Grants are available for small, local groups in the UK to improve community spaces and places where local people can be together and thrive.

Background

Set up in 1988, the ASDA Foundation is Asda’s charity. It operates independently of Asda stores but works very closely with Community Champions in Asda’s superstores with the goal of building resilient communities by empowering local groups to make a positive difference.

The Foundation offers a number of grants programmes at different times throughout the year, providing more than £3 million to Asda communities.

Objectives of Fund

This annual fund is aimed at local groups who are working to improve spaces in the heart of their local community.

In 2023, the funding will support bigger community projects within local communities where local people can be together and thrive.

The funding is intended for projects that address at least one of the following categories:

Building repair
Building development
Outdoor development.

Projects need to align to at least one of the Foundation’s aims:

Create and/or develop safe and inclusive community spaces for groups to meet and bring people together.
Create or improve spaces which can be used by a range groups on a regular basis.
Support groups to deliver long-lasting projects focused on long-term community impact.

Value Notes

The 2023 funding pot is £500,000+ with grants of between £10,000 and £25,000.

The grants can cover between 25% and 75% of the total project costs.

Grants can only be made by cheque.

Who Can Apply

Applications are accepted from grassroots, community-led organisations in the UK, including registered charities, CICs, companies, unincorporated club or association, small community groups or government entity/public body.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be not-for-profit.
Have an annual income of less than £250,000.
Have community groups of people as their end beneficiaries.
Have a presence locally with work that benefits their local community.
Have unrestricted reserves below £100,000, unless they can provide an explanation.
Have a bank account in the group’s name and be able to provide proof.
Have suitable governance to be able to manage the grant.
Have the ability to report back on progress throughout the project.
Be able to show clear positive impacts for communities.

Since the Asda Foundation does not accept nominations or applications sent directly from community groups, applications must be submitted to a Community Champion from an Asda superstore.

To be eligible, applicants must either:

Own and have full responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the building/space; or
Have a lease of over five years and full responsibility for upkeep and maintenance.

The funder is looking for groups that are:

Committed to the community mission.
People-centred and they promote equality, inclusivity and diversity.
Efficiently run.
Locally focused with spaces that are focused on the local community, delivering services and support to multiple beneficiaries.

Eligible Expenditure

Eligible project costs may include materials, tradespeople and equipment costs.

The funding is for projects that fall into at least one of the following categories:

Building repairs: for spaces and places which already exist but are in disrepair and therefore limit the usability, safety or level of expectations for other to use the space. Repairs may be external or internal and may be due to age, vandalism, abandonment. Example include but are not limited to repairs to roofs, doors, windows, replacing central heating, upgrading electrical wiring or repairing/replacing plumbing.
Building improvement or development: to enhance a space already in use. The improvements will enhance the quality of space or give more people/new groups the opportunity to use the space. Examples include but are not limited to new kitchens, improving toilet facilities, extension on a building, developing an unused internal space, improving disabled access and facilities, or security features to keep the space and place secure.
Outdoor Development: to develop outside space for the benefit of the community, particularly outdoor spaces which benefit everyone and can be accessed by large groups of people. Examples include but are not limited to improving access to a community garden, transforming wasteland into usable space, or upgrading a local play area development/upgrading safety features.

There is a five-stage application process:

Stage 1 - Applications are accepted from 6 February 2023 to 19 March 2023
Stages 2-4 – Internal Asda Foundation review. This will take place from March through May 2023.
Stage 5 – Announcement of the funding from 5 June 2023.

Maximum grant value is £25,000.

For more information and to apply, please visit Foundation Grants | Asda Foundation