Red Funnel Opens Applications For 2026 Charity Of The Year

Red Funnel has officially launched applications for its 2026 Charity of the Year, inviting Isle of Wight charities of all sizes and causes to apply. The deadline for submissions is Sunday 9 November.

The chosen charity will benefit from a programme of fundraising activities, volunteer support from Red Funnel staff, and PR and marketing to raise awareness across the Island.

The initiative forms part of Red Funnel’s Changing Tides strategy, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting the local community.

CEO Fran Collins said:

"We feel incredibly fortunate to have partnered with so many inspiring Island charities over the past twelve years.

"Our customers’ and colleagues’ donations, fundraising, and volunteering continue to make a real difference, and we’re excited to find our next Charity of the Year for 2026."

To be eligible, charities must:

• Be a registered charity in operation for at least 12 months

• Support the Isle of Wight community

• Have an Isle of Wight-based office or representative

• Not have held the title in the last seven years

Applications can be submitted via Red Funnel’s website: Apply here.

Red Funnel’s 2025 Charity of the Year is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA).

Together, they have raised over £30,000, including donations from customers and staff-led fundraising challenges such as the National 3 Peaks Challenge and the ‘Dash in the Dark’ 5k, which alone helped raise £25,000 — enough to fund seven lifesaving missions.

Funds are already supporting HIOWAA’s vital teams, who respond to around seven emergencies every day, and the charity is aiming to raise £3.6 million to relocate its airbase to Southampton, improving response times across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.