Making a Difference Locally Ltd

MADL funds a broad spectrum of needs-led initiatives across the UK, in communities near participating Nisa or Costcutter stores. Supported causes include grassroots sports clubs, food banks, hospices, schools, youth projects, community centres, and health and wellbeing groups. They also support efforts for vulnerable or marginalised populations of all ages. The trust covers a variety of costs: project expenses, core running costs, equipment, events, and occasional emergency aid. There are no rigid thematic constraints, allowing retailers to respond to the most pressing local needs.

Eligible organisations are UK-registered charities, community groups, schools, and sports clubs operating within roughly ten miles of a participating Nisa or Costcutter store. MADL has a strong preference for small, grassroots organisations and does not set income thresholds. Causes must be nominated by a local store; unsolicited applications are not accepted. The trust prioritises groups that serve vulnerable or marginalised people and those addressing a wide range of community needs, from youth support to food security.

MADL does not fund the purchase of goods from the nominating store or from individuals. As a retailer-led charity, they also do not accept direct applications from organisations; causes must be put forward by a local store. Funding is not available for individuals or for activities that fall outside the trust's community-focused mission.

MADL operates through a decentralised, retailer-led model. Local store partners nominate causes they know well, and a central trustee committee approves funding. The trust supports both project costs and core expenses, offering flexible grants that can cover equipment, events, or emergency needs. This approach ensures that funding stays within the local community and responds directly to neighbourhood priorities.