Weston-super-mare Lions Club (cio)

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £147,985 (FY 2024)
• Annual Giving: ~£45,000 locally
• Success Rate: 36% (21 grants from 58 applications in 2019)
• Grant Range: £200 - £1,800
• Geographic Focus: Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas (postcodes BS22, 23, 24, 25, 29)
• Application Method: Fixed deadline (annual)

Contact Details

Website: www.wsmlions.co.uk

Email: secretary@wsmlions.co.uk

Phone: 01934 625765

Go Kids Go! Programme Contact:

Malcolm Timmis: malvaltimmis@talktalk.net or 01934 632450

Weston Mercury: newsdesk@westonmercury.co.uk or 01934 422500

Overview

The Weston-super-Mare Lions Club (CIO) is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in 2019 (Charity Number 1182704), though the Lions Club itself has been active in Weston-super-Mare for over 50 years. With an annual income of £147,985 and approximately 50 volunteers supported by 6 trustees, the organisation focuses on general charitable purposes including giving grants to young or elderly people, people with disabilities, and the general public. The club raises approximately £45,000 annually through various fundraising events, with the Real Ale and Cider Festival being their biggest fundraiser. Their flagship grant programme, Go Kids Go!, was established in 2012 in partnership with the Weston Mercury and has channelled over £50,000 into promoting youth activities in the town and surrounding villages. The club also organises major community events including Weston Carnival and supports various local causes including RNLI, Samaritans, Diabetes UK, and Weston Hospice.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Go Kids Go!

£200 - £1,800 per grant (annual application deadline)

The primary grant programme established in 2012 to provide financial support to organisations and individuals that promote activity in people under 18. In 2019, the programme awarded 21 grants from 58 applications, distributing £8,500 in total.

Application method: Annual application cycle with fixed deadline. Application forms available from www.wsmlions.org.uk, www.westonmercury.co.uk, or collected from the Weston Mercury office at 32 Waterloo Street.

Priority Areas

Youth Activities (Primary Focus - Go Kids Go!):

• Sports activities and equipment
• Cultural activities (theatre, drama, music)
• Community activities (scouts, youth clubs)
• Training equipment
• Kits, tools, shirts, balls, bats
• Playground equipment

Other Charitable Activities:

• Support for elderly people
• Support for people with disabilities
• General public benefit
• Grants to other organisations

What They Don't Fund

The club will NOT fund:

• Relief of statutory responsibility
• Applications from local government (except school-associated) or NHS bodies
• The promotion of religion
• Medical treatment or research
• Bursaries, sponsored places, fees, or equivalent
• General appeals
• Endowment funds
• Deficit funding or repayment of loans

Ready to write a winning application for Weston-super-mare Lions Club (cio)?

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

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 6 trustees, with no trustees receiving remuneration. The organisation operates with approximately 50 volunteers and has no employees earning over £60,000. The club meets at the Grand Atlantic Hotel and maintains a strong social gathering culture alongside their fundraising and community support work.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications for the Go Kids Go! programme should include:

• Detailed information about your organisation
• Why the grant is required
• Who will benefit from the grant
• What the grant will purchase
• Cost breakdown of equipment (if possible)
• Daytime telephone number
• Email address that is checked daily

Important: Do not leave any section blank - if questions don't apply, write “N/A” (not applicable). The more information provided, the greater the chance of success.

Applications can be submitted to:

Go Kids Go!

Weston, Worle and Somerset Mercury

32 Waterloo Street

Weston

BS23 1LW

Eligibility Requirements

• Organisation and project must be based within postcodes BS22, 23, 24, 25, or 29
• Must be a registered club, charity, or other not-for-profit organisation
• Must be focused on encouraging activity in children (for Go Kids Go! programme)

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed by a panel of sponsors on an annual cycle. Winners are announced at the Real Ale and Cider Festival event.

Success Rates

In 2019 (the most recent year with published data):

• 58 applications received
• 21 grants awarded
• Success rate: 36%
• Total distributed: £8,500

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions mentioned. Unsuccessful applicants appear to be welcome to reapply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations

1. Geographic specificity: Ensure your organisation is genuinely based within the specified postcodes (BS22, 23, 24, 25, 29)

1. Complete applications: Applications without daytime telephone numbers and daily-checked email addresses cannot be considered

1. Detail matters: “The more information you can give, the greater chance of success!” - provide comprehensive cost breakdowns and clear explanations of impact

1. Equipment focus: The programme strongly favours tangible equipment purchases (training equipment, kits, playground equipment) rather than ongoing costs

1. Youth activity emphasis: Demonstrate how your project actively encourages children to participate in sporting, cultural, or community activities

1. Facilities improvement: Show how additional funds will improve facilities for young participants

What They Value

Based on the programme's history and focus:

• Projects that get young people active and engaged
• Clear demonstration of community benefit
• Cost-effective use of funds
• Equipment that will have lasting impact
• Support for both sport and “other activities” (theatre, drama, music, scouts, youth clubs)

Categories

Applications are considered in two categories:

1. Sport
2. Other activities

This suggests a balanced approach between traditional sports and broader youth development activities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Be geographically specific: Confirm you're within BS22, 23, 24, 25, or 29 postcodes - this is non-negotiable
• Moderate expectations: Grants range £200-£1,800, so scope your request appropriately and provide detailed cost breakdowns
• Competition is significant: With a 36% success rate, your application needs to stand out with comprehensive detail
• Equipment over ongoing costs: Focus on tangible purchases rather than running costs, salaries, or deficit funding
• Complete every section: Use “N/A” rather than leaving blanks - incomplete applications won't be considered
• Youth benefit is paramount: Clearly articulate how children under 18 will benefit from increased activity
• Consider the broader mission: While Go Kids Go! focuses on youth, the club also supports elderly people and those with disabilities - explore whether other funding routes might be available
• Engage with the community: The Lions Club is deeply embedded in Weston's community through multiple events - attending their Real Ale Festival or other activities may provide networking opportunities

References

1. Weston-super-Mare Lions Club Official Website. “Go Kids Go!”. https://www.wsmlions.co.uk/

1. The Charity Commission. “WESTON-SUPER-MARE LIONS CLUB (CIO) - Charity 1182704.” Register of Charities.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1182704

1. Weston Lions Real Ale Festival. “Go Kids Go.”. https://www.westonlionsrealalefestival.co.uk/go-kids-go/

1. The Weston Mercury. "Weston-super-Mare Lions Club's Go Kids Go! entries still open." 2019. https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/weston-lions-club-s-go-kids-go-2019-1-6135655

1. The Weston Mercury. “Preview: Weston Lions Club to host 10th Real Ale and Cider Festival – as Go Kids Go! winners revealed.” 2024. https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/20522118.preview-weston-lions-club-host-10th-real-ale-cider-festival---go-kids-go-winners-revealed/

1. The Weston Mercury. “Go Kids Go! organisers celebrate 50 years of fundraising.”. https://thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/weston-super-mare-lions-club-mark-50-years-of-fundraising-4527082

1. The Weston Mercury. “The Lions Club of Weston-super-Mare launches community award.” 2024. https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/24012341.lions-club-weston-super-mare-launches-community-award/