Dr. Martens Foundation

Charity Number: 1194513

Annual Expenditure: £1.9M

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Quick Stats

Annual Giving: £1,889,000 (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Not publicly available
Grant Range: £20,000 - £300,000
Geographic Focus: Global (UK and international)

Contact Details

Email: dmfoundation@drmartens.com

Phone: 0371 384 2030

Charity Number: 1194513

Company Number: 13174032

Note: The foundation is currently refining its strategy. Check their official channels for latest updates on application processes.

Overview

The Dr. Martens Foundation was established in 2021 as an independent UK charity by Dr. Martens plc. Since inception, the foundation has made 70 grants globally with approximately £3 million committed. The foundation's mission is rooted in the Dr. Martens community values and focuses on distributing grants to advance social justice for marginalized and disadvantaged communities worldwide. The foundation operates two primary grant programs: the Grassroots Grant Program and the “Right to Be” Program, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The foundation is currently refining its strategic approach to ensure maximum impact in driving lasting change. In 2024, the foundation distributed £1,889,000 across 66 grants, supporting grassroots organizations working on human rights, civic participation, structural inequality, and access to social services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Grassroots Grant Program: £20,000 - £50,000+ (typical range)

Supports grassroots organizations working in human rights, civic participation, structural inequality, and access to social services
In 2024, made 60 grants totaling £1,087,000
Some grants are unrestricted, providing core support

“Right to Be” Program: £50,000 - £300,000

Focuses on grants related to race, gender, and LGBT causes
In 2024, made 5 grants totaling £652,000
Includes multi-year funding commitments

Emergency Grants: Variable amounts

Responsive funding for urgent needs
In 2024, made 1 grant for £150,000

Priority Areas

The foundation actively funds work in:

Human Rights & Social Justice: Organizations advancing rights for marginalized communities
LGBTQIA+ Rights: Youth homelessness, international advocacy, gender and sexual identity causes
Racial Justice: Anti-racism work, supporting Black communities and communities of color
Gender Justice: Women's rights and gender equality initiatives
Civic Participation: Community organizing and movement building
Structural Inequality: Addressing systemic barriers and disadvantage
Access to Social Services: Supporting vulnerable populations
Climate/Environmental Justice: Intersectional environmental work
Economic Justice: Livelihood issues and labor rights
Arts, Culture & Media: Cultural change initiatives
Agriculture and Food Security: Community-focused food systems

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed. However, given the foundation's focus on social justice and grassroots organizing, funding is unlikely for:

Projects not aligned with advancing social justice
Work that doesn't address marginalized or disadvantaged communities
Non-charitable purposes

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Governance and Leadership

The Dr. Martens Foundation is structured as a charitable company registered in England and Wales. Paul Armstrong, the former managing director of Permira, serves as a director of the foundation as of 2025. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing grant distribution.

The foundation operates as an independent entity while maintaining strong alignment with Dr. Martens plc's community values and commitment to social responsibility.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Current Status: The foundation is currently refining its strategy to work in the most effective way to drive real change. Specific application processes, portals, and deadlines are not publicly detailed at this time.

Recommendation: Contact the foundation directly at dmfoundation@drmartens.com or call 0371 384 2030 for current application information and to discuss potential funding opportunities.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly available. Multi-year grant commitments suggest the foundation takes a strategic, long-term approach to funding relationships.

Success Rates

Application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2024, the foundation made 66 grants globally, indicating selective but meaningful grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies and unsuccessful applicant waiting periods is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Funded Projects Examples

Recent grant recipients provide insight into the foundation's priorities:

OutRight Action International (£300,000 multi-year): International LGBTIQ human rights organization working globally
European Network Against Racism (£300,000): Pan-European anti-racism network
National Black Justice Coalition (£254,000): US-based Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization
Women's Foundation Hong Kong (£86,000): Gender justice organization
Rebit (£50,000): Canadian 2SLGBTQ+ organization
akt (The Albert Kennedy Trust) (partnership since 2022): UK LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity
Youth Music (£20,000): Supporting D/deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent creatives

Key Success Factors

Grassroots Focus: The foundation prioritizes grassroots organizations working directly with affected communities. Demonstrate authentic community leadership and engagement.

Social Justice Alignment: Projects must clearly advance social justice for marginalized and disadvantaged populations. Articulate how your work addresses systemic inequality.

Intersectional Approach: Successful grants often address multiple issues (e.g., LGBTQ+ rights + homelessness, racial justice + economic justice). Show how your work tackles intersecting challenges.

Global Reach: The foundation funds internationally, not just in the UK. Organizations from various countries have received support.

Unrestricted Funding Available: Some grants are unrestricted, suggesting the foundation values organizational sustainability and trusts grantees' expertise.

Multi-Year Commitments: Larger grants may include multi-year funding, indicating the foundation values long-term partnerships and sustained impact.

Additional Support: As a corporate foundation, Dr. Martens Foundation may offer volunteering opportunities and services such as marketing support beyond financial grants.

Strategic Considerations

Align your application with the foundation's community values of standing up for marginalized voices
Demonstrate how your work creates “lasting change” - a phrase emphasized in their current strategy
Consider whether you're seeking grassroots funding (smaller amounts for direct service) or strategic “Right to Be” funding (larger amounts for systems change)
Highlight community organizing, movement building, and civic participation aspects of your work

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Social Justice Mandate: Every application must clearly demonstrate how it advances social justice for marginalized or disadvantaged communities. This is the foundation's core purpose.

Grassroots or Strategic: Understand which program fits your work - the Grassroots Grant Program for community-level impact or “Right to Be” for larger-scale systems change focused on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Global Perspective: Don't assume UK-only funding. The foundation has made grants across multiple countries and continents, supporting international human rights work.

Relationship-Based Grantmaking: Multi-year commitments and unrestricted funding suggest the foundation invests in organizations, not just projects. Build a relationship before applying if possible.

Strategy in Transition: The foundation is currently refining its approach. Contact them early to understand current priorities and whether applications are being accepted.

Intersectionality Matters: Successful grants often address multiple, intersecting forms of oppression. Frame your work within broader social justice movements.

Beyond Money: Explore whether volunteering support or marketing expertise from Dr. Martens could benefit your organization alongside financial grants.