Aims/priorities: The aim of the Fund is to repair, renovate and develop accessible community spaces for continued delivery of essential activities and services to benefit the local community, particularly those experiencing loneliness, isolation and disadvantage. The project should benefit people of all ages and from all communities.
Applications must address at least one of the following funding priorities:
- Carry out essential repairs to enable the space to continue to function.
- Renovate an existing space to accommodate more users/activities.
- Create a new community space where groups can meet and undertake activities.
- Improve accessibility to, or within, a community building.
Who can apply? Applications are accepted from charities, VCSE and other not-for-profit organisations.
The community space must be accessible for community members to interact, seek support and access a variety of services and activities. Applications from groups with free-to-access services that are inclusive to many are encouraged, but groups with fees that prevent participation are less likely to be funded.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be not-for-profit.
- Have an annual income of less than £250,000.
- Unrestricted reserves of no more than £40,000.
- Have governing documents.
- Have a safeguarding policy.
- Have a bank account (that accepts cheques) in the group’s name and be able to provide proof.
The following applications are encouraged/prioritised:
- Groups unable to continue offering their service without the work taking place.
- Demonstration of a good track record of ongoing work in a community-hub setting.
- Evidence of financial stability and need.
- Work in areas of heightened economic and social deprivation.
- Provide well-thought-out costings which are deemed good value for money.
- Have a wide range of users throughout the community, or those who predominantly support at least one of the following demographics: teens and young adults; the elderly; vulnerable; and low-income users.
The following are also eligible for funding:
- Religious buildings that are community hubs for people of all faiths in areas with limited community facilities.
- Amateur sports clubs who have diversified their sport offering to wider services that strengthen the community, and whose buildings serve as a community hub, offering a variety of services for a range of groups other than those involved in the main sport being offered.
- Scouting, guiding and cadets groups, etc: applications for a space that is a community hub in an area with limited community facilities and where the space is used by multiple different group types outside of the Scouts/Guiding/Cadets community would be considered.
- Youth clubs whose space hosts a range of activities and groups with a large number of service users, particularly groups who provide services in a low socio-economic area.
- Community gardens/allotments projects that are renovating or creating a space where people can meet and be together all year round. Spaces should be open to multiple groups in the community.
- Village halls that are used by a wide range of groups, particularly in isolated areas which might have fewer community spaces.
Grant amount: The total fund value is £1.25 million.
Grants from £10,000 to £20,000 are available.
The Asda Foundation must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost (up to £20,000) and can fund up to 90% of the total project cost.
It is anticipated that approximately 70 projects will be funded.
Applicants must already have 10% of the total project cost (demonstrated in submitted accounts).
Application process: Applications will be reviewed in August 2025. Projects must be completed by December 2026.
Applicants are advised that the scheme may close early if demand for funding is high.
Application forms are available at the Asda Foundation website: applicants can check eligibility and will then be directed to the Foundation's grant management system, SmartSimple, to register and complete the application form. The following documents should also be submitted:
- Governing documents.
- Safeguarding policies.
- Bank statements covering the most recent three months: as applicants must have 10% of the total project cost before submission, this must be evident on the accounts or bank statements provided.
- Two full years of annual accounts.
- Proof of ownership or lease.
- Permission to carry out the work.
- Photos of the space.
Successful applicants will be notified by email, plus the local Asda Community and Customer Champion will be informed, who may visit the group.
Contact the Asda Foundation for further information.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted from 7 May (10:00) to 28 May 2025 (10:00).
Contact information: Email: asdafoundation@asda.co.uk
Website: https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/local-community-spaces-fund/