Become a charity partner
We work with ambitious charities and social enterprises who want to develop their organisation.
Do you need help getting to the next step in your journey?
Pilotlight transforms the lives of disadvantaged people in the UK by offering charities and social enterprises access to the strategic business support they need to become more efficient, effective and sustainable. We do this by harnessing and matching the talents of our members - we call them Pilotlighters - to charities through our programmes.
Since 2003 we have helped nearly 1,000 organisations go from good to great, become more resilient and deliver more effective and efficient services. Our support is free of charge.
How does it work?
Our programmes can vary from a long-term project looking holistically at your organisation, to a short-term engagement focussed on a specific need. They are all project managed by experienced Pilotlight Project Managers who drive for the best outcomes for both our Charity Partners and our Pilotlighters.
As our support is free of charge, we expect our partner organisations to commit a certain amount of time to working with us. In general, this means at least a day a month for the length of the engagement, though the more time an organisation can put in, the more it’ll get out of our programmes.
Selecting a Charity Partner
Our programmes work best when working with organisations that are open to change and challenge. They are open to leaders of any charity or social enterprise that tackles social disadvantage in the UK.
We do not work with organisations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other similar categories or organisations who proselytise to service users. Organisations working with predominately BAME service users or addressing issues in BAME community are encouraged to apply.
The impact of the Pilotlight project spans the whole organisation as our way of thinking has totally shifted.Dr Crystal Oldman CEO, The Queen's Nursing Institute, Partner Charity
The Pilotlight Programme was invaluable for me as a leader. Not only do I now have a five-year business plan, a new mission, social objectives, business objectives and narrative, I'm more confident in my role.Simone Spray Chief Executive, 42nd Street, Partner Charity
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and your charity will definitely be in a better place from when you started.Hanif Qadir Chief Executive, Active Change Foundation, Partner Charity
Programmes open for applications
We are currently open for applications for the Pilotlight Programme and the Conversation for Change Initiative. Please scroll down for more information.
If you're interested in our other programmes, sign up to receive our newsletter where we share our applications information.
If applying to the Pilotlight Programme: Please compete our Digital Application Form.
If applying for the Conversation for Change Initiative: Please complete our Digital Application Form, attaching a completed Conversation for Change Proposed Project Form to your application.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Further information on the application process.
Adhering to current social distancing guidelines, these programmes will be run remotely via Zoom. We will continue to monitor government advice and will respond to any changes as appropriate.
Please contact our Charity Partnerships team on 07483 014783 or charitypartnerships@pilotlight.org.uk if you have any other questions about this process.
Pilotlight Programme
For over 17 years the Pilotlight Programme has helped nearly 800 charities adapt and build resilience for the future. Over 10 months a team of senior leaders from variety of private, public and charity sector organisations could coach you and your charity’s leadership through the strategic challenges and opportunities you face.
Two years after completing the programme, on average charities have increased their reach by 36% and their income by 40%.
Charities and social enterprises from England, Wales and Scotland are eligible to apply. There is no current deadline for applications, they will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Start date: March 2021 onwards (exact dates to be confirmed)
Conversation for Change Initiative
Following support from the National Lottery Community Fund, Pilotlight has developed a new initiative. Conversation for Change, provides charities with an opportunity to engage with business leaders around a critical issue, in a supportive and confidential setting.
During the 90-minute online session, a charity leader will be invited to present a strategic challenge to a group of up to 8 senior leaders from a high profile, business. Through active listening and open questioning, the group will coach the charity leader to explore the challenge, unlocking fresh thinking and new perspectives. At the end of the session, the charity leader will agree the actions they will take forward and implement.
Charities and social enterprises from England and Wales are eligible to apply.
Deadline for applications: Now extended to 27th January.
Start date: February 2021 onwards (exact dates to be confirmed)
SETTING DIRECTIONS
Setting Directions, a programme run in partnership with prominent UK businesses, will look at a specific strategic challenge or opportunity your organisation faces. Over 6-8 weeks, a team of senior executives, will work through the chosen issue, and provide you with high-level, actionable recommendations to develop your organisation.
We are currently closed for applications for this programme, but will be open in February for the next cohort to apply.
UNLOCKING INSIGHTS
Unlocking Insights, a programme run in partnership with Barclays, will see a team of business executives work with you to help solve a specific business challenge or opportunity you face. Over 10-12 weeks, the team will carry out extensive research and analysis to provide evidence-based recommendations and tools to support immediately actionable outputs for your organisation.
We are currently closed for applications for this programme, but will be open in February for the next cohort to apply.
How We Are Funded
Our members pay an annual membership donation to take part, which allows us to offer our programmes free to charities and social enterprises. There are two types of members, those who make a personal donation to us and those who are sponsored by their employer. The donation not only supports the charity projects Pilotlighters are placed on, but also contributes towards our project work across the UK. We aim to meet 80% of our operating costs through our members, with 20% coming from Trusts and Foundations.
Creating Change
83%
83% of charity leaders report an increase in their leadership skills after working with us.
36%
Two years after working with us, charities who have participated in the Pilotlight Programme have, on average, increased their reach by 36%.
40%
Two years after working with us, charities who have participated in the Pilotlight Programme have, on average, increased their income by 40%.
Current Charity Partners
Through our various programmes we are currently working with the following charities and social enterprises.
Pilotlight in Practice
Develop your charity
Being a Charity Partner means taking the first step in developing your strategic ambition.
Need more information or like to chat? Contact us