Wates Family Enterprise Trust

The Wates Family Enterprise Trust, established in 2008 by the Wates family—owners of the Wates Group—is an independent UK charitable trust dedicated to building thriving communities and improving lives through lasting social benefits. Rooted in the family's ethos of responsible business and philanthropy, it emphasises stewardship, integrity, community empowerment, and long-term sustainability. Its distinctive employee- and family-led approach channels nominations from Wates staff and relatives, amplifying their personal volunteering and fundraising via matched funding, community awards, and initiatives like 'Thinking Differently' for strategic charity support.

The Trust prioritises three themes: safe housing, life opportunities for young people (e.g., education, skills, employability), and community-level sustainability. It funds projects, core costs, research, capacity building, youth development, food banks, mental health, sports clubs, and grassroots interventions benefiting children, housing-insecure individuals, and local communities, with a focus on innovative, systemic change through small organisations.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities and community groups, preferably small or grassroots with limited funding access, operating UK-wide but aligned to Wates Group operations and employee/family locales in England, Scotland, and Wales. Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000, occasionally higher for strategic awards, supporting practical local impact without income caps or religious restrictions.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted—proposals must be internally nominated year-round, with decisions at regular trustee meetings and no public deadlines. This relational model sets it apart, fostering deep, committed partnerships over transactional funding, uniquely integrating business values with multi-generational philanthropy for empowered, sustainable communities.