Aims/priorities: We know communities and grassroots groups have been impacted by the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. Even if the peak of the crisis has passed, many groups continue to experience a rise in demand for their services at the same time as a decline in income and rising costs. The Cost of Living Grant is for groups whose main activities are supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our society by providing them with the essentials, or simply providing a safe warm and welcoming space for those struggling to heat their homes during the winter.
Who can apply? There is no minimum timescale for how long a group has been in existence before they can apply for an Asda Foundation Grassroots Grant; however, they MUST be able to meet all of the following criteria:
Non-profit status & governing documents
- The group must be not-for-profit and able to provide clear evidence of this. This evidence (usually in the form of a signed constitution or Articles of Association) must include wording outlining that the organisation is a not-for-profit entity, and details of a winding-up plan in the event of the group’s dissolution.
- The group must demonstrate that it has suitable governance to be able to manage funds from Asda Foundation. E.g., Financial reporting, committee meetings.
- The group must provide contact details of their Safeguarding Lead, and a copy of the Safeguarding Policy that their group uses (more here on page 7)
- The group must have a presence locally and be able to demonstrate their active work within the community.
- The end beneficiaries should be community groups of people.
- All applications, documents and communication must be in English.
Group bank accounts
- The group must have a bank account in its own (group) name and be able to provide proof, in the form of a redacted bank statement or paying in slip which clearly shows the payee name.
- We are unable to accept applications where an individual person’s bank account has been listed as the payee’s name.
- If the group uses an umbrella bank account (i.e. is a branch of a larger group) we’ll require a ring-fence email from the treasurer stating the money will only be used for the purpose in the application form.
- Cheques are the only payment option that we currently have – online transfers or BACS are not possible. As well as having their own bank account, the group’s bank must also be able to accept cheques.
How often groups can apply
- Groups can have a maximum of one successful Grassroots Grant per calendar year. Grassroots Grants are: Empowering Local Communities, Under 18s Better Starts and Cost of Living.
- Groups must not apply to multiple stores; they should work with one store only.
- If groups are unsuccessful during one Round they cannot apply again until the next Round commences.
- If an organisation has more than one group in the same community, Asda Foundation will only be able to support the organisation once per year. E.g., A football organisation with multiple teams can only apply for one Grassroots grant per calendar year.
Grant amount: Minimum £400 per grant. Maximum £1,600 per grant. Please check with your Community Champion about how much they have allocated for your group before completing an application form as they have a limited grants budget.
Application process: If you have an activity in mind that could benefit from funding, and your group and activity meets all the criteria outlined above, you are welcome to contact your local Community Champion to discuss your funding needs. You can use the Asda Store Locator to find the details for your local Champion superstore (superstores have a dedicated Community Champion).
They cannot accept applications that are sent directly to Asda Foundation: you must have spoken to your local Community Champion and gained their endorsement before completing an application, and submit the application form and supporting documents to your Community Champion. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have with regards to this grant.
Deadline: Friday 1 March 2024.
Contact information: Contact your Community Champion.
Website: How to Apply | Asda Foundation