RED FUNNEL STARTS SEARCH FOR ITS 2027 CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Red Funnel is inviting charities across the Isle of Wight to apply for its 2027 Charity of the Year partnership, offering one successful organisation the opportunity to benefit from a year of fundraising, marketing and promotional support.

Red Funnel has officially opened applications for its annual programme, which aims to support local charities making a positive difference to communities across the Isle of Wight.

Through the charity partnership, Red Funnel hopes to help its chosen charity partner raise vital funds, increase awareness of its work and reach more people who may benefit from its services.

Support will include fundraising opportunities, public relations and marketing activity, alongside volunteering opportunities involving Red Funnel employees.

Charities invited to apply

To be eligible, organisations must be registered charities and have been operational for at least 12 months. Applicants must also demonstrate how their work supports the Isle of Wight community, helping to improve quality of life or create opportunities for Island residents.

Charities must have an Isle of Wight-based office and a dedicated fundraiser capable of managing the partnership. Applicants should also be able to provide promotional materials, volunteers and opportunities for Red Funnel to support fundraising events.

Organisations that have previously been selected as Red Funnel's Charity of the Year within the past seven years are not eligible to apply.

Applications are open to charities of all sizes and causes, provided they meet the selection criteria.

Building on a history of community support

Red Funnel's Charity of the Year initiative provides an opportunity for the ferry operator to build closer relationships with local charities while helping organisations increase their fundraising potential.

The company's 2026 Charity of the Year is Friends of the Animals, an Isle of Wight-based animal welfare charity supporting sick, injured and unwanted animals through rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming.

The charity partnership demonstrates Red Funnel's ongoing commitment to supporting organisations that make a meaningful contribution to Island life.

How to apply

Charities interested in becoming Red Funnel's Charity of the Year for 2027 are encouraged to complete the online application form.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday 1 November 2026.

Further information about the programme, eligibility requirements and the application process is available on the Red Funnel website.

The successful charity will have the opportunity to work with Red Funnel throughout 2027, benefiting from fundraising, promotional and volunteering support to help make a difference to the Isle of Wight community.

Apply to be our Charity of the Year 2027