The Minorfern Foundation has launched the second year of its charitable giving programme, announcing the first three charities to receive funding in 2025/26. Together, the organisations mark the start of a £38,000 funding round supporting grassroots charities nominated by SDL Car Parts employees.
Managing Director of SDL Car Parts, Nick Holland visits staff and children at Wildlings to present their grant.
Launched in 2024 by family-owned vehicle parts distributor SDL Car Parts, the Minorfern Foundation was created to support local charities making a meaningful difference in their communities. Delivered in partnership with The Matthew Good Foundation, the programme provides unrestricted grants to organisations put forward by staff, helping ensure funding reaches causes that matter most to SDL Car Parts’ people.
During its first year, the Foundation awarded funding to ten charities across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire, supporting work ranging from food poverty and children’s health to animal welfare and emergency response. Building on that momentum, the 2025/26 programme will distribute £38,000 in grants, with further awards to be announced later in the year.
The first three charities selected reflect the breadth of need the programme aims to address.
Wildlings is a nature-focused early years setting that combines indoor and outdoor learning to support children’s development. Set across a bright hall and ancient woodland, it provides a safe space where children can explore, play, and grow at their own pace. The setting’s ethos encourages curiosity, resilience, and care for the natural world, creating a collaborative community that benefits children and the planet alike.
Pathways is Chesterfield’s primary centre for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. The service provides housing advice and support, access to essential services, mentoring, and activities to support wellbeing. Funding from the Minorfern Foundation will help provide people moving into temporary housing with essential items, from sleeping bags to starter kits including a toaster, kettle, cleaning supplies, and other household basics.
Gussies Pantry, part of Gussies Community in Chesterfield, supports local residents experiencing food insecurity while fostering connections and community engagement. Through its pantry shop, jumble shop, and community events, the project reaches households in need, providing access to affordable food, social spaces, and practical resources. Volunteers drive much of this work, ensuring that support is both consistent and personal.
SDL Car Parts Staff present Gussies Pantry with their grant.
Following a strong first year, the launch of the second funding round reflects SDL Car Parts’ continued commitment to people-led giving. Employee nominations remain central to the programme, helping direct funding towards organisations with strong local knowledge and trusted relationships within their communities.
The partnership with the Matthew Good Foundation continues to play a key role in ensuring funding reaches grassroots charities. By providing unrestricted charity grants, the programme enables organisations to respond flexibly to need and sustain their core work, recognising that local charities often deliver significant impact with limited resources, and that flexibility can be just as valuable as the funding itself.
Further grants will be awarded throughout the 2025/26 programme, with SDL Car Parts employees continuing to play a central role in nominating the causes they want to support.
To learn more about the Minorfern Foundation and follow the journey of the charities supported, visit the SDL Car Parts website and follow updates on social media using #MinorfernFoundation.
