DO YOU HAVE TO BE A REGISTERED CHARITY TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A DONATION FROM WHIRLWIND?

Generally, you need to be a register charity.  If you can provide strong supporting evidence that funds will be deployed exactly as agreed, we may waive this requirement.

ARE YOUR DONATIONS SOLELY FOCUSED ON YOUNGER BENEFICIARIES AND, IF SO, WHAT IS THE AGE DEFINITION?

Whirlwind’s primary focus is to enhance the potential for success in life of young and disadvantaged people who could not otherwise participate in the activities we fund. We define this group as being up to 25 years of age. We will consider applications for projects focused on older age groups seeking to achieve similar objectives, but our primary focus is always the young.

CAN A NEWLY-REGISTERED CHARITY APPLY?

Yes – but we prefer to support charities that have established a successful track record of delivery.

CAN I APPLY FOR A PROJECT THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE SAILING OR OUTDOOR PURSUITS?

Our Trustees have a wide remit to support different projects but also a strong belief that life at sea, and outdoor pursuits are great methods to improve participants life chances. We will consider projects outside these areas so long as the activities proposed offer adequate opportunities for personal development through individual challenge and teamwork and access to potential role models through leadership and mentoring.

IF WHIRLWIND HAS ALREADY DONATED TO A PROJECT RUN BY OUR CHARITY, IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY AGAIN?

Yes.  We will ask you to complete, and submit, a Donations Impact Report on your previous donation.   Our Trustees will  review your response and take it into consideration should you make a further application. The Trustees generally do not make more than one donation to any charity in a given year but are keen to build long term relationships with effective and successful charity operations.

DOES WHIRLWIND OFFER FUNDING TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL JOB ROLES IN A CHARITY?

No. However we do accept that specific employee/contractor costs are likely to be incurred in the delivery of the projects.

DOES WHIRLWIND FUND INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS AS WELL AS ACTIVITIES?

We are open to applications for infrastructure funding where it directly supports delivery. For example we have funded docks and lifting hoists to ensure easy access to boats for those with physical disabilities.

DOES WHIRLWIND OFFER FUNDING FOR BURSARY SUPPORT?

Yes, so long as the objectives are clear.

CAN WE APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR ACTIVITIES FOR A SPECIFIC ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS GROUP?

No. The activities we fund must be open to participants of all races, religions and gender. You can find details on our Guidelines Page.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CRITERIA FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION TO WHIRLWIND?

• A well-considered project.
• Cost-efficient planning and delivery of the project from a lean, well managed organisation with a realistic pay structure and, ideally with the involvement of volunteers.
• A competitive cost per person per day.
• A clear statement of the benefits to be delivered, and a down-to-earth means of assessing your results.
• Access to mentoring both during and following the project.
• High quality service from the charity applying in terms of the timeliness and efficiency of responding to requests for documentation and sign-offs.

WHAT IS THE LIKELY TIMESCALE FROM MAKING AN APPLICATION TO RECEIVING A DONATION FOR AN APPROVED PROJECT?

You should allow at least six months, although it can take longer, and may occasionally be faster. Trustees review donations every three months in January, April, July and October, with a cut off date for new applications 2 weeks before each meeting. At each meeting Trustees may approve a donation or ask for further information on which to base a decision. Progress from there will depend on your speed of response in submitting requested documents and answering questions raised for clarification.

WHAT ARE YOUR CRITERIA FOR INVOLVEMENT IN A MARINE CONSERVATION PROJECT?

We are particularly keen on projects that will appeal to, and can involve, the young people whose maritime activities we fund. We want to heighten environmental awareness (and especially the marine environment) among the generation who can influence future outcomes through their own understanding of the issues and their own behaviour towards the environment.