Up to £20,000 for Charities Improving Community Spaces – Morrisons Foundation

The Morrisons Foundation is offering grants of up to £20,000 through its Connecting Communities Grants Programme, supporting registered charities working to improve essential community spaces and facilities.

The programme provides funding for capital projects that help bring people together, reduce social isolation and ensure that important local services remain accessible for years to come.

From community centres and village halls to disability support facilities, youth clubs and community gardens, the funding aims to strengthen the spaces that local communities rely on.

Applications are currently open, with no fixed deadline.

Here's what you can expect:

• Grants of up to £20,000 per project

• Potential to fully fund eligible capital projects

• Funding for building renovations and refurbishment

• Support for accessibility improvements

• Funding for essential equipment and facilities

• Improvements to outdoor community spaces

• Priority given to smaller charities with annual income below £1 million

• Rolling applications throughout the year

What projects can be funded?

1. Community Centres and Shared Spaces

Funding to improve facilities that bring local people together, including:

• Village halls and community centres

• Community hubs

• Youth clubs

• Community gardens

• Managed recreation facilities

2. Disability and Therapeutic Facilities

Support for organisations providing specialist services, including:

• Disability support centres

• Neurodivergent day centres

• Independent living facilities

• Therapeutic centres

• Accessible recreation spaces

3. Youth and Education

Funding for facilities supporting children and young people, including:

• School PTA projects

• Community playgrounds

• Special educational needs facilities

• Scout and Guide buildings

• Outdoor learning spaces

4. Crisis Support Facilities

Capital improvements to buildings supporting vulnerable people, including:

• Women's refuges

• Domestic abuse shelters

• Homeless shelters

• Supported accommodation

• Rehabilitation and recovery centres

5. Health and Wellbeing

Support for facilities such as:

• Hospices

• Bereavement support centres

• Respite care facilities

• Hospital charity facilities

• Community wellbeing centres

6. Social Isolation and Community Inclusion

Funding for spaces that reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections, including:

• Warm hubs

• Elderly support centres

• Men's sheds

• Veteran support facilities

• Community safe spaces

What costs are eligible?

The Foundation supports capital improvements that provide lasting community benefits.

Examples include:

• Repairing leaking roofs

• Installing accessible toilets

• Refurbishing kitchens

• Installing heating systems or boilers

• Purchasing fixed sensory room equipment

• Installing stairlifts

• Improving building security

• Constructing community garden facilities

• Creating accessible outdoor pathways

• Installing playground equipment

Projects must demonstrate a clear, long-term benefit to the people using the facilities.

Who can apply?

The programme is intended for registered charities delivering place-based services.

Applicants must:

• Be registered with an eligible charity regulator.

• Own the property where the project will take place or hold a lease with at least three years remaining.

• Have at least one set of accounts filed with their charity regulator.

• Have submitted their accounts on time.

• Demonstrate that the project will provide lasting community benefits.

• Apply for a clearly defined capital project.

The Foundation prioritises charities with an annual income below £1 million.

The published grant policy covers projects in England, Scotland and Wales. Organisations registered in Crown Dependencies or Gibraltar should check the Foundation's additional geographic requirements before applying.

Who cannot apply?

The Foundation does not support:

• Community interest companies (CICs)

• Unregistered community organisations

• Exempt or excepted charities

• Individuals

• Charities whose primary purpose is animal welfare

• Charities promoting religious or political messages

• Charities with overdue or recently late-filed accounts

• Charities whose accounts have been qualified within the past three years

Additional restrictions apply to previous grant recipients and unsuccessful applicants.

What cannot be funded?

The programme does not normally support:

• Salaries and staff costs

• Rent and utility bills

• General running costs

• Fundraising events

• Marketing and advertising

• Sponsorship

• Individual bursaries or financial assistance

• Overseas travel

• Short-term activities

• Contributions towards larger fundraising targets

• Projects that are primarily the responsibility of statutory bodies

Important: The programme is designed to fully fund eligible capital projects rather than provide partial contributions towards larger projects.

How much funding is available?

Maximum Grant: £20,000

Funding Type: Restricted capital grant

Funding Contribution: Up to 100% of eligible project costs

Priority Applicants: Registered charities with annual income below £1 million

Application Deadline: Rolling

Application Status: OPEN

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Review Eligibility

Read the Connecting Communities Grant Policy and FAQs to confirm that the organisation and proposed project meet the funding criteria.

Step 2 – Prepare Project Information

Gather details of the proposed improvements and supporting evidence of the costs involved.

Applicants should obtain quotations, supplier estimates or other suitable proof of price.

Step 3 – Start the Application

Visit the Morrisons Foundation website and select the online application form.

The application system is hosted by Plinth.

Step 4 – Submit Supporting Information

Provide the charity's registration details, financial information, project description and cost evidence.

Step 5 – Application Assessment

The Foundation reviews applications and may request additional information.

Applicants should allow up to three months for the assessment process.

Step 6 – Funding Decision

Successful charities receive confirmation of their grant award and instructions for payment.

Grant funding must be used for the approved project.

Funding information

Funder: Morrisons Foundation

Programme: Connecting Communities Grants

Funding Amount: Up to £20,000

Funding Type: Capital grant

Geographic Eligibility: England, Scotland and Wales, with additional registration jurisdictions referenced in the programme guidance

Eligible Applicants: Registered charities

Priority: Smaller charities with annual income below £1 million

Eligible Activities: Building improvements, accessibility, equipment and community facilities

Deadline: No fixed deadline