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.
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 Partner
We are currently open for applications for our Strategic Review Programme.
Working with a team of senior executives, this programme looks at a specific strategic challenge or opportunity you’re currently facing. Over two to three months the Pilotlighter team will work on your chosen issue, and by the end of the programme will supply you with high-level actionable recommendations you can take forward to develop your organisation.
Previous issues explored in this programme have included:
- Social enterprise and income generation development
- Growth and expansion planning
- Partnership and collaboration scoping
- Financial management and business modelling.
Read our case studies for stories from the programme.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Deadline for all applications: Wednesday 10th June. Selected charities will work with us from July onwards.
Adhering to current social distancing guidelines, this programme will be run remotely. We will continue to monitor government advice and will respond to any changes as appropriate.
Download the overview of the programme here.
Download the application form here.
If you have any further queries regarding this programme, please contact us.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We closed for applications for our Pilotlight Programme on 13th March, and expect to be open again for applications in the summer. However, due to the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, if you or your organisation are looking for support please contact us.
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
Become a Charity Partner
Being a Charity Partner means taking the first step in developing your strategic ambition.
Need more information or like to chat? Contact us
