Maximum value: £1,600
Application deadline: 03/11/2023
Grants are available for local community groups in the UK who are affected by the increase in the cost of living. For the current round, the recruitment, retention and training of new volunteers is supported, as well as covering ongoing volunteer-related costs.
Grant Round 3 Applications open: 28th August to 3rd November 2023 Funding for activity before 1st March 2024
Objectives of Fund
The aim of the grant is to help local community groups cope with the increase in their running costs and the provision of warm banks is included. The priority themes for funding are:
- Increased rent and utility costs.
- Increase in food costs and other essentials.
- Volunteer-related costs.
For volunteer recruitment and training, essential training course costs is capped at £120 per person.
Match funding is not required.
Local not-for-profit community groups based in the UK may apply.
The following criteria apply:
- The group must have a presence in and benefit the local community.
- The end beneficiaries must be community groups of people.
- There is no minimum timescale for how long the group has been in existence.
- There is no income limits for organisations.
Groups can apply for a Cost of Living Grant in addition to one other grant or Green Token Giving offered by Asda Foundation.
Eligible Expenditure
Project and running costs are supported and eligible costs for each theme include (but not limited to):
- Increase in rent/utility bills: support to keep community buildings open to the public or increase opening times to help people stay warm e.g. increase in heating costs for a community group providing a warm bank; increase in rental costs for community organisation supporting a wide number of groups from the local area; increase in electricity costs for a community hub.
- Volunteer support: to strengthen and boost volunteering in local communities for costs that directly benefit service users e.g. travel costs to the volunteering location; travel costs required to deliver services; refreshment costs; non-electronic equipment, materials, clothing/uniform needed for the role.
- Increase in food costs and other ssentials: support for people most affected to cover the cost of basics to address an immediate need and/or situation e.g. food provision for those in need; food parcels and family food boxes; ingredients for soup kitchen/community cafe to be able to make hot meals; items to deliver the warm bank offer; basic clothing for a clothes/baby bank; portable heater for warm bank; personal hygiene items.
Combination applications are accepted e.g. extended opening times of a community cafe.
How To Apply
The closing date for applications is 3 November 2023.
Application forms are only available from Asda Community Champions, who are based in local Asda superstores.
Applicants can use the store locator link on the Foundation website to get in touch with their local store and speak to their Community Champion about their project proposal. Application forms may be completed by hand (preferred) or digitally.
Applicants are advised to apply early and check the Asda website for deadline updates as if the budget cap is reached, the fund will close.
Applicants can apply for funding for both rent/utility bill support and increased food costs within the one application form.
Applications should be submitted at least six weeks before activities are due to begin to give enough processing time and should include the following:
- Bank statement/paying in slip to verify the payee name for the cheque by looking at the account name, which should be clearly visible.
- Group documents e.g. constitution, club rules, etc.
- If not a registered charity, provide confirmation that the group is a not for profit organisation.
- Digital signature declaration (if not providing a wet signature).
- Ringfencing confirmation (if group name and payee name are different).
Groups should contact their local Asda Community Champion for further information.
For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:
- Enquiries
ASDA Foundation
Asda House
Southbank
Great Wilson Street
Leeds
LS11 5AD - Foundation Grants | Asda Foundation