The closing date for applications is 8 November 2024.
The scheme may close early if funds are depleted.
Application forms can be obtained from Asda Community Champions, who are based in local Asda stores. 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, who may then nominate the group to receive an application form.
All applications must be made via the applicant’s local Asda Community Champion; applications made directly by organisations will not be accepted by the Foundation.
Asda Foundation’s goal is to build resilient communities by empowering local groups to make
a positive difference, addressing local challenges and social needs. We aim to achieve this
by providing funding to local grassroots community groups to enable them to meet the
diverse needs of their community and to help them thrive and grow.
The Empowering Local Communities (ELC) grant is one of three grants within our
‘Grassroots Grants’ programme, our broadest grant programme which aims to empower our
Community Champions and grassroots groups to apply for what’s important in local
communities. It is designed to support a broad range of activities helping to transform
communities and improve lives.
The Empowering Local Communities Grant programme is provided and administered by Asda Foundation, Asda’s charity.
The Asda superstores each have a Community Champion whose role is to support groups and projects within the community, as well as manage Asda Foundation grant applications.
The Empowering Local Communities grant is one of three grants within the Grassroots Grants programme, which aims to empower Community Champions and grassroots groups to apply for what’s important in local communities.
Proposals must be:
- True to their community mission.
- People-centred.
- Efficiently run.
- Locally focused.
The Empowering Local Communities grant is for groups who are supporting people over the age of 18 in the community, or a mixture of children and adults.
The purpose of the programme is to support projects and activities which are important to a community which benefit local people. The programme is designed to support projects under three themes:
- Essentials.
- Improve/maintain a service.
- Volunteering.
Grants of between £400 and £2,000 are available. The request must be for one of the following fixed amounts: £400; £500; £800; £1,000; £1,200; £1,600; or £2,000.
Groups may apply for one Empowering Local Communities grant per year.
Festive celebration events are available for up to £400 (and food is capped at £12.50 per person, and decorations and entertainment costs are capped at £100).
Basic sports kit and equipment are available for up to £400.
For volunteering costs, there is a £120 cap per volunteer.
Eligible costs and projects under each theme supported by the programme include the following (but not limited to):
Essentials: for the basic essentials to address an immediate need and/or situation e.g. foodbank items; hygiene items; blankets for warm bank; bedding, food and refreshments for homeless shelter.
Improve/maintain a service: funding to transform and/or improve a space/activity and to bring people together for ongoing services e.g. table, chairs, long term fixtures/fittings; redecorating items: paint, curtains etc; items for the group activity: sewing machine, wood for Men’s Shed; computers (but must be for service users, not office /admin use); training, upskilling one-off costs; items needed for a community clear up.
Volunteering: to support volunteer costs enabling them to continue supporting their groups and communities e.g. DBS checks, essential training course costs, travel costs to the volunteering location and for delivering services, refreshment costs, stationary, clothing/uniform, etc.
The closing date for applications is 8 November 2024.
The scheme may close early if funds are depleted.
Application forms can be obtained from Asda Community Champions, who are based in local Asda stores. 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, who may then nominate the group to receive an application form.
