The Matthew Good Foundation, funded by the John Good Group, is committed to supporting grassroots charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises that are driving meaningful change in their communities. Through Grants for Good, we provide vital funding to help small organisations grow and thrive.
What is Grants for Good?
Grants for Good is an initiative designed to support small and emerging charities that have a powerful impact on people, communities, or the environment. Unlike many funding programmes with complex application requirements, our process is simple and accessible, ensuring that even newly established organisations can apply.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a Grants for Good award, applicants must:
- Be a local charity, voluntary group, or social enterprise with a positive community impact.
- Have an average annual income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months.
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name.
How the Funding Works
Each year, we distribute £60,000 in funding, awarding £15,000 every three months to five shortlisted organisations. The final funding amounts are determined through a vote by employees of the John Good Group, with awards distributed as follows:
- 1st place: £5,000
- 2nd place: £3,500
- 3rd place: £2,500
- 4th & 5th place: £2,000 each
Application Rounds & Deadlines
Organisations can apply at any time, and applications are considered in the next funding round. The funding cycle follows this schedule:
- December 16 – March 15 → Funding announced May/June
- March 16 – June 15 → Funding announced August/September
- June 16 – September 15 → Funding announced November/December
- September 16 – December 15 → Funding announced February/March
Due to the high volume of applications, please allow up to three months after each deadline for funding announcements.
The Application Process
- Step 1: Longlisting
- After each application round, our Grants for Good panel reviews and selects a longlist of potential recipients. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage, which includes:
- A reference check with your named referee.
- A short video call to discuss your project.
- Due diligence checks.
- After each application round, our Grants for Good panel reviews and selects a longlist of potential recipients. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage, which includes:
- Step 2: Shortlisting
- The panel selects five organisations to receive funding. If shortlisted, you are guaranteed a grant between £2,000 – £5,000. If not selected, your application remains under consideration for future rounds.
- Step 3: Employee Vote
- Shortlisted organisations are featured on our website, and John Good Group employees vote to determine the final award amounts.
- Step 4: Results & Funding
- Once voting closes, we notify applicants of the results and transfer funding. Winners are announced on our website and social media channels.
- Step 5: Post-Funding Support
- Your project remains on the Grants for Good website, and we check in periodically to track impact and share updates.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Want to boost your chances of receiving a grant? Here are some tips:
- Show Innovation: Highlight how your project creatively addresses community needs.
- Demonstrate Scalability: Explain how your organisation can grow and increase impact.
- Show Strong Leadership: Tell us why you are the right person to lead your project.
- Tell a Compelling Story: Share the personal motivations behind your cause.
- Prove Your Impact: Provide clear, specific outcomes for how the funding will be used.
Need More Information?
Email us at info@matthewgoodfoundation.org
Matthew Good Foundation, Quarry House, Hesslewood Office Park, Hessle, HU13 0LH
