The Wisley Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £98,715 (2024)
• Annual Income: £114,947 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified (focus on smaller charities)
• Geographic Focus: Surrey and adjoining counties
• Registered Charity Number: 1127848

Contact Details

Address: c/o The Wisley Golf Club, Ripley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QU

Email: info@thewisleyfoundation.com

Phone: 01483 211022

Website: www.thewisleyfoundation.com

Funding Request: Application form available at thewisleyfoundation.com/contact-us

Overview

The Wisley Foundation was established in January 2009 as a registered charity to take a more strategic approach to the charitable funds raised by members of The Wisley Golf Club. Over the past fifteen years, members and staff of The Wisley have helped raise over £1.3 million through the Foundation. The charity operates with a volunteer governance model, with 8 trustees who receive no remuneration or benefits. In the year ending 31 December 2024, the Foundation had total income of £114,947 and made grants totaling £98,715. The Foundation represents the club's commitment to giving back to the local Surrey community through targeted support of smaller charitable organizations that might not otherwise have access to funding.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Wisley Foundation operates on a rolling basis through a contact form on their website. They do not appear to have multiple grant programs but rather assess applications as they are received.

• Project-Based Grants: Amount not specified - assessed on individual merit
• Application Method: Online form via website contact page
• Timing: Rolling basis (no fixed deadlines mentioned)

Priority Areas

The Foundation's primary focus is to support small, local charities located in Surrey and adjoining counties whose work helps and supports all age groups in the community who are in need.

Key characteristics they look for:

• Small, local charities in Surrey and adjoining counties
• Organizations serving community members in need across all age groups
• Project-based initiatives with measurable outcomes
• Smaller charities where the Foundation's contribution can make a significant difference
• Organizations that might otherwise not have access to funding

Past partners have included:

• Surrey Care Trust
• RDA Broadlands
• Various other local charitable organizations (full list available on their website)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Foundation clearly prioritizes:

• Smaller charities over larger organizations
• Project-based funding over general gift giving
• Organizations within Surrey and adjoining counties (not national or international)

Ready to write a winning application for The Wisley Foundation?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by 8 trustees who work on a voluntary basis. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity has no trading subsidiaries and no employees receiving benefits over £60,000.

Specific trustee names and detailed leadership information can be found on the Charity Commission register for charity number 1127848.

The Foundation maintains close ties with The Wisley Golf Club, whose members are the primary source of fundraising activities. The trustees report back to club members on the measurable activities and impact of funded projects.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Foundation's website at www.thewisleyfoundation.com/contact-us. Organizations should submit a funding request using the form provided on the contact page.

Contact for inquiries: info@thewisleyfoundation.com

Postal address: The Wisley Foundation, c/o The Wisley Golf Club, Ripley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QU

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. Organizations should contact the Foundation directly for information about their review and decision-making processes.

Success Rates

Success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed. With annual grant expenditure of approximately £99,000, the Foundation makes meaningful grants to multiple organizations each year.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated on publicly available materials. Organizations should inquire directly with the Foundation.

Application Success Factors

Focus on measurable impact: The Foundation explicitly states they wish to be associated with “measurable activities which can be reported back to The Wisley Golf Club members.” Applications should clearly articulate specific, measurable outcomes.

Emphasize local impact: The Foundation prioritizes small, local charities in Surrey and adjoining counties. Clearly demonstrate your local presence and community connections.

Be project-specific: Rather than seeking general operational support, frame your request around a specific project with defined goals and outcomes.

Demonstrate funding need: The Foundation favors "smaller charities whereby the Foundation's contribution can make a significant difference." Show how your organization may struggle to access funding from larger grant makers.

Show community benefit: The Foundation supports work that helps “all age groups in the Community who are in need.” Demonstrate broad community impact rather than narrow beneficiary groups.

Connect to club values: Remember the Foundation represents The Wisley Golf Club members. Consider how your work aligns with community values and how results can be meaningfully communicated back to members.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Size matters: This funder specifically prioritizes smaller charities where their grants can make a significant difference - don't be put off if you're a small organization
• Project focus required: Frame requests around specific projects with measurable outcomes rather than general operational funding
• Local is essential: Must serve Surrey or adjoining counties; this is a hyperlocal funder committed to their immediate community
• Demonstrate accessibility challenges: The Foundation aims to support organizations that “would otherwise not have access to funding”
• Connect to members: Remember grants are funded by golf club members who want to hear about measurable impact in their local community
• Rolling applications: No deadline pressure - take time to develop a strong, specific proposal
• Volunteer-led: The Foundation is run entirely by volunteers, so be patient and professional in all communications

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Community Foundation for Surrey
• The Hussey Trust
• The Betty Riseley Trust for Children
• The Eight Foundation
• St Faith's Trust
• E F AND M G HALL CHARITABLE TRUST
• Guildford Lions Club (CIO)
• Guildford Poyle Charities
• Farnham Lions Club (CIO)
• The Syder Foundation

References

• The Wisley Foundation official website: www.thewisleyfoundation.com
• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 1127848: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4043847
• The Wisley Foundation Contact Page: https://thewisleyfoundation.com/contact-us
• The Wisley Foundation Past Partners: http://www.thewisleyfoundation.com/past-par (referenced January 2026)
• The Wisley Golf Club information: https://www.thewisley.com/