Northern charities could win £22,000 in support and funding with Weston Charity Awards
Applications for the 2026 Weston Charity Awards are open, giving charities across the North of England the chance to access transformational packages of expert support and funding.
About:
- Applications are open for the 2026 Weston Charity Awards
- Winners have the chance to access a package of strategic mentorship worth £16,000, plus £6,500 of unrestricted funding
- Winning charities from previous years have thrived and grown thanks to the awards
Ambitious charities across the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales are invited to apply for the 2026 Weston Charity Awards, which offer transformational support packages worth over £22,000 each.
Up to 22 charities working in community, environment, welfare, or youth sectors will be selected for this substantial programme of support, designed to help organisations strengthen their leadership, plan for sustainable growth, and build long-term resilience.
Delivered through a partnership between the Garfield Weston Foundation and charity partner Pilotlight, each winner receives £6,500 in unrestricted funding, plus access to Pilotlight 360 – a year-long programme of strategic mentoring and leadership development valued at around £16,000.
Each front-line charity is matched with a team of senior business professionals, known as Pilotlighters, who provide tailored coaching on topics such as income diversification, business planning, long-term strategy, volunteer recruitment, and operational efficiency. This expert guidance helps small charities gain the skills and capacity to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.
Eligible registered charities include those that have delivered a service for over two years, have at least one paid full-time member of staff in a leadership position, and have an income of less than £5 million per year.
One of last year’s Weston Charity Award winners was The Sanctuary Trust, which works across North West England and North Wales to relieve and prevent homelessness.
John Wigley, CEO of The Sanctuary Trust, said of the process:
“We needed guidance and that’s what you gave us. [… It] far exceeded my expectations. I’ve grown in confidence and realised I’m capable of doing this. You have been a shadow board that has challenged me – I needed that.”
Since launching in 2014, over 200 charities have received Weston Charity Awards. A recent independent evaluation analysing the 10-year impact of the programme revealed that almost all leaders reported that their charity is more operationally fit after winning (96%), with four out of five stating that the improvements are still felt to this day (83%). Winners also reported having more effective senior leadership (98%) as well as a clearer organisational purpose (91%).
Clare Gough, Director at the Garfield Weston Foundation, said:
“Charities are under more pressure than ever, with rising costs, funding competition, and growing need. The Weston Charity Awards use a unique combination of expert mentoring and funding to help build an achievable plan for sustainable growth that gets charities future-ready. Winners can then concentrate on what matters most, delivering impact within their community.”
Pilotlight CEO, Lisa Pearce, added:
“The Weston Charity Awards are about unlocking potential not just through funding, but through the power of connection, leadership and shared learning. Charities are doing extraordinary work under huge pressure, and this programme gives them the space, skills and confidence to plan for the future. It’s a real privilege to see how collaboration between charity leaders and business experts helps to strengthen the sector from within.”
Another 2024 winner was Eating Distress North East, a specialist mental health organisation working in North East England. It supports people whose lives are disrupted because they experience serious mental and emotional distress caused by psychological trauma, giving rise to harmful eating and behaviours.
CEO Anne Fry said:
“The 360 project definitely changed my attitude around risk. I am better prepared to assess whether something is a risk or not and then weigh my appetite for it.”
The Weston Charity Awards application deadline is 5pm on Friday 9 January 2026.
Who can apply?
- Registered charities (charity number required)
- Income under £5m per year
- At least two years of service delivery
- At least one full-time paid leader
- Based in the North of England, the Midlands or Wales
- Working in Community, Welfare, Youth or Environmental action
To find out more and apply, visit: www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards
Charities can also attend a free Zoom session where they can find out more about the benefits and get top tips on crafting a standout application.
All sessions take place online via Zoom from 1-2pm:
20 November (relevant to North East charities)
4 December
16 December
Tickets are available through Eventbrite.