We’re delighted to have been selected as one of the frontline charities to be awarded a team of business experts and funding to help us tackle social and environmental challenges.  

The award gives the gardens the chance to invest in our future with strategic planning support from a dedicated team of four business experts, thanks to pro bono charity Pilotlight, and a core grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation. 

Pilotlight 

Pilotlight is a charity that amplifies the impact charities, business and individuals can bring to make a better world. It creates and manages programmes that address the challenges charities face and provide them with the expertise and resources they need to thrive. Since 1996, it’s amplified the work of over 1,000 charities all tackling social disadvantage to ignite change that lasts.  

The Garfield Weston Foundation 

Established in 1958, the Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded, grant-making charity which supports causes across the UK. Since it was established, it has exceeded donations of more than £1.5 billion, of which well over half has been given in the past ten years. The Foundation supports a broad range of charities from small community organisations to large national institutions. Around 2,000 charities across the UK benefit each year from the Foundation’s grants.  

A boost for the gardens 

Martineau Gardens was chosen from over 180 applicants, all of which are frontline charities delivering youth, welfare, community or environment services in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales.  

The award comes at an exciting time for the gardens as we contemplate our new building and taking on lots of fantastic new activies. We’re delighted to be working with pilot light to give us help, support and guidance over the coming year. The award is recognition of the work we do and a chance to get some insight and inspiration from people from across the business world. 

Welcome support

In congratulating the gardens, Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of Trustees at Garfield Weston Foundation said:   

“In today’s world, the challenges facing communities are more complex than ever. We’re proud to partner with Pilotlight to support the 24 outstanding charities selected, who are finding innovative ways to combat issues ranging from rising inequality to threats to our natural environment.” 

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, the charity which is connecting Martineau Gardens with a team of coaches drawn from a range of businesses and other organisations said:  

“The Weston Charity Awards provide a lifeline to smaller charities on the frontlines of changing social and environmental needs. Pilotlight is excited to offer our expertise in helping these charities develop strategic plans for the future, ensuring they can maximise their impact and navigate uncertainty.” 

Thank you to Pilotlight and the Garfield Weston Foundation for their support.