The Whirlwind Charitable Trust

The Whirlwind Charitable Trust aims to enhance the potential for a positive life experience for the young and, in particular, those who are disadvantaged, disabled or at risk (and others whose opportunities are constrained by hardship) by offering them:

• Positive character-building experiences
• Understanding of the value of team work and co-operation.
• The opportunity to build self-belief and to develop aspirations by meeting challenge, particularly in outdoor pursuits such as sailing.
• Practical help, guidance through mentoring, and access to positive role models; and
• Environmental awareness and education.

In addition, the charity seeks to promote the importance of the marine environment for the wellbeing not only of humankind but of the global ecosystem through research, education and conservation initiatives.

The Trust invites applications from UK registered charities that have the ability and/or capacity to deliver the objectives of the Trust.

The Trust favours applications that can demonstrate:

• Involvement in maritime or outdoor pursuits and a level of challenge appropriate to the circumstances of the individuals involved.
• Longer term contact, mentoring and support for those individuals.
• The fullest utilisation of capital assets.
• Modest organisational overheads and employee salaries.
• A high percentage of volunteer help.
• Donations focused on delivery rather than general overheads.
• A competitive day/person cost for the activities envisaged.
• Access for people who could not normally participate.
• An aim to give “at risk” individuals a fresh, constructive focus so that they can fulfil their own potential and make a positive contribution to society.
• A positive educational element, particularly with regard to the environment, and/or
•  A high standard of service efficiency in their dealings with Whirlwind.

Grants tend to be for between £1,000 and £10,000 with the occasional higher award.