The B&Q Foundation awards small grants to UK registered charities that are working directly with people in need by providing small grants for projects that:

1. Provide, maintain, repair or improve housing or community space, and/or
2. Support people in poor housing or those who are homeless.

The Foundation will provide grant support for all people experiencing disadvantage, with a particular interest in charities working with:

o A disability.
o In financial hardship.
o Ill health and sickness, and/or
o The homeless.

Examples of potential projects include (please note that this is not an exclusive list):

o Creating a new room.
o Creating an indoor or outdoor space.
o Creating a sensory or community garden.
o Decorating and renovating, and
o Improving heat retention.

Grants tend to be for up to £5,000, with the occasional higher awards.  Grants can cover equipment and staff time. There is no specified requirement for matched funding and charities do not need to be in an area where a B&Q store is located in order to apply.

A number of case studies of previously funded projects is available on the B&Q Foundation website and on page 2 of its annual accounts.

Funding is not available for:

o Activities that have already taken place.
o Activities that solely support animal welfare.
o Contributions to general appeals or circulars.
o Privately owned and profit-distributing companies or limited partnerships.
o Projects in the Republic of Ireland or the Channel Islands.
o Projects to improve office facilities unless they are for dual purpose where beneficiaries make use of the space.
o Public bodies to carry out their statutory obligations, or
o Religious activity which is not for wider public benefit.

The Foundation’s grant programme is being managed by Bristol-based giving platform, Neighbourly, in itself a useful resource that enables businesses to make a positive impact in their communities by donating volunteer time, money and surplus products, all in one place.

Further information, guidance, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and details about how to apply is available on the Foundation’s website.

To apply, charities should:

1.Register on the Neighbourly website. Once a profile has been completed, applicants can access other Neighbourly resources.
2 Complete an Expression of Interest form, and
3. If invited, complete a Full application.

Applications may be made at any time, but please note that any funded project must be completed within 6 months of the award.