David Wilson Foundation

Could David Wilson Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £5,000 – £30,000
Applications: By invitation only

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

About David Wilson Foundation

The David Wilson Foundation, established in 1995 by David Wilson, is a registered UK charity dedicated to enriching communities in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. Rooted in the Wilson family's business success and regional ties, its mission emphasises advancing health, wellbeing, and personal development—particularly for young people—by fostering skills, confidence, and opportunities that deliver measurable community impact.

Guided by family trustees and associates, the Foundation values heartfelt engagement, stewardship, and practical support. It proactively identifies causes aligning with its ethos, rejecting open applications in favour of a relational, trust-based approach. This hyper-local focus ensures that funded initiatives are deeply embedded in East Midlands life.

What David Wilson Foundation funds

The Foundation funds projects that advance youth development, health, and community enrichment. Examples include sports facilities for under-18s, deprivation relief in local areas, and skills-building programmes for vulnerable groups. Grants may cover specific projects, select core costs, or capital needs that promise sustainable local benefits.

The Foundation also supports initiatives that improve wellbeing and personal development, such as health-related activities and educational opportunities for young people. All funded work is concentrated in Leicestershire and the East Midlands, with a focus on tangible outcomes that strengthen local communities.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups with a strong presence in Leicestershire or the East Midlands. The Foundation favours small to medium-sized organisations, though no fixed income limits apply. Beneficiaries include children, young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and local voluntary bodies.

There is no religious restriction. The Foundation seeks organisations that are deeply embedded in their communities and can demonstrate tangible local impact.

What David Wilson Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund national charities or causes outside Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It does not accept unsolicited applications, instead working by invitation only. General appeals, large-scale national campaigns, and organisations without a strong local presence in the region are not supported.

Projects that lack measurable community impact or do not align with the Foundation's focus on youth, health, and community enrichment are also unlikely to be considered.

How they like to fund

The Foundation operates by invitation only, proactively identifying causes that align with its ethos through research and screening. It funds specific projects, select core costs, or capital needs, and favours a relational, trust-based approach rather than open applications. Grants are awarded after Foundation-led assessment, with a focus on sustainable local benefits.

How much does David Wilson Foundation give?

£5,000 – £30,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youthEducationCommunity

How to apply to David Wilson Foundation

David Wilson Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with David Wilson Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if David Wilson Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does David Wilson Foundation provide?

David Wilson Foundation typically provides grants of £5,000 - £30,000.

Where does David Wilson Foundation fund charities?

David Wilson Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does David Wilson Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

David Wilson Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from David Wilson Foundation?

David Wilson Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.