Wates Foundation Limited

Wates Foundation Limited is an independent grant-making family trust established over 50 years ago by the Wates family, owners of the UK’s major construction firm Wates Group. Rooted in a multi-generational ethos of philanthropy and community responsibility, its mission is to create lasting societal impact by partnering with charities that align with the values of over 100 family members. Guided by principles of family stewardship, trust-based relationships, and flexible support for stronger communities, it adopts a proactive, generalist approach, emphasizing measurable impact, local knowledge, and resilience-building for future generations.

The Foundation funds diverse UK charities tackling social welfare, education, health, youth development, community cohesion, disadvantage, exclusion, and the arts. Priorities include homelessness (e.g., St Mungo’s, The Passage), mental health (Anna Freud Centre), vulnerable youth (Centrepoint, Key4Life), family support, disability, and access to education/training. It backs frontline services, advocacy, skill-building, research, core costs, projects, and occasional capital, favoring well-governed organizations addressing acute needs like isolation and barriers to opportunity.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities and not-for-profits of any size (from grassroots to large, incomes £25k+ to £1m+), operating UK-wide with emphasis on Greater London and South East. Unsolicited applications are rejected; support is invite-only via family networks, research, or sponsorship, with rolling decisions by three Family Grants Committees. Typical grants range £5,000–£25,000 (averaging ~£10k), often multi-year and unrestricted.

Exclusions cover political or non-charitable activities. Distinctives include its family-driven legacy, relationship-focused grant-making, rapid adaptability to needs, and blend of national scope with London/SE focus, ideal for robust charities seeking long-term, strategic partners.