Philanthropy
at the RNLI
Building our lifesaving future, together
Philanthropy fuels every aspect of RNLI lifesaving. By making an investment of £10,000 or more, you can make a huge impact and will be able to see, first-hand, how your gift is saving lives at sea.
We would love to build the future together with you, as one lifesaving family.
How Philanthropy can save lives
Drowning is preventable, and we believe that even one life lost at sea is one too many. Our brave volunteers don’t launch into cold, rough seas to rescue just a few people. They’re on a mission to save every one. Philanthropic gifts towards their kit and training – and vital infrastructure like lifeboats, launch vehicles and station buildings – make these rescues possible. Your gift will help ensure that the RNLI continues to save lives in the future.
We have supported the RNLI for many years; as governors, local fundraisers and through gifts in Wills. However, we wanted to make a difference whilst we are still around and to see the results of that tangible support.
We’ve always had such admiration for the vital work of the RNLI. Now, working with the Philanthropy team, we are kept up to date with their work and we can take pride and delight in seeing projects that we have helped fund come to fruition.
My husband Eric and I initially funded a lifeboat for Dungeness and then an extension to the station boathouse. When Eric passed in 2018 I decided to make another gift, funding a second lifeboat in his name. The naming ceremony was a truly fantastic day.
Your kindness in action
We can help you tailor your gift to a specific project or station, so it connects with your interests and feels personal to you. You can choose to support a variety of lifesaving projects. Here are just a few ideas:
Crew kit and training
You can help turn volunteers into lifesavers, protect them at sea and get them home safe again by funding all the crew kit or training at a lifeboat station.
Water safety
You can help protect your community and others around the world by funding lifesaving water safety projects. From multimedia campaigns to teaching children swimming skills, training workshops to cutting edge research.
Lifeguard services
RNLI lifeguards are ready to rescue, keeping people safe on beaches. You could fund a rescue watercraft that powers them through the surf to rescue someone in need, or a lifeguard unit that provides them with a base on the beach.
Shoreworks
Lifeboat stations and their shore facilities are crucial to saving lives. Whether it’s funding a boathouse upgrade or the build of a new pontoon, you can help protect crew and craft – and ensure swift, safe launches every time.
Your journey with us
In return for your kindness, you will receive regular updates on the progress of the project you have funded. Your personal RNLI contact will produce bespoke updates tailored to you and, should you wish, meet with you face-to-face throughout your journey to keep you up to date.
You will be invited to specially arranged project visits so you can see for yourself the difference your special gift is making. There will also be opportunities for you to attend other events and meet RNLI crew and the Senior Leadership Team, who will be keen to thank you personally for your support. These events are also an opportunity to meet like-minded supporters and find out more about our charity’s lifesaving work.
238 LIFEBOAT STATIONS
5,700+ LIFEBOAT CREW MEMBERS
146,000+ LIVES SAVED SINCE 1824
Meet the team
We can arrange a visit to your local lifeboat station for a cuppa and a chat. Or how about we take you on a guided tour of the RNLI College and Sea Survival Centre in Dorset? As well as peeking behind the scenes at our state-of-the-art training facility, you’ll also gain an exclusive insight into the RNLI family, the work we do, and how you can make a lasting difference.
Other ways to help
You can help save lives at sea by making a donation to the RNLI through your charitable trust or foundation.
trusts and foundations
A donation to the RNLI is a special way to remember someone who loved the sea. You can even add your loved one's name to the Launch a Memory Exmouth lifeboat.
Remember someone special
When you give money to one of our charity appeals, you help vital funds go where they’re most needed.
GIVE MONEY TO AN APPEAL