The William Wates Memorial Trust

Charity Number: 1011213

Annual Expenditure: £0.4M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £400,000+ (fundraising target)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Trustee meetings held following application deadline
  • Grant Range: £24,000 - £150,000 (over 3 years)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily London and South East England; nationwide projects considered for Le Loop participants

Contact Details

Website: www.wwmt.org / wwmt.rideleloop.org

Email: info@wwmt.org / wwmt@wates.co.uk

Phone: 7712557110

Address: Wates House, Station Approach, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7SW

Contact: Jane Lowe

Overview

The William Wates Memorial Trust was established in 1998 to celebrate the life of William Wates (1977-1996), who was tragically killed while travelling in Central America. The Trust is a grants-giving registered charity with a mission to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential. This is primarily achieved by supporting charities that engage young people aged 5-19 through the mediums of sports, arts, and education. The Trust raises funds principally through Le Loop (formerly Tour de Force), an annual cycling event following the Tour de France route, which has raised over £5 million since 2006. In 2023, Le Loop raised £551,669, and in 2024 raised £530,443. The Trust operates with a fundraising goal of over £400,000 annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Standard Grants: £30,000 over 3 years (typical)

Major Grants: £30,000 - £50,000 per annum over 3 years (2-3 awarded at any given time)

Applications are accepted through an annual application window. The grant application line opens for submissions during a specific period each year (previously February 1-28). Applications received outside of designated dates are not accepted.

Priority Areas

  • Youth Crime Prevention: Projects that help disadvantaged young people aged 5-19 keep away from anti-social behaviour and criminal activity
  • Sports Engagement: Programs engaging young people through sporting activities
  • Arts Programs: Creative and innovative workshops and arts-based interventions
  • Education Initiatives: Educational projects that help young people fulfil their potential
  • Sustainable Impact: Projects that continue to support individuals long after intensive interventions end
  • Skills Development: Programs providing qualifications and long-term capabilities (e.g., coaching qualifications)

Geographic Focus: Primarily London and South East England, though nationwide projects meeting guidelines will be considered if proposed by Le Loop riders.

What They Don't Fund

  • Organisations where more than 60% of turnover comes from public service contracts or other commissioned work
  • Projects outside the 5-19 age range
  • Applications received outside the designated application window
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The Trust is governed by a board of family trustees and one non-family trustee:

  • Andrew Wates (Will's father) - Also chairs the Wates Foundation and serves as Chairman of the Wates Family Enterprise Trust
  • Sarah Wates (Will's mother)
  • Tim, Jonny, Rick, and Monty (Will's four brothers)
  • Sue (non-family trustee)

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The trustees remain actively involved in the day-to-day running of Le Loop, the Trust's primary fundraising vehicle.

Values and Philosophy

The Trust particularly values projects that:

  • Continue to have impact after their support has ended
  • Provide long-term support to individuals beyond specific intensive projects
  • Focus on sustainable outcomes rather than temporary interventions

As the Trust emphasizes: “Helping a young person get a coaching qualification is preferable to facilitating that same young person to play football once a week.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Review eligibility criteria on the “Who We Can Help” section of the website
  2. Applications accepted only during designated application window
  3. Submit application during the open period (previously February 1-28)
  4. Applications received outside designated dates will not be accepted

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Registered charities or not-for-profit enterprises
  • Maximum 60% of turnover from public service contracts or commissioned work
  • Projects serving disadvantaged young people aged 5-19
  • Primarily London and South East; nationwide projects considered for Le Loop participants

Decision Timeline

  • Applications reviewed at trustee meetings following application deadline
  • Specific decision timeframes not publicly disclosed
  • Applicants should allow time for trustee review process

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. The Trust typically maintains a portfolio of grants at any given time, with most being around £30,000 over 3 years and 2-3 larger grants of £30,000-£50,000 per annum over 3 years.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly specified. Applicants should contact the Trust directly for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

What the Trust Looks For

Long-term Impact Over Short-term Activities: The Trust explicitly values sustainable projects that create lasting change. They prefer projects that equip young people with skills and qualifications that continue to benefit them long after the program ends.

Sustainability Beyond Funding: Projects should demonstrate how they will continue supporting individuals after the Trust's grant period concludes.

Clear Focus on Disadvantaged Youth: Projects must serve the most disadvantaged young people (aged 5-19) and demonstrate how they help participants avoid crime and violence.

Engagement Through Sports, Arts, or Education: These are the primary delivery mechanisms the Trust supports.

Example Funded Projects

  1. Southampton Rape Crisis - Star Project: £24,000 over three years to reduce incidence of rape and sexual abuse and raise awareness of support services amongst young people via creative and innovative workshops
  1. Chain Reaction Theatre Company: £24,703 over three years to educate, inspire and increase confidence of disadvantaged young people aged 5-19 in deprived areas of London and Essex
  1. Youth Adventure Trust: Multi-year grant (specific amount not disclosed)
  1. Chew Valley Rugby's STAR Scheme: Multi-year grant (specific amount not disclosed)

Strategic Advice

  • Emphasize long-term outcomes and sustainability in your application
  • Demonstrate how your project continues to impact young people after intensive interventions end
  • Show how you develop lasting capabilities (qualifications, skills) rather than just providing activities
  • Ensure your organization meets the 60% threshold for non-commissioned income
  • If proposing a nationwide project, connection to Le Loop riders may strengthen your application
  • Apply only during the designated application window

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Timing is critical: Applications are only accepted during a specific annual window; late applications will not be considered
  • Sustainability is paramount: The Trust strongly favors projects with lasting impact over time-limited interventions
  • Skill-building over service provision: Focus on equipping young people with qualifications and capabilities rather than simply providing activities
  • Geographic considerations: London and South East projects are prioritized unless you have a connection to Le Loop participants
  • Financial independence matters: Ensure your organization derives less than 60% of income from public contracts
  • Multi-year commitment: Standard grants are £30,000 over 3 years; larger grants of £30,000-£50,000 annually are available but competitive
  • Family-led governance: The Trust is run by Will's family members who are personally invested in the mission and closely involved in grant-making decisions

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