The Wheler Foundation

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1011180
• Annual Income: £1.3m (2024)
• Total Assets: Approx. £41 million (primarily estates)
• Geographic Focus: Kent and North Yorkshire (primarily)
• Beneficiary Type: Organizations and individuals
• Accepts Unsolicited Applications: Limited information available

Contact Details

Address: c/o Carter Jonas LLP, 13-15 Albert Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1JX

Phone: 01423 707824

Email: hannah.burton@carterjonas.co.uk

Website: www.whelerfoundation.co.uk

Day-to-day Management: Carter Jonas LLP (Harrogate)

Overview

The Wheler Foundation was established in 1992 by Granville Wheler, the last descendant of Ledston Hall, with the aim of preserving historic buildings and landscapes. Following Granville Wheler's death in 2004 without heirs, the Foundation became fully operational as a charitable trust, now governed by appointed trustees. The Foundation owns two significant historic estates: the Ledston Estate in West Yorkshire (approximately 3,050 acres) and the Otterden Estate in Kent (approximately 1,815 acres), with combined assets valued at over £41 million.

The Foundation prides itself on the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, and educating adults and children on all aspects of the countryside through school visits and educational days held on both estates. Notable achievements include removing the Grade I-listed Ledston Hall from Historic England's Heritage at Risk register through a £10 million restoration project that converted the property into residential homes while preserving its historic features.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Wheler Foundation makes annual charitable distributions to organizations involved with activities relating to the Foundation's objectives. Grants are available to both local and national organizations, as well as individuals. The Foundation's website indicates they publish details of distributions made in the last two years, though specific grant amounts and application cycles are not publicly detailed.

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports organizations and activities in the following areas:

Heritage & Conservation

• Maintenance and preservation of lands and buildings of historic, educational, or landscape value
• Preservation of historic buildings and works of art
• Conservation of natural beauty and landscapes

Agriculture & Rural Development

• Encouragement of or assistance to agriculture, forestry, and rural industry
• Support for sustainable land management
• Rural economic development

Education

• Countryside education for adults and children
• Educational programs about heritage, agriculture, and the environment
• School visits and educational days focusing on all aspects of the countryside

Geographic Focus

• Primary focus: Kent and North Yorkshire
• Both local and national organizations considered

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated on their website, the Foundation's objectives suggest they focus specifically on heritage conservation, rural affairs, and countryside education. Organizations working outside these areas or outside their geographic regions may be less likely to receive support.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Mr. Mark Granger - Chair

• Also serves as trustee of The Rowland St Oswald 1984 Charitable Settlement and The Oundle School Foundation

Aysha Marley - Trustee

• Appointed: December 4, 2023

Peter Fitzgerald - Trustee

• Also serves as trustee of The Fitzgerald Charitable Trust

Management

The day-to-day management operations are handled by Carter Jonas LLP in Harrogate. The Foundation employs one staff member and maintains a lean operational structure with no trustees receiving remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Wheler Foundation's website includes a dedicated grants page (www.whelerfoundation.co.uk/grants/) that provides information about their grant-making activities. Prospective applicants should contact the Foundation directly to inquire about eligibility and application procedures:

• Email: hannah.burton@carterjonas.co.uk
• Phone: 01423 707824

The Foundation publishes a table on their website showing distributions made in the last two years, which can provide insight into the types of projects and organizations they support.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Prospective applicants should contact the Foundation directly to understand their decision-making schedule.

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Organizations are advised to contact the Foundation directly to discuss reapplication opportunities.

Application Success Factors

While the Foundation does not publish detailed application guidance, their work and objectives suggest the following factors may strengthen applications:

Alignment with Estate Locations

The Foundation owns and manages significant estates in West Yorkshire and Kent. Organizations working in these regions or whose work directly relates to rural affairs, heritage conservation, or countryside education in these areas may have stronger alignment with the Foundation's mission.

Heritage Conservation Focus

The Foundation's flagship project—the £10 million restoration of Ledston Hall—demonstrates their commitment to preserving historic buildings. Projects that involve the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, landscapes, or works of art for public benefit align closely with their core mission.

Countryside Education

The Foundation actively runs educational programs through partnerships with organizations like Countryside Learning, hosting “Countryside Live” events that have welcomed 3,000 Yorkshire children from 50 schools. Organizations delivering countryside education programs or seeking to enhance public access to rural heritage may find alignment with the Foundation's objectives.

Agriculture and Rural Industry Support

With approximately 5,000 acres of mixed farmland, woodland, and parkland across both estates, the Foundation understands rural industry. Projects that encourage or assist agriculture, forestry, and rural industry for public benefit align with their charitable objectives.

Sustainable Approach

The Foundation's restoration of Ledston Hall included upgrades to thermal insulation and energy efficiency while preserving historical features, suggesting an appreciation for balancing preservation with sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic focus: Priority appears to be Kent and North Yorkshire, where the Foundation's estates are located
• Heritage preservation: Track record of significant investment in historic building restoration demonstrates commitment to this area
• Education partnerships: History of working with organizations like Countryside Learning and Country Trust shows openness to collaborative educational initiatives
• Direct contact recommended: Limited public information about application processes suggests direct inquiry is the best approach
• Asset-rich foundation: With £41 million in assets (primarily estates), the Foundation appears financially stable for long-term grant-making
• Lean operations: With one employee and three trustees, expect a streamlined but potentially slower decision-making process
• Dual mission: The Foundation balances estate management with grant-making—understanding both aspects may help in positioning applications

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• The Wolfson Foundation
• BENEFACT TRUST LIMITED
• The Mohn Westlake Foundation
• Kent Community Foundation
• The Dulverton Trust
• John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust
• The Pilgrim Trust
• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Kent County Council
• QUEENBOROUGH FISHERY TRUST
• THE BRICKWORKS
• Heritage Lottery Fund
• National Lottery

References

1. The Wheler Foundation - Official Website. “About Us.”. https://www.whelerfoundation.co.uk/about-us/

1. The Wheler Foundation - Official Website. “Grants.”. https://www.whelerfoundation.co.uk/grants/

1. The Wheler Foundation - Official Website. “Learning Outside the Classroom.”. https://www.whelerfoundation.co.uk/learning-outside-the-classroom/

1. The Wheler Foundation - Official Website. “The Estates.”. https://www.whelerfoundation.co.uk/the-estates/

1. The Wheler Foundation - Official Website. “History.”. https://www.whelerfoundation.co.uk/history/

1. Charity Commission for England and Wales. “THE WHELER FOUNDATION - Charity Overview.” Charity Number 1011180.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1011180&subid=0

1. Charity Commission for England and Wales. “THE WHELER FOUNDATION - Financial History.” Charity Number 1011180.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/1011180/financial-history

1. Charity Commission for England and Wales. “THE WHELER FOUNDATION - Trustees.” Charity Number 1011180.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1011180/trustees

1. Yorkshire Post. “Ledston Hall: Yorkshire country house that has been empty and decaying for over 60 years to be brought back to life as restoration work nears end.”. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/ledston-hall-yorkshire-country-house-that-has-been-empty-and-decaying-for-over-60-years-to-be-brought-back-to-life-as-restoration-work-nears-end-3945411

1. Country Life. "Ledston Hall: The 700-year-old former monastery that's gone from glory to dereliction to 21st century luxury.". https://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/ledston-hall-the-700-year-old-former-monastery-thats-gone-from-glory-to-dereliction-to-21st-century-luxury-258572