Wates Foundation Limited
About This Funder
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.
Eligibility Checklist
Funding Details
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Describe your charity once and see how well you fit Wates Foundation Limited's priorities — scored on location, cause, size, and 3 other factors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Wates Foundation Limited provide?
Wates Foundation Limited typically provides grants ranging from £5,000 - £25,000.
Where does Wates Foundation Limited fund charities?
Wates Foundation Limited funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Wates Foundation Limited?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Wates Foundation Limited. If you're a good fit, you can start drafting your application immediately using our AI co-pilot — paste each question and word limit, and the co-pilot writes a tailored first draft using your charity's real data and Wates Foundation Limited's priorities. You review and edit every answer before submitting.
Will funders know my application was drafted with AI?
No. The co-pilot uses your charity's real name, numbers, and impact data — not generic filler or templates. Every draft reads like it was written by someone who knows your charity inside-out, because it's built on your actual profile. You edit and refine every word before it goes anywhere, so the final application sounds like you — because it is.
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