Whirlwind Charitable Trust

The Whirlwind Charitable Trust, established in 2007 by the Lister Charitable Trust and endowed by Noel and Sylvia Lister, is dedicated to enhancing life opportunities for young disadvantaged, at-risk, and disabled people facing hardship, particularly through access to maritime activities, outdoor pursuits, and marine environmental education. Its core values—self-reliance, teamwork, initiative, and ambition—drive a distinctive approach of providing character-building adventures that foster confidence, resilience, and personal growth, unlocking positive experiences for those with limited prospects and yielding broader societal benefits. Over time, it has emphasized practical engagement with the sea, marine conservation, and hands-on learning to overcome economic, social, or physical barriers.

The Trust funds UK charities delivering sailing, maritime adventures, outdoor challenges, and marine ecosystem education or preservation projects targeted at young people who are disadvantaged, disabled, or at risk. Supported activities often blend physical challenges with mentoring and follow-up for lasting impact, including equipment for inclusive programs; notable recipients include the Disabled Sailing Association, Jubilee Sailing Trust, and Ocean Youth Trust. It prioritizes grassroots interventions connecting youth with nature, especially coastal environments, while occasionally covering integral core costs but avoiding large-scale capital works.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based and operating in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, with coastal emphasis), preferably small to medium-sized (under £1m income) working directly with beneficiaries; no religious restrictions apply. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £5,000 (median ~£3,000). Unsolicited applications are accepted rolling via an online portal in two stages—organizational questionnaire followed by project details—with quarterly trustee meetings in January, April, July, and October; submit two weeks prior for consideration, with outcomes shortly after. Whirlwind stands out for its niche maritime-youth focus, enabling "inaccessible" adventures for overlooked groups.