By KLTV Newsdesk –

Prestigious programme offers strategic mentoring, funding and long-term growth opportunities

Applications have officially opened for the 2026 Weston Charity Awards, giving ambitious charities across the North of England, the Midlands and Wales the opportunity to secure more than £22,000 worth of strategic support and funding.

Major Support on Offer for up to 22 Charities

The awards, delivered through a partnership between the Garfield Weston Foundation and charity partner Pilotlight, will select up to 22 charities working in the community, environment, welfare or youth sectors.

Each winning organisation will receive £6,500 in unrestricted funding, along with access to Pilotlight 360, a year-long strategic mentoring programme valued at around £16,000.

Through Pilotlight 360, charities are paired with senior business leaders, known as Pilotlighters, who provide hands-on guidance in areas such as income diversification, long-term planning, organisational resilience, volunteer engagement and operational efficiency.

Eligible applicants must be registered charities delivering services for more than two years, with at least one paid full-time leader and an annual income below £5 million.

Impact After the Programme

Past participants frequently credit the awards with strengthening leadership and accelerating growth.

Among last year’s winners was The Sanctuary Trust, which supports people experiencing homelessness across North West England and North Wales.

Reflecting on the programme, CEO John Wigley said: “We needed guidance and that’s what you gave us.

“[The award] 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 the awards began in 2014, more than 200 charities have benefited.

An independent 10-year evaluation revealed that 96% felt more operationally fit after completing the programme, while 83% said the improvements continued years later.

Nearly all beneficiaries reported stronger senior leadership (98%) and a clearer sense of organisational purpose (91%).

Sector Leaders Call for Charities to Apply

Clare Gough, Director at the Garfield Weston Foundation, highlighted the growing pressures frontline organisations face: “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 echoed this message: “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, Eating Distress North East, also praised the programme. 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.”

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is 5 pm on Friday 9 January 2026.

Eligibility criteria:

• Registered charity with a charity number
• Annual income under £5 million
• Minimum 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

More information and application details can be found at: www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards

Free Online Information Sessions

Charities can also attend free one-hour Zoom sessions to learn more about the awards and how to strengthen their applications. All sessions run from 1–2 pm:

• 20 November (for North East charities)
• 4 December
• 16 December

Tickets for this are available via Eventbrite.