The Windlestone Foundation

Quick Stats

• Registered Charity Number: 1200885
• Annual Income: £374,032 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £378,225 (2024)
• Geographic Focus: County Durham, North East England
• Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Address: Windlestone Hall, Windlestone Park, Windlestone, County Durham, DL17 0LX

Phone: 01388 207208

Email: charity@windlestonepark.com

Overview

The Windlestone Foundation was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2022. Operating from Windlestone Hall in County Durham, the foundation makes grant awards to organisations that advance education, develop economically disadvantaged communities, and promote urban and rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation, particularly in County Durham. The foundation is particularly interested in rural regeneration, heritage regeneration, and associated community capacity building. With an annual income of £374,032 and expenditure of £378,225 in 2024, the foundation demonstrates active grant-making activity in its geographic area of benefit.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation's charitable objects encompass three main areas:

1. Education Advancement: Advancing the education of the people of County Durham

1. Community Capacity Building: Developing the capacity and skills of economically or socially disadvantaged communities in County Durham to help them identify and meet their needs and participate more fully in society

• Relief of financial hardship
• Relief of unemployment
• Advancement of education, training, and retraining
• Provision of financial or other assistance to businesses
• Creation of training and employment opportunities
• Provision, maintenance, improvement, or provision of financial assistance for housing
• Improvement of the environment, public amenities, and community facilities
• Preservation of buildings or sites of historic or architectural importance
• Promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic regeneration and environmental conservation

The foundation has a particular interest in rural regeneration, heritage regeneration, and community capacity building initiatives.

Geographic Focus

The foundation operates primarily in County Durham and the North East of England, with all charitable objects specifically focused on benefiting the County of Durham area.

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with two trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The foundation maintains up-to-date reporting with the Charity Commission.

How to Apply to The Windlestone Foundation

How to Apply

The Windlestone Foundation does not have a public application process. The charity makes grants to organisations that further its charitable objects, but applications appear to be made through trustee discretion or invitation rather than through an open public application portal.

Organisations interested in funding from the foundation should contact them directly via their email (charity@windlestonepark.com) or phone (01388 207208) to discuss potential alignment with the foundation's objectives before submitting any formal request.

Getting on Their Radar

The Windlestone Foundation is closely associated with Windlestone Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in County Durham. The Windlestone Park Estate Preservation Trust (a separate charity, number 1188314) focuses on preserving the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of Windlestone Park.

Organisations working in heritage regeneration, rural development, or community capacity building in County Durham may benefit from:

• Understanding the foundation's connection to the historic Windlestone Park estate
• Demonstrating alignment with the foundation's specific interest in heritage and rural regeneration projects in County Durham
• Making direct contact with the foundation to introduce your organisation and discuss potential alignment with their charitable objectives

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's focus areas and charitable objects, successful grant recipients are likely to demonstrate:

1. Geographic Alignment: Clear benefit to County Durham communities, particularly in economically disadvantaged or rural areas

1. Heritage and Rural Focus: Projects that advance heritage regeneration or rural regeneration align particularly well with the foundation's stated interests

1. Community Impact: Initiatives that develop the capacity and skills of disadvantaged communities, enabling them to identify and meet their own needs

1. Education and Training: Programmes that advance education or provide training and retraining opportunities for County Durham residents

1. Sustainable Regeneration: Projects that promote sustainable economic regeneration while respecting environmental conservation

1. Employment and Economic Development: Initiatives that relieve unemployment or support business development in disadvantaged areas

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Windlestone Foundation does not operate a public application process - direct contact is necessary
• The foundation has a strong focus on County Durham, particularly heritage and rural regeneration projects
• With annual expenditure of £378,225, the foundation is actively making grants
• The foundation is interested in community capacity building, education, and regeneration in areas of economic disadvantage
• Heritage preservation and rural development appear to be particular areas of interest
• Organisations should make initial contact via email or phone to discuss alignment before submitting formal requests
• The foundation's connection to the historic Windlestone Hall estate may indicate particular interest in heritage-focused projects

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The W A Handley Charity Trust
• The Barbour Foundation
• Community Foundation Serving Tyne & Wear And Northumberland
• The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust
• Sir John Priestman Charity Trust
• Sir Graham Wylie Foundation
• The Millfield House Foundation
• The Squires Foundation
• Lord Crewe's Charity
• The William Leech Charity

References

1. Charity Commission Register - The Windlestone Foundation (Charity Number 1200885)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5205660

Accessed: March 2026

1. Charity Choice - The Windlestone Foundation

https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-windlestone-foundation

Accessed: March 2026

1. Historic England - Windlestone Hall

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001407

Accessed: March 2026

1. Charity Commission Register - Windlestone Park Estate Preservation Trust (Charity Number 1188314)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5157324

Accessed: March 2026