Applicability
The FAQs and Policies covered here apply to the Rotary Big Space Cancer project. This is a fundraising project to raise donations toward Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospital Charity's main Big Space Appeal. Therefore, the FAQs and policies here are applicable only to the Rotary club led project and events. Hopefully, the FAQs and policies will help to better explain the project and its objectives, but if there is anything else that would help to be explained then reach out to rwgthomas@gmail.com
How does the Rotary project align with the Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospital Charity's Big Space Appeal?
This Rotary led project is running in parallel to the main Big Space Appeal with regular communication and cooperation between the two teams. Our timing has been planned so that the culmination of our fundraising and readiness to make purchases coincides with the point when the new building would be ready and priority shifts to internal fitting and decoration, staff training, and related activity.
Due to delays in the planning process, construction is not due to be complete until well into 2028. In order to help improve holistic care for patients before the new centre is ready, plans are being developed to bring forward a training programme for staff and volunteers to improve training, proactive support and access to information and signposting.
This will still be effective before the new centre is ready and will ensure that it is designed to meet emerging needs.
The Rotary team is currently working with the Hospital Charity to apply for a Rotary Global Grant for the training materials and other costs involved and is also considering making a contribution to the trainer costs in order to get this off the ground sooner than would otherwise be the case.
Are only Rotary clubs involved in the project?
Any club or individual can get involved in the project, and we encourage partnerships between organisations that do not normally work together but have similar aims of improving the lives of their community. Rotary are leading this fundraising project because if successful, we can seek additional funds from Rotary International that multiply the funds raised.
How can I or we get involved?
There are many ways to get involved. These include donating funds, raising funds through events or challenges, offering help or resources, spreading the word, or joining the project team. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch via rwgthomas@gmail.com.
What benefit will our donations achieve?
A physical building is not sufficient on its own to ensure the mental health and pastoral care required of patients going through cancer treatment, nor does it ensure the best working environment for the doctors and nurses providing that care.
As a result of the money raised by this project, more patients and their families will receive better care, greater support and greater resilience throughout the treatment process. In addition, nurses, doctors and support staff will benefit from an environment in which they can provide their best care, improving wellbeing for both patients and staff.
Why donate to Rotary instead of donating to the NHS Big Space Appeal directly?
The Rotary project has a strong chance of qualifying for additional funding through a Rotary Global Grant. Initial funds raised are being used to help access this funding and jointly fund trainer costs with the Hospital Charity.
As of January 2026, all further funds donated will be held for fixtures, systems and fittings required in and around the new Focus Centre. Donating through Rotary provides clarity on how funds will be used and ensures money is only released when construction is underway against an agreed shopping list.
What will the money be spent on?
The specific items, training or services funded will be detailed during 2026 and beyond as construction progresses. Final decisions will be strongly influenced by the Rotary Community Assessment completed in 2025, which identified gaps in patient awareness and access to holistic services.
Can we choose what our donations will be spent on?
Under Rotary rules, the lead club must retain full control of grant-related expenditure and cannot simply pass donations to the NHS Trust to allocate independently.
If donors have concerns or preferences regarding how funds are used, these can be discussed with the project team and accommodated where possible within the constraints of the overall project plan.
All proposals will be shared with contributing clubs and organisations, and views will be actively sought.
Where will funds be held?
All donations will be collected into and managed within a specific account held by the Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale. As a registered charity, the club has governance structures in place to comply with financial regulations and protect donor interests.
Having all funds held centrally is also a requirement for qualifying for additional Rotary funding. Full donation records will be maintained and made available to donors on request via the project treasurer.
Is Gift Aid applicable to donations?
The Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale is able to claim Gift Aid on qualifying donations where the donor has given permission and receives no immediate personal benefit from the donation.
Can we get help for our fundraising activities?
Yes. Rotary clubs can offer advice, people, and practical resources such as gazebos, tables, tents, and marketing materials. Events can also be promoted across project partners to attract additional volunteers.
How do we keep up to date with progress?
A dedicated project management team oversees all aspects of the project and runs regular online update calls for partners. One-to-one calls can also be arranged.
The website will be updated frequently, and partners are welcome to contact the team at rwgthomas@gmail.com at any time.
What happens if there is a delay to the hospital build?
The project team remains in close contact with the Big Space team and will assess how best to deploy funds should delays occur. Any changes will be communicated to all partners.
As of January 2026, delays have resulted in plans to bring forward early training initiatives to improve triaging, proactive support, and coordination ahead of the move to the new centre.
What happens if the hospital project is cancelled?
This is considered highly unlikely. Even if the build were cancelled, the Oncology Unit would continue to operate, and investment in services such as the Focus Centre and mental health support would remain hugely beneficial.
Funds would still be spent on appropriate resources and services to improve patient and staff wellbeing.
How will the benefits be sustained?
Sustainability is essential for attracting wider Rotary funding. Investments are made in resources and services that the NHS Trust can sustain beyond the life of the Rotary project.
This does not prevent ongoing relationships or future volunteering and fundraising, but ensures the Oncology Unit is not dependent on Rotary support long-term.
Project Policies
Project Governance
Although the Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale is the lead club for this project, a specific project team has been created to oversee the project and provide separation from the governance of the club itself.
This project team is compliant with the governance requirements of Rotary International when a club is applying for District Designated Funds and a Rotary Global Grant.
For information about the specifics of this governance model, please contact the project team at info@rotarybigspacecancer.org
Financial management
Because the finances of the project and the associated monies are charitable, the necessary financial management and trustee governance structures are in place.
Grant Application Process
From the outset, this project has been designed to maximise its chance of attracting external funding, which will then multiply the initial donations made by individuals and clubs.
The formal process for making the grant application is structured, formal and laid down by Rotary International. This includes project oversight, Memorandums of Understanding with partners, a detailed and evidence-based Community Assessment, acquisition and delivery plans, and project reporting.
Requirements of this process will be communicated to partners when and if appropriate, as it is the intention to keep the project as flexible and transparent as possible, while protecting partners from the additional time and resource cost of following processes.
Privacy Policy
The Rotary Big Space Cancer project is fully compliant with necessary data protection and privacy policies. A full version of our privacy policy can be found at the link below:
