Making a Difference Locally Ltd

Making a Difference Locally Ltd (MADL), founded in May 2008 as the registered charity of Nisa and Co-op Wholesale, empowers independent retailers in these networks to strengthen UK communities through targeted philanthropy. Funds are generated via sales of specific own-brand products, in-store collections, and retailer accounts, with retailers nominating local causes for approval by a central trustee committee. Its mission emphasises community empowerment, inclusivity, and locally driven impact, leveraging retailers' unique insights into neighbourhood needs to deliver flexible, grassroots support without rigid thematic constraints.

MADL funds a broad spectrum of needs-led initiatives, including grassroots sports clubs, food banks, hospices, schools, youth projects, community centres, health and wellbeing groups, and efforts for vulnerable or marginalised populations across all ages. It supports project costs, core expenses, equipment, events, and occasional emergency aid via programmes like "A Moment in Time" (up to £2,500) and themed "Heart of the Community" rounds addressing issues such as food security, youth support, or winter hardship.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities or community groups with a business bank account, operating within ~10 miles of a participating Nisa or Costcutter store; no income thresholds apply, with preference for small, grassroots organisations. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—contact a local store for nomination, followed by trustee review (meetings six times yearly, rolling basis; themed rounds have fixed deadlines, e.g., recent close 17 September 2024). Grants typically range £100–£5,000, confirmed within 2–3 months.

Distinctively decentralised, MADL excludes funding for goods from nominating stores or individuals, prioritising transparent, retailer-led giving that keeps community money local, fostering trust and sustained impact UK-wide without publicity-seeking or complex processes.