Matthew Good Foundation

The foundation funds small, UK-based charities, voluntary groups, community groups and social enterprises, providing unrestricted core funding that allows organisations to use money where it is most needed. It supports work across health, mental health, education, community development and environmental sustainability, with a particular emphasis on innovative, local initiatives. Through its Changemaker Bursary, it also offers leadership support for individual grassroots leaders and emerging changemakers, recognising the people behind the change. The foundation’s Grants for Good programme is open to organisations across the UK, and the foundation values creative, community-rooted projects that make a tangible difference at a local level.

UK-based community groups, charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises with a modest annual income, reflecting the foundation’s focus on smaller grassroots organisations, are eligible for the Grants for Good programme. Regular limited companies, sole traders and individuals are not eligible for this programme, though individuals can apply for the separate Changemaker Bursary. The foundation does not impose any religious restrictions and welcomes applications from organisations working across its priority themes of health, mental health, education, community and environment.

The foundation does not fund activities that promote political or religious beliefs, sponsorship or fundraising events, sports clubs or sponsorship, equipment for sports or music clubs, or projects linked to major organisations such as Brownies or Scouts. Regular limited companies, sole traders and individuals are excluded from the Grants for Good programme.

Grants for Good provides unrestricted core funding, allowing organisations to use the money where it is most needed. The foundation operates a trust-based model where shortlisted applicants are voted on by John Good Group staff. All operating costs are covered by the family business, so 100% of donations reach grantees. Unsolicited applications are welcome and considered in the next available funding round.