Timeline

The Foundation does not publish specific decision timelines. Given the rolling application process and relatively small team, applicants should allow sufficient time for review and decision-making.

Success Rates

With approximately 115 grants awarded annually from an unspecified number of applications, success rate data is not publicly available. The Foundation appears selective given its focused priorities and match funding requirement.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Prospective applicants should inquire directly with the Foundation about their specific circumstances.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's priorities and funded projects, successful applications likely demonstrate:

Alignment with Early Intervention Philosophy: Sir Peter Vardy emphasizes prevention and early intervention approaches. Projects that address root causes rather than symptoms are valued. Frame your work in terms of preventing problems before they escalate.

Match Funding Secured: The 50% match requirement is firm. Applications must demonstrate confirmed or highly likely additional funding sources. Unsuccessful applications may simply lack evidence of matched funding.

Faith-Based Social Action: While not exclusively Christian, the Foundation is sensitive to faith-based approaches, with 39% of grants supporting faith initiatives. Faith-based organizations undertaking practical social action are particularly well-positioned.

Focus on Families: Projects that strengthen families and support children and young people align strongly with the Foundation's values. Safe Families for Children received £275,000, indicating this as a priority area.

Scottish Connection: Following the 2020 move to Edinburgh, there is increased focus on Scottish charities. Organizations working in Scotland, particularly addressing Scottish-specific challenges, may find enhanced opportunities.

Major Recent Grant Recipients Include:

  • Mercy Ships UK (£900,000 in recent year for Eye Clinic sponsorship; over £2.7m since 2000)
  • Safe Families for Children (£275,000)
  • The Good Shepherd Foundation (£286,000 total in two grants for vaccination programme)
  • Dumfries Baptist Church (£200,000)
  • British Youth for Christ (£100,000)
  • Christians Against Poverty (£100,000)

Language and Terminology: The Foundation uses terminology around “early intervention,” “strengthening families,” “social action,” and “relief of poverty.” Applications should adopt this language when describing work.

Practical Social Impact: With Sir Peter Vardy's business background, applications demonstrating clear, measurable outcomes and sustainable impact are likely favored over purely theoretical or awareness-raising projects.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Secure Match Funding First: The 50% match requirement is non-negotiable. Have confirmed co-funders before applying.
  • Emphasize Early Intervention: Frame your project as preventing problems rather than managing crises. This resonates with the founder's business-minded approach.
  • Demonstrate Family Impact: Projects strengthening families, supporting children, or preventing family breakdown align strongly with priorities.
  • Consider Scottish Focus: The Foundation's 2020 move to Edinburgh signals increased commitment to Scottish causes. Scottish organizations should feel encouraged to apply.
  • Faith-Based Welcome: Faith-based organizations, particularly Christian charities doing practical social action, represent nearly 40% of grants. Don't hide faith motivation if it's central to your work.
  • Think Long-Term: Major beneficiaries like Mercy Ships have received support over decades (£2.7m since 2000). The Foundation values sustained relationships with effective partners.
  • Rolling Applications: Apply when ready rather than waiting for deadlines. This allows strategic timing around your project development and other funding confirmations.

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

References