Isle of Wight Foundation

The Isle of Wight Foundation, established in 2014 by a consortium of private sector companies including Island Roads, Meridiam, and Vinci Concessions, is an independent charitable trust dedicated to combating social exclusion on the Isle of Wight. Funded through ringfenced contributions from its partners' highway contracts, it supports not-for-profit organisations via annual grants and staff volunteering, embodying a mission to enhance access to employment and housing, fostering inclusive communities where disadvantaged individuals can thrive. Its values emphasise local partnership, sustainable impact, and private-sector expertise applied to community resilience.

The Foundation prioritises projects improving employment access—such as skills training and supported work for disabled people—and building inclusive communities, including housing stability initiatives, youth programmes, social enterprises, and efforts tackling isolation among the elderly or vulnerable. Funding targets tangible interventions like community facilities, economic development, and volunteer-led activities that directly benefit Isle of Wight residents facing barriers to participation.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, and community groups based exclusively on the Isle of Wight, with no income thresholds but a preference for grassroots organisations delivering local impact. Typical grants range from £3,000 to £16,000 (mostly £8,000–£14,000) for project-specific costs, including capital and revenue, but not core or unrestricted funding. Unsolicited applications are accepted annually via email (IWFoundation@IslandRoads.com) using the downloadable form; the 2025 round opens 3 February and closes 12 noon on 9 May 2025, followed by panel visits (June–August), decisions by September, and awards in December for January 2026 starts.

Distinctively, it avoids public funds and statutory services, focusing sharply on collaborative, mission-aligned projects reinforced by corporate volunteering, setting it apart as a targeted enabler of social and economic inclusion for islanders.