New category since July 2025
We recognise that great initiatives often start with the idea and vision of an individual who identifies a need for change, or a gap in their sector.
Within the existing categories that the Foundation currently supports, we welcome applications from individuals to help them be a catalyst for beneficial change. The maximum amount of any personal grant will be £5,000 and the trustees may set conditions such as interim progress reports, before payment of the full sum. In some circumstances, repeat funding will be considered for continuing projects.
Applications must specify:
- the benefit to the applicant of the proposal
- whether the benefit is aimed at the public at large or specific groups of people
- how the successful outcome of the proposed activity would have a clear and positive impact on people’s lives
- to what extent the proposal is based on established approaches or on original or non-routine methods
- details of any funding to be provided from other sources
- how impact will be monitored and evaluated
In this category, we will not consider applications:
- outside our present core-funding subject-areas of Music, Performing Arts and Jewish / Interfaith. (We may add further subject categories in future.)
- focused on political campaigning or lobbying work
- to fund private research, or further education such as doctorates, or other education, including school fees
- to fund the costs of travel, subsistence or registration for congresses and symposia.
- from non-UK-residents
Application process (for Personal Awards only)
There is no application form for Personal Awards. The application process will be in two stages:
Stage 1
Applicants must submit an initial Expression of Interest, no longer than 350 words, accompanied by a CV/biography (only the first two pages will be read). Please note our application criteria and include initial thoughts on a recognised body under whose wing you might apply. The next deadline for Stage 1 applications is Friday 5 December 2025 at 5pm. Applications should be submitted by email to admin@wingate.org.uk.
Stage 2
Applicants who are successful at the first stage will be given individual feedback and invited to make a formal application, which will include:
- An outline proposal, no longer than 1300 words. Applicants who have reached this stage will receive some specific questions from us to help inform their application.
- An endorsement from at least one recognised body in the relevant field.
- The name of a trustworthy entity (possibly the same as the organisation above), to act as custodian of funds and joint applicant) or two professional references (at least one of whom will act as mentor to the project, able to comment at each reporting stage) and one character reference.
- Trustees are open to other endorsement arrangements as long as they would give at least a similar level of assurance.
- Justification for the amount requested and a budget setting out how the funds will be used. Travel expenses for attendance at congresses etc will be allowable only if they are strictly necessary for completion of an approved project.
- A condition of any personal grant will be the agreement of a schedule of progress reports and staged payments.
Administration of funds
Once funding has been agreed, payment will generally be made to reputable bodies (ie UK charities, universities etc) for them to administer. We will try to avoid paying directly to individuals, but in such cases, payments would normally be made in tranches. We would agree appropriate reporting arrangements and milestones with each successful applicant.