The John Lewis Foundation came about to invest in disadvantaged communities within which John Lewis operates. It aims to deliver skills for meaningful employment through this and welcomes applicants who also wish to help achieve this, from both the UK and overseas.
The foundation is financially powered through single use carrier bag charges implemented in and around the UK.
Their grant funding criteria outlines that:
- Your organisation must be a registered charity or be able to demonstrate your project as a charitable activity,
- The project must benefit communities in which there is a John Lewis store, supplier, manufacturer, distribution hub, call centre etc.
- Focus on needs of a community and benefit a large group of people,
- Improve the local environment, employability or social inclusion with in these target groups.
The John Lewis Foundation will not fund the purchase or renovation of buildings or any other capital projects. They will also not fund any project that is a course, conference, festival, expedition, overseas travel, fundraising event, reception, lecture, respite break or holiday. Further details can be found from visiting their website.
The Foundation will consider grants of varied amounts with an average grant of around £10,000. Projects of different durations are also considered but are normally not supported for more than three years.
Applications must be made in writing using the Foundation’s application form. There are no deadlines for applications.