Celebrating local community champions and over £86,000 given to local charities and good causes

November 2026: The Duke of Edinburgh presented the Prince Philip Award to the co-CEOs of The Baby Bank, while 44 charities and community projects across the Royal Borough benefit from the latest round of funding.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, has presented the Prince Philip Award to Rebecca Mistry and Lauren Hall, co-CEOs of The Baby Bank, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to supporting families experiencing difficult times across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The award recognises the remarkable work Rebecca and Lauren have undertaken in establishing and developing The Baby Bank, a charity dedicated to helping families who are struggling by providing essential items for babies and children, including food, clothing and other vital supplies. 

The Baby Bank was created in 2015 and began life operating from the founders’ homes and kitchen tables.  The charity, now based in Holyport, has over 45 regular volunteers and has supported over 51,000 children, young people and their families.  The organisation was recognised for the Kings Award for Voluntary Service in 2025.

The Prince Philip Award was created by The Prince Philip Trust Fund to recognise individuals within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead who have gone above and beyond their paid or voluntary role in helping others. The Award also honours the legacy of the late Prince Philip, who served for 40 years as Chairman and Founder of the Trust Fund, which since 1977 has distributed millions of pounds to local projects, charities and good causes.

The Award is presented every two years, with recipients shortlisted and selected by the Trustees of the Prince Philip Trust Fund.

More than £86,000 awarded to 44 local charities and good causes

The Prince Philip Trust Fund has awarded more than £86,000 in grants to 44 different charities, community organisations and good causes supporting people living across the Royal Borough.

The grants were agreed at a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, chaired by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and will support a diverse range of projects addressing local needs, from helping vulnerable families and supporting older residents to improving educational opportunities, widening access to the arts and encouraging community participation in sport and recreation.

Supporting people experiencing hardship and social need

A significant proportion of the funding will help charities supporting people facing financial hardship, isolation, ill health or other challenging circumstances.

Among the organisations benefiting are Food 4 Children, which provides weekly food support to struggling families; The Cowshed, which will use its grant to provide kitchen starter packs for families in emergency accommodation; and Alma Beacon which supports homeless people.

Other projects include The Baby Bank, which has received funding towards Christmas gifts for children, Home-Start Berkshire East’s Little Starters project at Larchfield, and The Link Foundation will benefit from funding to support families experiencing severe hardship.

Grants will also support older and vulnerable residents through organisations including Age Concern Windsor, Re-engage and People to Places, helping to tackle loneliness and improve access to services and activities.

Investing in education and young people

Education and opportunities for young people have also featured in this funding round.

Charters School has received funding towards microphones for its summer production, while Eton Wick School will benefit from a contribution towards interactive classroom boards.

Cumberland Lodge has received support for its Young Voices Bursary, helping young people access its discussion forums and educational opportunities, while the Maidenhead Community Book Festival will receive funding towards its 2027 schools event.  Parent-led mental health charity, Well Windsor will also receive funding to support its Digital Foundations Programme.

Bringing communities together through arts and culture

The Trust Fund continues to recognise the importance of arts and culture in bringing communities together and providing opportunities for people to participate in local activities.

Among the recipients are Windsor Fringe, which will receive support for its Showcase Weekend, and Cantorum Choir towards its performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass at St George’s Chapel.

Chris Aitken, Secretary and Trustee of the Prince Philip Trust Fund, said:

“The work undertaken by Rebecca and Lauren at The Baby Bank is a wonderful example of the difference that committed individuals can make to the lives of others. Their dedication to supporting families at some of their most difficult times makes them very worthy recipients of the Prince Philip Award.

“The latest round of grants also demonstrates the extraordinary diversity of our local charitable sector. From supporting families experiencing hardship and helping older people to providing opportunities for young people, education, arts and sport, these organisations make an invaluable contribution to life across Windsor and Maidenhead.

“Our Chairman, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, and my fellow Trustees remain deeply impressed by the dedication of the many individuals and organisations working tirelessly to support others in our community. We are delighted that the Trust Fund can play a part in helping them continue their important work.”