Background

Based in Bradford, the supermarket chain Morrisons established the Morrisons Foundation in 2015 to support local good causes across Great Britain. The Foundation, a charity registered in England, Wales and Scotland, receives its funding from a number of different sources.

Objectives of Fund

The Connecting Communities fund is for capital projects that make a difference to people's lives, by improving infrastructure development and shared spaces. Projects should:

• Breathe new life into local spaces.
• Bring people together.
• Secure the future.

Value Notes

Grants up to £20,000 are available for up to nine months.

Match Funding Restrictions

Match funding is not required.

Who Can Apply

UK charities that improve the lives of people and communities in England, Scotland or Wales can apply.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be registered with the Charity Commission (England and Wales) or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Scotland (OSCR), Jersey Charity Commissioner, Charities Register of Guernsey and Alderney, or the Board of Charity Commissioners for Gibraltar.
• Have filed their accounts on time and in accordance with the Charity Commission/OSCR requirements.
• Own the property where the project is being delivered, or have a long-term lease with a minimum of three years remaining.

Preference is given to applications:

• Supporting a more deprived community.
• Delivered in a community closer to a Morrisons store.
• That will benefit a larger number of people.
• For projects that have a lasting legacy.
• From charities with a smaller annual income.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Organisations that are not registered with the Charity Commission or OSCR (i.e. companies with exempt charitable status or CICs).
• Running costs, rent, salaries or utility bills.
• Costs of running sessions, recruiting staff or volunteer expenses.
• Expeditions, recreation or overseas travel.
• Fundraising events.
• Work that is primarily the statutory responsibility of public agencies.
• Promotion of religious or political messaging.
• Overseas appeals.
• Equipment which will be retained by individuals rather than the charity.
• Charities whose main purpose is animal welfare.
• Projects which could harm the reputation of the Foundation.
• Charities who have filed their accounts late, had accounts marked as qualified within the last three years.
• Charities who have received funding from the Foundation within the last two years.
• Contributions to larger projects that require in excess of £20,000 to be delivered.
• Requests for sponsorship, marketing or administration costs.
• Short-term projects (e.g. day trips, holidays, events or consumables).
• Projects benefiting a single individual.
• Retrospective or contingency funding.
• Contributions or top-up donations towards larger fundraising targets.

Eligible Expenditure

Capital costs are supported to: upgrade and revitalise buildings and outdoor areas; reduce social isolation and foster a strong sense of belonging; ensure vital local services remain open and accessible for generations to come.

Examples of funded initiatives include (but not restricted to):

• Open access spaces:
  • Village halls and hubs
  • Community centres and youth clubs
  • Managed sports and recreation grounds
  • Community gardens
• Disability and therapeutic centres:
  • Riding centres for disabled people
  • Neurodivergent day centres
  • Independent living and training hubs
  • Adaptive sports and wellbeing centres
• Youth and education:
  • Mainstream schools PTA
  • Community outdoor play areas
  • Special education needs facilities
  • Uniformed groups sites/huts
• Targeted crisis support:
  • Women's refuges and abuse shelters
  • Homeless shelters
  • Supported living for vulnerable people
  • Rehabilitation and recovery centres
• Health and wellbeing:
  • Hospital charities
  • Palliative care services
  • Bereavement support hubs
  • Respite break venues
• Isolation and cohesion:
  • Elderly services and warm hubs
  • Safe-spaces for minority groups
  • Men's sheds
  • Veteran support centres

Examples of projects may include:

• Community kitchen overhauls.
• Accessible toilets & changing facilities.
• Communal room refurbishment.
• Internal and external repairs.
• Therapeutic and activity sheds.
• Outdoor shelters & seating areas.
• External secure storage facilities.
• Forest school structures.
• Mobility & adaptive gym equipment.
• CCTV, secure doors & windows.
• Boilers, heaters and insulation.
• Workroom & large activity items.
• Landscaping of community gardens.
• Accessible sensory garden features.
• Inclusive outdoor play areas.
• Community outdoor fitness hubs.

Location

England, Scotland and Wales

How To Apply

Applications can be made at any time.

Decisions should be made within eight weeks.

Guidelines and an online application form are available at the Foundation's website.

Contact the Foundation for further information.