Wilson Foundation
Could Wilson Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £3,500 – £35,000
- Where they fund
- Northamptonshire
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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thewilsonfoundation.org.ukAbout Wilson Foundation
The Wilson Foundation is a UK-registered charity established in 1970 in memory of Northamptonshire businessman Connolly Thomas Wilson OBE. Their mission is to provide a 'helping hand' to underprivileged young people under 21 in Northamptonshire, fostering personal development, resilience, and social inclusion through character-building activities. They act as an enabler, funding practical interventions that build skills and aspirations. The Foundation focuses exclusively on Northamptonshire youth, avoiding national or generalist funding, and has no religious restrictions on who they support.
What Wilson Foundation funds
The Foundation funds youth development and education initiatives, character-building and leadership programmes, sports and physical activity programmes for young people, diversion from criminal justice initiatives, community engagement projects for under-21s, and outdoor adventure and expedition activities. All work must benefit young people under 21 and take place in Northamptonshire. They support projects that build aspirations, leadership skills, and community engagement.
Who can apply
The Foundation supports both organisations and individuals. Eligible applicants include registered charities, community groups, and schools based in and primarily benefiting Northamptonshire youth. They have a preference for small to medium-sized local groups with grassroots ties. There are no religious restrictions on who they support.
What Wilson Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund equipment for individual applicants. They also do not support national or generalist funding, or projects that do not benefit young people under 21 in Northamptonshire.
How they like to fund
The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications. They fund a range of activities including project work, core costs, capital items, one-off projects, and multi-year support for proven efforts. They act as an enabler, prioritising practical interventions that address inequity and build skills.
How much does Wilson Foundation give?
Wilson Foundation runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 16 sourced facts
- Online application form
- Online application form
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Wilson Foundation funds — and what they won't
Youth development and education initiatives; Character-building and leadership programmes; Sports and physical activity programmes for young people; Diversion from criminal justice initiatives; Community engagement projects for under-21s; Outdoor adventure and expedition activities; Projects that build aspirations, leadership skills, and community engagement
Good to know
How to apply to Wilson Foundation
Wilson Foundation takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online application form.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Wilson Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Wilson Foundation provide?
Wilson Foundation typically provides grants of £3,500 - £35,000.
Where does Wilson Foundation fund charities?
Wilson Foundation funds charities operating in Northamptonshire.
Does Wilson Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Wilson 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 Wilson Foundation?
Wilson Foundation takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online application form.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Wilson Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.