Can you get funding at the supermarket?

Funding
Written By Mel Carlisle
Inside Tesco

Local charities could get their next grant from the local shop.

If your work involves children, young people, wellbeing, a foodbank, or local community spaces, many UK retailers offer dedicated funding to support it. 

And it’s not just about filling in forms – it’s relational. Get to know your local store’s community champion or charity manager. They often hold the power to guide and support your application. 

Here’s a quick guide to the main UK supermarket and retailer community grants that we think are worth exploring.

Asda Foundation

Website:  asdafoundation.org

Offers multiple targeted funds for charities and local community groups.

Grant streams include:

  • Foodbank Fundamentals Fund

  • Local Community Spaces Fund

  • Young Futures Fund

  • Outdoor Community Spaces Fund

  • Emergency Grants

  • Colleague Match Funding Scheme

Tesco Stronger Starts

Website:  tescostrongerstarts.org.uk

Supports projects focused on children and young people across the UK.

  • Grants of up to £1,500 via in-store blue token voting

  • Occasional Golden Grants available with larger awards (in the region of £5,000)

Morrisons Foundation

Website:  www.morrisonsfoundation.com

  • Offers grants up to £10,000 for registered charities

  • Prioritises smaller, grassroots organisations delivering local impact

Co-op Local Community Fund

Website:  causes.coop.co.uk

Grants annual funding for local organisations focused on:

  • Mental wellbeing

  • Sustainable living

  • Access to food

Selected causes are supported by members’ shopping and donations.

Sainsbury’s – Helping Everyone Eat Better (HEEB) Fund

Website:  No central application site - this is one where you need to approach your local store’s Community Champion. In Scotland, you can check SCVO or approach your local store.

  • Grants typically from £500–£1,500+

  • Supports access to healthy food and food poverty reduction

  • Managed locally by Sainsbury’s stores; particularly active in Scotland

shopping trollies

Aldi, Lidl, M&S - via Neighbourly / Neighbourly Foundation 

Website:  www.neighbourly.com – register as a local charity.

Neighbourly offers a platform connecting retailers (including Aldi, Lidl, M&S, Sainsbury’s) with community organisations.

  • Offers grants, and can also link you up with surplus food, donated goods and potential volunteers.

Greggs Foundation

Website: greggsfoundation.org.uk  

  • Grants of up to £20,000/year 

  • Supports projects addressing food insecurity, social isolation, and wellbeing 

  • Also funds breakfast clubs and hardship support

UK Community Foundations Network

Website: ukcommunityfoundations.org

This is a network of 46 local community foundations across the UK. 

  • Distributes funds from corporate and retail donors 

  • Supports small to medium charities and local groups 

  • Offers regional grant opportunities tailored to local needs 

Grab your bag for life and start a conversation

As you can see, if your charity serves the local community, it’s well worth building a relationship with your local supermarkets. Good luck!

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Get in touch with our team if you’d like more help with fundraising strategy or grant applications.

Mel Carlisle
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