Peter Coates Foundation

Could Peter Coates Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants: £9,000 – £11,000
Where they fund: Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Invitation only

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

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About Peter Coates Foundation

The Peter Coates Foundation drives urban regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire through place-based philanthropy that blends education, entrepreneurship, and venture investment. Established by local entrepreneur Peter Coates, its mission is to foster economic renewal by nurturing talent, stimulating high-tech business ecosystems, and generating jobs. Core values emphasize community commitment, creating opportunities for underserved locals, and achieving long-term, self-sustaining impact through human capital investment. The Foundation adopts a venture philanthropy approach, focusing on high-potential individuals facing financial barriers. It partners with local institutions such as Staffordshire University to build business skills and believes that transformative change comes from equipping entrepreneurial talent to launch innovative enterprises that address urban economic decline.

What Peter Coates Foundation funds

The Foundation supports entrepreneurship education and employability interventions, including full bursaries for MSc in Entrepreneurship programmes that provide practical business training, skills development, and mentorship. It also offers seed investment to help launch new start-ups. Thematic priorities target youth unemployment, economic development, and job creation through hands-on enterprise support, business incubation, and urban regeneration activities. Its work is concentrated in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, focusing on talent identification, advanced entrepreneurial skills training, innovation, and high-tech venture creation. The aim is to tackle productivity gaps, business skills shortages, and economic exclusion in post-industrial communities, favouring evidence-based entrepreneurial pathways that generate measurable economic multipliers.

Who can apply

The Foundation supports individuals only, specifically those from deprived urban backgrounds in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire who demonstrate clear business potential. Priority is given to young people and aspiring innovators from regeneration zones who face financial barriers. Applicants should be self-starting individuals with a strong drive for sustainable business growth and community-wide prosperity. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications and has no religious restriction, so anyone meeting the local and entrepreneurial criteria can apply.

What Peter Coates Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund core costs, unrestricted grants, capital projects, or general revenue support for charities. It also does not support work that is not local to Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire, or that is not entrepreneurial in nature. General social services or non-enterprise-focused activities are excluded.

How they like to fund

The Foundation operates a venture philanthropy model, offering full bursaries for entrepreneurship education and seed investment for start-ups. It works closely with local partners such as Staffordshire University and welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible individuals. Funding is provided for specific programmes and ventures, with a strong emphasis on long-term, self-sustaining impact and evidence-based outcomes.

How much does Peter Coates Foundation give?

£9,000 – £11,000

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

EducationChildren & youth

How to apply to Peter Coates Foundation

Peter Coates Foundation takes applications via invitation only.

Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Peter Coates Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Peter Coates Foundation provide?

Peter Coates Foundation typically provides grants of £9,000 - £11,000.

Where does Peter Coates Foundation fund charities?

Peter Coates Foundation funds charities operating in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire.

Does Peter Coates Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Peter Coates Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Peter Coates Foundation?

Peter Coates Foundation takes applications via invitation only. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.