Grants of between £250 and £1,000 are available to local groups to reunite communities, celebrate togetherness and support groups as coronavirus restrictions are easing.
The ASDA Foundation, set up in 1988, supports a range of good causes around the UK, including support to charities, playgroups and football teams. Through its Transforming Communities and Improving Lives grants programme, the Foundation aims to support grass-roots charitable organisations working at the heart of its stores’ communities.
Registered charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit organisations in the UK can apply for support with initiatives that will make a real long-term difference, benefiting the wider community.
In light of easing of coronavirus restrictions, the new scheme Bringing Communities Back Together aims to support local groups by providing two tranches of funding (Phase 1 and Phase 2), aimed at supporting a celebration event or enabling activities and services to get back on track after the disruption of the pandemic.
The themes for the funding are:
Celebration Event
For groups and communities who have been separated by COVID-19 eg elderly lunch club, zoom facilities for those remaining apart. Support for cultural, religious, shared interest or reconnection activities is available. Eligible costs include:
• Meals for the event.
• Decorations.
• Entertainment.
Getting Activities Back on Track
• Sport or physical activity equipment.
• Training or playing kit for teams.
• Kit and equipment combined.
• Art and craft materials.
Combination (Of Both)
Grants are available to enable groups and communities to celebrate being back together and also for replacement of some tools, equipment, etc. For example, a local art and craft club hosting an afternoon tea, kit and refreshments for a cricket team.
Essential Support
Grants to help groups who are supporting the immediate needs of people in their local area eg supplies for homeless shelters, food hygiene banks, mental health and well-being support, and debt management support groups.
The closing date for Phase 2 applications to be submitted to the Community Champion is 1 November 2021. However, if funds are depleted before the closing date, the fund will close early. Applicants are advised to check the website to confirm closing dates.
Application forms can be obtained from Asda Community Champions, who are based in local Asda stores. There are two different application forms, one for groups who are government entity organisations and another for groups who are non-government entities. (Guidance notes on completing these forms are available on the Asda Foundation website.) Decisions will be made within six weeks of application receipt from a Community Champion.
For more information see https://www.asdafoundation.org/foundation-grants
