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 Organization (CIO) on 2 November 2022. Operating from the historic Windlestone Hall in County Durham, the foundation makes grant awards to organizations 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 governed by two trustees:

1. Stephen Graham Purvis Esq. - Chair
2. Jayne Christine Moreton - Trustee

The foundation is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) and maintains up-to-date reporting with the Charity Commission.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

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

Organizations 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 the Windlestone Park Estate, sharing the same address and contact details. Both organizations operate from Windlestone Hall, a Grade II* listed mid-16th century Elizabethan country house that underwent significant heritage restoration starting in 2020.

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

• Understanding the foundation's connection to the Windlestone Park Estate Preservation Trust (a separate charity number 1188314), which focuses on preserving the historical, architectural, and cultural heritage of Windlestone Park
• 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 organization 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: Programs 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
• Organizations should make initial contact via email or phone to discuss alignment before submitting formal requests
• The foundation's connection to Windlestone Hall and its restoration may indicate particular interest in heritage-focused projects

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• THE BARBOUR FOUNDATION
• Sir Graham Wylie Foundation
• Community Foundation Serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland
• The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust
• SIR JOHN PRIESTMAN CHARITY TRUST
• The Millfield House Foundation
• The Squires Foundation
• The Hadrian Trust
• The William Leech Charity
• Lord Crewe's 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: December 2025

1. Charity Choice - The Windlestone Foundation

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

Accessed: December 2025

1. Historic England - Windlestone Hall

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

Accessed: December 2025

1. Durham County Council Planning Committee - Windlestone Hall Restoration

https://democracy.durham.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=50403

Accessed: December 2025