The Wight Aid Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £90,000 - £112,000
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Notified after monthly grant round
• Grant Range: £250 - £10,000
• Geographic Focus: Isle of Wight only

Contact Details

• Website: www.wightaid.org
• Phone: 01983 555915
• Email: admin@wightaid.org
• Address: Elm Lane, Calbourne, Isle of Wight, PO30 4JY

Overview

Founded in September 2016, The Wight Aid Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) that serves as the Isle of Wight's central grant-making foundation. With over £812,000 distributed to 281 organizations through 450+ grants, WightAID operates on a unique model where local businesses make single donations that are efficiently distributed across multiple Island causes. The foundation's founder, Geoff Underwood, emphasizes that “every pound raised on the Island stays on the Island, directly supporting local causes, groups, and community projects.” Running eight grant rounds annually, WightAID has become a vital funding source for Isle of Wight charities, distributing between £90,000-£112,000 each year to support culture, sports, health, education, community development, and environmental protection initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Grants Programme: £250 - £10,000 (online portal, 8 rounds per year)
• Application via online portal with monthly deadlines (January, March, April, June, July, September, October, November)

Priority Areas

• Culture, traditions and heritage
• Amateur sports (particularly youth and people with disabilities)
• Health and life-saving initiatives
• Education and training
• Community development projects
• Environmental protection and improvement
• Relief for those in need due to youth, age, ill health, disability, or financial hardship

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations not based on the Isle of Wight
• Projects that don't directly benefit Isle of Wight residents
• Incomplete applications lacking required documentation
• Same project if previously unsuccessful

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by 7 trustees with strong Isle of Wight business and community connections:

• Geoff Underwood (Founder) - Owner of IFPL, former High Sheriff of Isle of Wight (2019)
• Brian Marriott - Local artist and owner of Marriott Design
• Claire John - Managing Director of Isle of Wight Radio and Beacon Media
• David Jackson - Founder of WRS Systems
• Sue Lucas - Partner at Moore Chartered Accountants
• Steve Porter - Retired Chairman of Steve Porter Transport
• Rachael Randall - CEO of HTP Apprenticeship College

Geoff Underwood states: “We are always grateful to the individuals, organisations and businesses who put money into the pot” and emphasizes the importance of networking: “Meeting in a group gives all of you and our generous donors, the opportunity to really get to know each other, and find out about all the wonderful work so many people are doing to support our community.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Online application via www.wightaid.org/apply
• Submit before the beginning of each grant round month
• Required documents: constitution, safeguarding policies, insurance certificates, recent financial statements
• Acknowledgement within one week of submission
• All applications must demonstrate Isle of Wight benefit

Decision Timeline

• Monthly grant rounds (8 per year)
• Decisions made after each monthly meeting
• Notification via email (specific timeline provided upon submission)
• Funds must be spent within 12 months
• Evaluation form required after project completion

Success Rates

Application numbers and success rates not published

Reapplication Policy

• Cannot reapply for the same project if unsuccessful
• For grants £500 and under: maximum two applications in 12 months
• For grants over £500: maximum one application per year
• Can apply for different projects at any time

Application Success Factors

Based on recent awards and funder guidance:

• Demonstrate clear Isle of Wight impact - The foundation exclusively funds Island-based projects
• Show community benefit - Recent successes include youth football goalposts, specialist equipment for disabled children, and stress management programmes
• Complete all documentation - Applications require constitution, policies, insurance, and financial statements
• Align with priority areas - Successful 2024 grants included youth theatre (culture), disabled riding equipment (sports/disability), and food pantries (relief of need)
• Network at presentation events - Geoff Underwood emphasizes these ceremonies as opportunities to “get to know each other” and learn about other charitable work
• Consider smaller amounts for first applications - Foundation funds from £250 upwards, allowing new relationships to develop

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Exclusively Isle of Wight focused - Must be Island-based organization or project directly benefiting Island residents
• Eight application windows annually - Plan submissions for beginning of grant round months
• Wide funding scope - Supports diverse causes from sports to heritage to environmental projects
• Networking valued - Attend cheque presentation ceremonies to build relationships with trustees and other charities
• Business-backed model - Foundation pools business donations for efficient distribution
• 12-month spending requirement - Ensure project timeline allows fund utilization within one year
• Evaluation essential - Budget time for post-project reporting as condition of grant

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Manx Lottery Trust
• THE ROGER DE HAAN CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Sussex Community Foundation
• Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund
• DJ Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme
• P H Holt Foundation
• The Green Hall Foundation
• The Astor Foundation
• Society of the Holy Child Jesus CIO
• The Gosling Foundation Limited

References

• WightAID Official Website - www.wightaid.org
• Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1166476
• WightAID FAQ Page - https://wightaid.org/faqs/
• WightAID Application Page - https://wightaid.org/apply/
• WightAID Trustees Page - https://wightaid.org/trustees/
• OnTheWight News Articles - “WightAID Awards Grants” (Multiple articles 2022-2025)
• Isle of Wight County Press - “WightAID Distribution Reports” (Multiple articles 2023-2025)