The Watches Of Switzerland Group Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £9 million (total allocated to Foundation)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (strategic partnerships only)
• Decision Time: Not disclosed
• Grant Range: £25,000 - £750,000 (based on known partnerships)
• Geographic Focus: UK and US communities where the Group operates

Contact Details

Website: www.thewosgroupplc.com/foundation

Email: thefoundation@thewosgroup.com

Phone: 020 7317 4600

Overview

The Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation was incorporated in October 2020 and registered as a UK charity in November 2021 (Charity Number: 1196714). The Foundation brings most of the Watches of Switzerland Group's charitable activities under one umbrella, with a total commitment of £9 million in donations. Its mission is to provide essential support to local and national charities focused on poverty, social mobility, and hardship in communities where the Group operates. The Foundation's approach emphasizes developing long-standing personal relationships with partner charities and working together to create meaningful change. The Foundation operates through three charitable pillars: the prevention or relief of poverty; the advancement of education; and the relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantage.

Funding Priorities

Approach to Funding

The Foundation operates through strategic partnerships with established charities rather than an open grant application process. Their approach focuses on:

• Partnering with established national or international charities to fund specific projects or outcomes
• Supporting smaller charities such as food banks with funding, expertise, and access to their wider network
• Building long-term relationships rather than one-off funding arrangements

Priority Areas

• Homelessness: Supporting people experiencing homelessness through partnerships with organizations like Crisis
• Youth Education and Employment: Helping young people aged 11-30 build confidence, get jobs, or launch businesses (via The King's Trust)
• Poverty Relief: Supporting food banks and organizations addressing financial hardship
• Social Mobility: Breaking down barriers to opportunity for disadvantaged communities
• Fuel Poverty: Providing support for people in fuel crisis

Known Partnership Examples

• The King's Trust: £750,000 donation (10-year partnership supporting 8,570+ young people)
• Crisis: £25,000+ for Crisis at Christmas campaign and ongoing case manager/lead worker salaries
• Habitat for Humanity (US): $294,000 for three house builds
• Food Banks: $176,500 for school pantry programs
• Fuel Bank Foundation: Ongoing partnership providing financial support and practical advice

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but the Foundation focuses exclusively on the three charitable pillars mentioned above within communities where the Group operates.

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The Foundation is led by an esteemed board of trustees including:

• Brian Duffy (Chair): CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group
• David Gandy: Model and fashion expert
• John Hannah: BAFTA-nominated actor
• Johnathan Joseph (DJ Spoony): Radio presenter
• Terence Parris: Sports, brands, and diversity expert
• Ruth Benford: Executive Director of Marketing for the Group

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

Leadership Perspective

Brian Duffy has stated: "This campaign has ignited the energy and imagination of our colleagues, and we are proud of our ongoing and long-term partnership with The King's Trust to support young people into education and employment."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation does not operate an open grant application process. Instead, they:

• Select strategic partners aligned with their three charitable pillars
• Focus on communities where the Watches of Switzerland Group operates
• Develop long-standing relationships with established national/international charities and smaller local organizations

Charities interested in partnership should contact the Foundation directly:

• Email: thefoundation@thewosgroup.com
• Phone: 020 7317 4600

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed, as partnerships are developed strategically rather than through competitive application rounds.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the Foundation operates through invitation and strategic partnership development rather than open applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the partnership-based model.

Application Success Factors

Partnership Selection Criteria

Based on the Foundation's approach and existing partnerships, successful partners appear to share these characteristics:

1. Alignment with Core Pillars: Organizations must clearly address poverty prevention/relief, education advancement, or relief of those in need
2. Geographic Relevance: Focus on communities where the Watches of Switzerland Group operates (UK and US)
3. Relationship Potential: The Foundation seeks “long-standing personal relationships” rather than transactional funding
4. Capacity for Collaboration: Willingness to work together to create change, including leveraging the Foundation's expertise and network
5. Established Track Record: The Foundation partners with both established national/international charities and smaller local organizations with proven impact

Known Funded Projects

• The King's Trust Enterprise Challenge Programme: First global partner for this interschool entrepreneurship competition
• Crisis at Christmas Campaign: Supporting over 500 guests with safe accommodation
• Crisis Case Manager Salaries: Ongoing funding for frontline staff
• Habitat for Humanity House Builds: Three family homes in Miami, Atlanta, and Westchester
• School Food Pantry Programs: Supporting students and families in need

Strategic Approach

The Foundation emphasizes:

• Multi-year commitments demonstrating long-term partnership
• Support beyond funding, including expertise and network access
• Focus on measurable outcomes (e.g., 8,570+ young people helped through King's Trust partnership)
• Employee engagement (campaigns “ignite the energy and imagination of our colleagues”)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not an open application funder: The Foundation operates through strategic partnerships rather than accepting unsolicited applications
• Relationship-focused: They seek long-term partnerships with organizations aligned to their three charitable pillars
• Geographic limitation: Must serve communities where the Watches of Switzerland Group operates (UK and US locations)
• Multi-year commitment capacity: Successful partners receive sustained support over multiple years (e.g., 10+ years with King's Trust)
• Size flexibility: The Foundation partners with both large national charities and smaller local organizations like food banks
• Beyond funding: Partners may access the Group's expertise, network, and employee engagement opportunities
• Contact directly: Organizations believing they align with the Foundation's mission should reach out via email or phone rather than waiting for an open call

References

1. Charity Commission Register - The Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation (Charity No. 1196714).. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5186777/charity-overview

1. The Watches of Switzerland Group - Community & ESG Information.. https://www.thewosgroupplc.com/esg/community/

1. "The Watches of Switzerland Group Joins Forces with The King's Trust to Empower Young Women Through the 2025 Change a Girl's Life Campaign" - The Watches of Switzerland Group News & Media.. https://www.thewosgroupplc.com/news-media/the-watches-of-switzerland-group-joins-forces-with-the-king-s-trust-to-empower-young-women-through-the-2025-change-a-girl-s-life-campaign/

1. Fundraiso - The Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation Profile.. https://www.fundraiso.com/en/organisations/the-watches-of-switzerland-group-foundation1

1. Find that Charity - GB-CHC-1196714 Profile.. https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1196714

1. Retail Gazette - "Watches of Switzerland named as headline sponsor for the King's Trust." February 2025.. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/02/watches-of-switzerland-charity/