Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Grants for Good Fund provides financial support to small UK-based charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises creating positive change for communities and the environment. The programme distributes £60,000 annually, with grants awarded to projects that demonstrate innovation, meaningful impact, and strong leadership.
Eligible organisations can receive funding through quarterly awards, with shortlisted projects competing for grants decided by John Good Group employees.
What Is the Grants for Good Fund?
Grants for Good is a funding programme supported by the John Good Group that helps small and growing organisations create positive social and environmental impact.
The fund supports organisations working to improve:
- Communities
- People’s lives
- Environmental sustainability
- Local initiatives
It is designed for organisations that may struggle to access larger funding opportunities but are creating meaningful change at a local level.
Purpose of the Grants for Good Programme
The programme aims to help innovative community-focused projects grow and achieve long-term impact.
The fund prioritises projects that:
- Introduce fresh and creative ideas
- Create lasting positive change
- Support people, the planet, or both
- Demonstrate strong leadership
- Reflect lived experience, expertise, or commitment
The programme values practical solutions that address real community and environmental challenges.
Funding Available
The Grants for Good Fund provides a total of £60,000 in funding every year.
Funding is distributed:
- Quarterly throughout the year
- £15,000 awarded every three months
- Shared among five shortlisted projects
Each funding round supports organisations selected for their impact, innovation, and alignment with the programme priorities.
Grant Award Amounts
Shortlisted projects receive funding based on employee voting by the John Good Group team.
Awards are distributed as:
- First place project: £5,000
- Second place project: £3,500
- Third place project: £2,500
- Fourth place project: £2,000
- Fifth place project: £2,000
The voting process allows employees to directly support projects they believe can create meaningful change.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to small UK-based organisations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Local community groups
- Registered charities
- Voluntary organisations
- Social enterprises
Applicants must:
- Be based in the UK
- Have an annual income below £50,000
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name
The fund is aimed at smaller organisations delivering community or environmental benefits.
Types of Projects Supported
The fund supports projects that create clear positive impact.
Examples of suitable projects include:
- Community improvement initiatives
- Social support programmes
- Environmental projects
- Sustainability-focused activities
- Innovative local solutions
- Projects improving quality of life
Strong applications usually show clear goals, measurable benefits, and a direct connection to community needs.
Why Grants for Good Matters
Small organisations often have strong ideas but limited financial resources.
The programme helps by:
- Providing funding for impactful projects
- Supporting grassroots innovation
- Helping organisations expand their reach
- Encouraging community-led solutions
- Promoting environmental responsibility
The fund recognises that local organisations can create significant change through targeted action.
Application Priorities
Projects are more likely to be shortlisted if they:
- Clearly address a community or environmental challenge
- Offer an innovative approach
- Show measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate strong leadership
- Have potential for long-term impact
Due to high application volumes, alignment with fund priorities is important.
Projects Less Likely to Be Supported
Some types of projects are less likely to receive funding.
These include:
- Equipment requests for sports or music clubs
- Projects connected to large organisations
- Seasonal events
- General running costs of community centres or village halls
- Routine food bank expenses
- Residents’ associations
- Parent-teacher associations
- School support groups
- Activities normally funded by statutory bodies
The programme focuses on additional impact rather than replacing existing responsibilities.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The fund does not support:
- Individuals
- Political or religious activities
- Sponsorship requests
- Fundraising events
- Amateur sports clubs
- Private sports clubs
- Organisations with income above £50,000
- Regular limited companies
- Sole traders
- Organisations registered outside the UK
Applicants must meet all eligibility conditions before applying.
How to Apply for Grants for Good
Follow these steps:
- Check eligibility:
- Confirm your organisation is UK-based
- Ensure annual income is below £50,000
- Verify your organisation has a suitable bank account
- Prepare your project information:
Include:
- Description of the project
- Community or environmental impact
- Expected outcomes
- Leadership experience
- Funding requirements
- Demonstrate impact:
Explain:
- The problem being addressed
- Who benefits from the project
- How funding will create positive change
- Submit your application:
Applications are reviewed during funding rounds, and shortlisted projects move forward for voting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for projects outside the fund’s priorities
- Requesting support for routine operating costs
- Failing to explain community impact
- Submitting unclear project plans
- Applying as an ineligible organisation
A strong application should focus on impact, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who provides the Grants for Good Fund?
The programme is supported by the John Good Group to help small organisations create positive community and environmental impact.
2. How much funding is available?
The fund distributes £60,000 each year, with £15,000 shared among five shortlisted projects every quarter.
3. What organisations can apply?
UK-based charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, and social enterprises with annual income below £50,000 can apply.
4. Can individuals apply for funding?
No. The fund only supports eligible organisations, not individuals.
5. What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects focused on people, communities, environmental sustainability, innovation, and long-term impact are prioritised.
6. Can a company apply for the grant?
Regular limited companies and sole traders are not eligible. Social enterprises may qualify if they meet the programme requirements.
7. How are winners selected?
Shortlisted projects are voted on by John Good Group employees, and funding is awarded based on the final voting results.
Conclusion
The Grants for Good Fund provides valuable financial support to small charities, community groups, and social enterprises creating positive change across the UK.
By supporting innovative ideas, environmental projects, and community-focused solutions, the programme helps grassroots organisations turn meaningful ideas into lasting impact.
For more information, visit Matthew Good Foundation.