By KLTV Newsdesk –

From homelessness to sustainability, this year’s winners receive expert mentoring and vital funding to help their missions thrive

A total of 21 inspirational frontline charities have been named as winners of the 2025 Weston Charity Awards, recognising their vital work in fields ranging from mental health and homelessness to youth support and environmental sustainability.

The awards are designed to boost the resilience and impact of small charities working across the Midlands, Wales, and the North of England, especially in a challenging time for the third sector.

Selected from more than 160 applicants, this year’s winning charities will each receive a support package worth over £22,000, combining expert leadership coaching, strategic mentoring, and core funding to help them scale their impact.

Expert Guidance and Funding to Build Long-Term Resilience

Each charity will gain access to the Pilotlight 360 programme, an eight-month intensive package of leadership support valued at £16,000.

As part of the programme, experienced “Pilotlighters” from across the private and public sectors will offer tailored advice on key areas such as income generation, business planning, and organisational growth.

In addition, each award-winning charity will receive a £6,500 grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Clare Gough, Director at the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “Congratulations to all this year’s Weston Charity Award winners. Once again, we’re proud to partner with Pilotlight to support these exceptional and varied charities.

“We understand the ever-increasing pressure on charities to deliver their crucial work. These Awards give them the space to reflect, learn, and forge a path to long-term sustainability and success.”

Since the awards launched in 2014, over 200 charities have benefited.

The latest impact report revealed that 100% of charity leaders said the programme improved the effectiveness of their senior leadership team just six months after taking part.

Powerful Missions, Real Impact

This year’s winners reflect a wide range of social impact areas—from neonatal health and parenting to self-esteem, disability support, education, and reoffending prevention.

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, highlighted the current challenges facing small charities: “Whatever size, charities can have a big impact, but research shows that right now, two universal challenges are income generation and management skills gaps.

“Thanks to Pilotlight’s partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation, these Awards provide the lifeline needed for charities to overcome stumbling blocks and navigate times of uncertainty.”

Local Stories, National Significance

Among the 2025 recipients is Woodland Heritage, a charity working across Wales and the Midlands to promote the use of sustainable, home-grown timber. Chief Executive John Orchard welcomed the news: “A Weston Charity Award gives the funds and friends we need to help us plot our course—amazing news!”

Another winner, The Good Shepherd, has been a lifeline for people facing homelessness and poverty in the West Midlands since 1972. Chief Executive Tom Hayden said: “The award will have a hugely positive impact for the organisation and the people we support.”

Other standout winners include:

• Home-Start Cymru – Supporting families across Cardiff and Wales

• Standing Tall – Tackling homelessness across the Midlands and North of England

• Tempus Novo – Supporting ex-offenders through rehabilitation and employment

Find Out More

To learn more about the Weston Charity Awards and see the full list of 2025 winners, visit: www.pilotlight.org.uk/weston-charity-awards