Arnold Clark Community Fund

Objectives of Fund

In 2024, the Arnold Clark Community Fund offers the following support:

• Cost of Living Support – funding to any registered UK charity or community group whose work directly supports those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, such as foodbanks, accommodation, poverty relief and where people/communities in the UK are the primary and immediate focus of investment.
  
• Our Communities Support – funding to projects embedded in the communities in which Arnold Clark operates and is available to organisations who provide services widely accessible to those within Arnold Clark local communities, addressing the needs of those living within them.
• Gear Up for Sport – 150 sports kits given away each month to support youth sports teams across the UK. Any youth team with up to 30 members aged 4 to 15 years can apply.

Value Notes

Funding is at the discretion of Arnold Clark Community Fund. The maximum grant is £2,500.

All payments will be made by BACS only to a bank account in the organisation's name.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from:

• UK registered charities
• Local community groups
• Social enterprises
• Community interest companies
• Groups of organisations that are community or voluntary led
• Charitable incorporated organisations

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have people and communities in the UK as their primary focus of investment
• Be incorporated in the UK.
• Have a bank account in the organisation's name.

Registered charity applicants must provide their charity number, current bank statement and proof of address.

Applicants from unregistered charities and community groups will be required to provide a bank statement, letter of constitution and a letter from their local councillor/MSP/MP.

The Cost of Living Support particularly welcomes applications from smaller voluntary and community organisations who are working with those most affected and vulnerable to the increased cost of living.

Our Communities Support particularly welcome applications from smaller voluntary and community organisations who are working within our local communities.

Priority will be given to charities and local community groups within a 50-mile radius of Arnold Clark branches.

Location

England, Scotland, Wales

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Individuals
• Sole traders
• Professional sports teams
• Organisations operating in Northern Ireland or Southern Ireland
• Organisations operating outside the UK even if registered in the UK.
• Anyone applying on behalf of an organisation
• Organisations which generate profits for private distribution
• Schools, nurseries, colleges (unless this immediately impacts the wider community)
• Organisations that are asking for funding for private gain.
• Religious activity (unless this immediately impacts the wider community)
• Projects that benefit an individual rather than the wider community.
• Political activities
• Loan repayments

Eligible Expenditure

The funding must be used for charitable or community purposes.

Projects applying for 'Our Communities Support' must address one of the following categories:

• Animal welfare (benefiting humans)
• Arts and culture
• Community development
• Disability
• Education
• Recreation
• Relief support
• Mental health support

Projects must have people/communities in the UK as the primary and immediate focus of investment.

Applications are also only eligible if they are made by an organisation that is based/operates solely in the UK and is located within 50 miles of an Arnold Clark branch.

How To Apply

Applications are now open until the end of December 2024. Applications are reviewed when they are received. Arnold Clark will contact successful applicants on a weekly basis.

Applicants who are unsuccessful one month will be automatically entered into the draw for the following month.

Only one application will be accepted per organisation.

The criteria, faqs, terms and conditions, and application forms are available on the Arnold Clark website.

Contact Arnold Clark Community Team for further information.