Become a charity or social enterprise partner
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 over 700 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.
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
Selecting a Charity or Social Enterprise Partner
We are currently open for expressions of interest from ambitious organisations based in London, the South East and the Home Counties, to start working with us from March onwards. If your organisation operates outside of this area but within mainland UK, you can still apply to us, it just may take longer before we're able to work with you.
Our programmes are most successful when working with organisations that are open to change and challenge.
We review all expressions of interest on a case-by-case basis, and will contact you about your needs to determine how we can support you.
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
93%
93% of charity CEOs 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 income by 36%.
52%
Two years after working with us, charities who have participated in the Pilotlight Programme have on average increased their reach by 52%.
Current Charity Partners
Through our various programmes we are currently working with the following charities and social enterprises.
Pilotlight in Practice
Pilotlighter Profiles
Being a Pilotlighter is a great way to get NED and trustee experience.
Read more
Pilotlighter Profiles
Being a Pilotlighter is all about helping charities transform themselves.
Read more
Become a Charity or Social Enterprise Partner
Being a Charity Partner means taking the first step in developing your strategic ambition.
Need more information or like to chat? Contact us