Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed a landmark evolution of its long-running House Charity programme, announcing that Dementia Support at Sage House will continue as its chosen charity partner into 2026. The decision marks the first time since the initiative’s inception in 2003 that the marque has extended support for the same House Charity beyond a single year — a significant shift in strategy designed to deepen community impact and strengthen long-term partnerships.
The announcement was made during a gala fundraising evening at the Home of Rolls-Royce, where more than 120 guests gathered for a night of tasting experiences, entertainment and a charity auction that raised over £50,000 for Sage House. What would traditionally have been the close of the annual fundraising cycle instead became a celebration of renewed commitment, surprising and delighting representatives from the charity in attendance.
A Strategic Shift to Strengthen Community Impact
Historically, Rolls-Royce has selected a new House Charity each year, with staff nominating a local organisation to support through events, activities and bespoke fundraising initiatives. While some charities have been chosen more than once across different years, the programme has never before carried the same partner through two consecutive terms.
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, explained the thinking behind the redesigned model:
“For the first time since we began the House Charity programme back in 2003, we are extending our support for our current local good cause to a second year. Long experience has shown us that by the time we say goodbye to each House Charity, there is genuine trust, understanding, respect and affection between our respective organisations, and real momentum behind the fundraising effort – all of which is then set aside and started again from scratch with a new partner. Extending our support into a second year gives us the time and opportunity to really capitalise on all the good work done in the first year, enhancing our overall impact and making a more meaningful contribution over time.”
This new approach means all future House Charities will be appointed for a full two-year term. The intention is clear: to create deeper relationships, sustain fundraising momentum and maximise the collective benefit for the local community.
Supporting Sage House, a Lifeline for Families Living With Dementia
Based in Tangmere, West Sussex, Sage House provides a centralised and integrated hub for people living with dementia, offering support from pre-diagnosis through to end of life. Its unique approach brings specialist services, therapy, guidance and respite into one accessible and inclusive space, transforming the experience for thousands of families across the county.
An independent study by the University of Chichester has shown not only the profound wellbeing improvement that Sage House brings to its service users but also the economic impact of its integrated model. The report found that Sage House saves the Local Health and Social Care economy over £1,700 per person per year — a testament to both the efficiency and humanity of its approach.
Rolls-Royce staff nominated Sage House as their 2025 House Charity at the end of 2024, and the relationship has since flourished. By extending the partnership into 2026, both organisations will continue building on the shared trust, understanding and positive momentum developed throughout the first year.
A Partnership Marked by Gratitude and Growth
The extension came as a complete surprise to Sage House leadership, announced live during the gala evening. For the charity, the renewed commitment represents far more than additional funding — it is a powerful affirmation of the importance of their work.
Sally Tabbner, Chief Executive of Sage House, reflected on the moment:
“We could not be more thrilled – and deeply honoured – to be chosen once again as the Rolls-Royce House Charity, particularly as this is the first time in the history of the programme that such an extension has been made. When the announcement was revealed at the gala event, it took us completely by surprise and transformed an already extraordinary evening into something truly magical. This continued partnership means we can reach and support even more families living with dementia, and we are profoundly grateful to Rolls-Royce for their belief in our work and for placing their trust in us for another year.”
A New Chapter in Corporate Community Support
By reimagining the structure of its House Charity programme, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars signals a renewed commitment to meaningful, sustainable community engagement. The extended partnership with Sage House allows for a richer exchange of knowledge, stronger relationships and greater long-term impact — ensuring that the fundraising efforts of 2026 will be built on a strong and compassionate foundation.
For Sage House, the second year of partnership means expanded reach, deeper support and renewed momentum in its mission to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families. For Rolls-Royce, it represents a thoughtful, purposeful evolution of a tradition that has shaped its community engagement for more than two decades.
