Wates Family Enterprise Trust
The charitable trust set up by the Wates family, the owners of the Wates Group
Scroll downThe Wates Family Enterprise Trust is an independent charity set up by the Wates family, the owners of the Wates Group. Launched in 2008, the Trust is integral to the Wates family’s approach of being responsible business owners and its vision of being a force for good. The Trust operates entirely separately to the business and is governed by the Wates family.
Since launch:
37
employees have been awarded Sports Sponsorships
300+
Community Awards have been granted
587
organisations have been awarded through our 100for500 campaign
“When we founded the Wates Family Enterprise Trust, a priority for us was to provide a way to back the personal causes that Wates people support so passionately with their own time and resources”.
Andy Wates, WFET Chair
The Trust run an award programme to empower Wates employees to make a real difference to their local communities and help them support organisations close to their hearts through a number of schemes:
- Matched Funding for individual and team fundraising initiatives from cake sales to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and marathons and everything in between.
- Community Awards in support of the organisations Wates people volunteer for tirelessly in their own time from school PTAs to sports clubs to community groups and charities.
- Sport sponsorship awards for employees (or a direct family member) who are competing in sport at a national or elite level.
- 100for500 Campaign for employees to nominate a small charity or community group to help make a difference in communities local to where employees live.
- Charitable donations through the Give As You Earn scheme.
Since the Trust was set up in 2008, Wates employees have raised over £2m for charities boosted by funding from WFET. This has resulted in support to over 2,000 organisations.
Supporting catalytic change for communities
Alongside its award programme for Wates employees, the Wates Family Enterprise Trust has three themes that structure its grant making.
The Wates Family Enterprise Trust’s funding helps families thrive by championing secure homes, greener neighbourhoods and inclusive schools. We convene people and organisations that wouldn’t usually meet, to listen, understand and turn what works into action – creating a powerful, interconnected system that supports healthier, happier, more resilient futures.
Together, staff and trustees ensure the Trust funds and nurtures meaningful, lasting support for communities nationwide.
