Small Grants for Charities and Non-Profits
Charity Funding, films, volunteering and more – support shaped around what small charities actually need.
We know that small charities and non-profits need more than a grant to grow. That’s why our support goes beyond funding – combining small charity grants with charity films, volunteering and more, shaped around what each organisation actually needs. Because we work closely with the charities we fund, we understand where the real gaps are, and we build our support programmes around them.
Small charities are doing more with less – and we see it every day. That’s why our programmes are targeted at the organisations who need them most.
charities in the UK
%
of UK charities have an income of less than £100,000
%
of the sector's income goes to Large charities (with over £1m income)
(source: NCVO Almanac 2024)
How we support the non-profit sector
Unrestricted Funding
One of the hardest types of grant funding for small charities to find is unrestricted or core funding. Core costs are usually those keeping the charity running in the first place. So, at the Matthew Good Foundation, we believe in doing excellent due diligence. We then trust those who run the charity day-to-day to do what they do best, spending funds where they can make the most impact.
Simple processes
When applying for our charity grants, applicants will find the process simple, easy and supportive. Our range of support packages targets unrestricted funding at small organisations, but we also make sure we’re helpful to work with. We keep things as easy as possible for funding applicants. Many are working alongside their day-job, in a voluntary role, or new to funding applications.
Apply to us for grants funded by our business partners
Grants for Good is our flagship funding programme, inviting small charities, voluntary groups, local community groups and Community Interest Companies (CICs) to apply for small charity grants — funded by our partner businesses. Individual grant awards range from £2,000 to £5,000, given out across quarterly rounds throughout the year.
The programme is our unique way of connecting organisations doing amazing work in our communities with businesses that want to make a meaningful social impact.
Charities can expect a Foundation that understands their needs and helps them find unrestricted funding through a simple process. Funding businesses can expect to invest meaningfully in organisations that do so much more than tick a CSR box – giving them and their employees a great sense of pride
Exclusive longer term support packages
Alongside small grants for charities, the Matthew Good Foundation also provides exclusive, longer-term grant funding for a limited number of charities we select directly. This funding provides sustained support with core costs – often harder to find elsewhere in the sector. We work closely with each organisation over an extended period, typically three years or more. Our focus is on grassroots charities that align with our goals for people and planet.
Helping you reach out to your audiences
As well as offering charity grants, we offer further support for small charities to amplify their story. Often, charitable organisations are not just dealing with a funding gap, but also with an expertise gap when it comes to communicating their cause to a wide audience. As a foundation with close connections to the business world, we’ve often been able to help fund and coordinate this kind of support. Our charity film offering has grown naturally as we’ve worked with more organisations who could benefit from it.
Employee Volunteering
Practical help from our business network
In addition to small charity grants, we connect organisations with employee volunteers. Socially aware businesses often offer their employees paid time off to volunteer. This gives charities access to valuable labour resources, while helping employees gain the experience and personal benefits of supporting local causes meaningful to them.
We provide volunteering programmes to help charities access volunteers who are employees at some of our partner businesses. Corporate volunteering days can be a great way for charities to find a new demographic of volunteers. They’re also useful for getting help with large tasks, or finding a skilled volunteer for a specific type of work.
We currently have employees looking for single day opportunities in teams of 2–6 people, across Hull, East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, South Wales and London/South East. If you’re looking for single day volunteers, email us at info@matthewgoodfoundation.org to let us know about your opportunity, and we’ll try our best to find you a match.
Charity Insights
Charity Bid Writing Tips: What Makes a Standout Application
Kirsty Clark, Executive Director of the Matthew Good Foundation, shares insider tips on what makes a standout application for the Grants for Good programme – from telling your story with clarity to showing real impact. Whether you're new to charity bid writing or refining your approach, this article offers practical,
CIC vs CIO: Which Structure is Right for Your Good Cause?
Thinking of starting a good cause? Many people begin as a community group, local fundraiser, or volunteer project. As your activities grow, you may want to formalise your organisation. This guide offers beginners information on CICs and CIOs, explaining their key differences, benefits, and considerations for social enterprises and charities.
96% of Charities Get 16% of the Money. How Business ESG Strategy Can Help.
Thousands of small charities are making a huge difference in communities every day, yet they make up 96% of the sector but receive just 16% of its income. The gap isn't just about money, and businesses have a real role to play in closing it.