Your Exeter Chiefs Foundation needs you!

Rugby club charity launches drive to reach £3m

The Exeter Chiefs Foundation has issued a plea for help in reaching its next milestone.

Since launching in 2011, a dedicated army of generous fans and followers, have helped the charity raise an impressive £2.8m for local organisations.

Now, a fresh drive has been launched to smash the £3m barrier - and the money is needed more than ever.

Celebrity chef and Exeter Chiefs Foundation trustee, Michael Caines, said that in recent months there had been a fall in the amount of cash being collected by the charity while at the same it was receiving an increasing number of applications.

“We know times are tough for most people at the moment and, sadly, that’s reflected in the charity’s coffers,” he explained.

“Because we are a charity that exists only to support other charities any shortfall we suffer, has a knock-on effect.

“Last season close to £255,000 was distributed by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, to local organisations and projects helping to change lives and improve standards and facilities for so many different people in and around the city.”

Exeter Chiefs Foundation Chairman, Tony Rowe CBE, also issued a rallying call.

He said: “In the past 12 years we have directly helped 150 charities and organisations, all in the local area.

“By choosing to donate to the Foundation you are supporting not just one but several charities who need financial help more than ever.

“Despite the tough economy we are hoping to reach our £3m milestone as soon as  possible.”

The Foundation has two income streams and two different pots of money.

Designated funds are raised through donations at Exeter Chiefs home games and collected by volunteers from charities or organisations who are picked via an annual application process.

Any money received in this way is ringfenced specifically for them and handed over at the beginning of the following season.

Undesignated funds come from any other donations or Foundation events. This money is available for both designated and non-designated charities and organisations.

During the 2023/24 season, a total of 27 charities were chosen: Adventure Therapy, Age UK Exeter, Balloons, Brain Tumour Support, Children’s Hospice South West, Dream-a-way, ELF, Exeter Athletic RFC, Exeter Lions Club, FearLess, Force Cancer Charity, It’s in the Bag, Jays Aim, Julian House, Living Options Devon, Maddy’s Mark, MND Exeter & East Devon, RD & E, Royal Marine Charity, See the Future, South West Blood Bikes, Stanley Beau Foundation, The Childrens Society, Vranch House, Westcountry Hawks Wheelchair Rugby, Wooden Spoon Devon and Yoga for the Front Line.

You can donate to the Exeter Chiefs Foundation by visiting the Just Giving page or by emailing enquiries@exeterfoundation.org.uk.