2026 Angels’ Den finalists announced

The Clare Foundation has announced the ten charities shortlisted for Angels’ Den 2026, following 72 applications from organisations working across Buckinghamshire.

Now in its fourth year, Angels’ Den brings together local charities and business leaders to support impactful projects through a unique live pitching event. The shortlisted charities will present their work to six Angels – a panel of successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists – at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham on 9th September 2026, in the hope of securing funding from the £120,000 grant pot. This year there is also the chance of winning the £10,000 Audience Awarded Bonus Grant.

The selected charities represent a wide range of causes, including environment, social isolation and, children and youth activities. Each one demonstrated a clear commitment to making a meaningful difference in the County.

Pictured - The Wednesday Club, Waddesdon, received £25,000 in 2025

Martin Gallagher, CEO of The Clare Foundation, said:

“We continue to be overwhelmed by the incredible response to Angels’ Den each year. The quality of applications demonstrates the excellent and collaborative work taking place across Buckinghamshire. We are delighted to be hosting Angels’ Den and giving a platform to remarkable charities, all of whom are creating lasting change in their communities.”

The ten shortlisted applicants for Angels’ Den 2026 are:

• Chiltern Open Air Museum
• Chiltern Rangers
• Enrych Buckinghamshire
• I'd LIke To Borrow
• Kindness in Bucks
• Red Balloon Aylesbury and Chiltern Music Therapy (working in partnership)
• Wycombe Homeless Connection and One Can Trust (working in partnership)
• SportsAid Eastern
• The MoneyHeave Community Project and Space Aylesbury (working in partnership)
• The Pace Centre and Marlow Opportunity Playgroup (working in partnership)

This year’s Angels who will review the live pitches and allocate the funding include:

• Mike Clare, Founder and President of The Clare Foundation
• Matt Storey, Storey Property Developments Ltd and M&M supplies UK PLC
• George Anson DL, The Anson Trust, a Trustee of several Buckinghamshire charities, and former High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire (2021-22)
• Sarah Leslie, founding director of ndapt
• Vincent O’Hanlon, CEO of VitrX
• Chris Goodman, co-founder of Focus Group and Focus Foundation

For more information on the shortlisted charities or the Angels’ Den 2026 event, visit The Clare Foundation website here.(external link)

Angels Den takes place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham, and will be hosted by Bucks Radio's Nathan Cooper.

The Clare Foundation was established in 2009 with the aim of creating a brighter, more vibrant future for the people of Buckinghamshire. Its mission is to empower, uplift, and transform lives across the region. The Clare Foundation believes that every individual, every organisation, and every community, has the potential to make a difference, and is committed to making this vision a reality.