Fat Face Foundation

Charity Number: 1129392

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Quick Stats

  • Total Raised Since 2009: £2,800,000+
  • Small Grant Range: £50 - £5,000
  • Application Method: Twice yearly (first-come-first-served)
  • Available per Window: £20,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK (where FatFace operates) and international (where they source/manufacture)
  • Special Programs: I Will Grants (£750 max for staff), Major partnerships (£5,000-£500,000)

Contact Details

Website: https://fatfacefoundation.org.uk/

Email: fatfacefoundation@fatface.com

Phone: 023 9244 1100

Application Submissions: When application windows are open, email proposals (maximum 2 pages, in-depth) to fatfacefoundation@fatface.com including name, contact details, and required information.

Overview

The FatFace Foundation was established in 2009 to make a positive and enduring difference to communities where the FatFace clothing brand designs, sources, manufactures, and sells its products. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised over £2.8 million for charities across the UK and abroad through donations from customers and staff. The Foundation's mission centers on changing people's lives by introducing those who deserve it to outdoor pursuits and experiences. In 2024, the Foundation made a significant commitment, pledging £1,000,000 to ocean health by 2030, aligning with the UN Ocean Decade's goal to protect 30% of the world's oceans. The Foundation operates with two main strategic pillars: PLANET (environmental conservation) and COMMUNITY (health, wellbeing, and support for disadvantaged young people).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants Programme: £50 - £5,000 (from a £20,000 pot per application window)

  • Opens twice yearly on a first-come-first-served basis
  • Applications via email when windows are open
  • Must directly benefit end users, not charity overheads

I Will Grants: Up to £750

  • Available to FatFace crew members (staff)
  • Created in 2022 to enable employees to support causes close to their hearts
  • £20,000 dedicated annually to this program

Major Partnership Grants: £5,000 - £500,000

  • Generally brought forward by Trustees
  • Multi-year partnerships available
  • Recent examples: £500,000 to Marine Conservation Society (over multiple years), £35,000 to Ocean Generation

Priority Areas

The Foundation funds projects aligned with two pillars:

PLANET Pillar:

  • Ocean health and marine conservation
  • Seagrass restoration and habitat protection
  • Environmental education programs
  • Beach clean-ups and coastal conservation
  • Wildflower and biodiversity projects

COMMUNITY Pillar:

  • Support for disadvantaged young people
  • Health and wellbeing initiatives
  • Youth sports and outdoor activities
  • Mental health support
  • Support for vulnerable adults, homeless individuals, women's aid, veterans
  • Food banks and emergency relief
  • Educational programs
  • Cancer support services

What They Don't Fund

  • Charity overheads or administrative costs
  • Organizations without geographic links to FatFace operations (where they source, manufacture, sell, or distribute)
  • Projects that don't align with PLANET or COMMUNITY pillars
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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees who bring forward most major funding partnerships. Trustee Jodie Higgins has been identified in public statements discussing the Foundation's work.

As a general rule, the Trustees bring forward most charities and projects for major funding consideration, though specific application windows allow broader access to small grants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Small Grants (£50-£5,000):

  • Applications open twice yearly
  • First-come-first-served basis with £20,000 available per window
  • Email proposals to fatfacefoundation@fatface.com when windows are open
  • Proposals should be in-depth but no longer than 2 pages
  • Include name, contact details, and all required information
  • Applications outside open windows will not be considered

Major Partnerships:

  • Generally by trustee nomination or invitation
  • Contact the Foundation directly to discuss potential partnerships

I Will Grants:

  • Available only to FatFace crew members (staff)
  • Up to £750 per application

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The Foundation notes that “decisions have been made and charities informed” following application windows, suggesting decisions are made relatively promptly after each window closes.

Success Rates

Success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed. The first-come-first-served nature of small grants with a fixed £20,000 pot per window (twice yearly) suggests competitive demand.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is published. Unsuccessful applicants should monitor the Foundation's website for the next application window opening.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Connection is Critical: Applications must have a direct link to FatFace or be close to where FatFace sources, manufactures, sells, or distributes products. This is a fundamental eligibility requirement.

Direct Beneficiary Impact: The Foundation explicitly states they “will not fund charity overheads and the funding must directly benefit the end user.” Applications should clearly demonstrate how funds will reach and impact beneficiaries.

Alignment with Pillars: Projects must connect with either the PLANET or COMMUNITY pillar. The Foundation prioritizes:

  • Environment
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Support for disadvantaged young people

Recent Funded Projects as Examples:

  • Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust: £30,000 for Solent Seagrass Restoration Project
  • Ocean Generation: £35,000 for Wavemakers programme empowering young people
  • Young Lives VS Cancer: £5,000 for Jean's House accommodation
  • Breakout Youth: £5,000 for Pride Prom event (fourth year of support)
  • Havant Hockey Club: £9,000 for Community Programme
  • Schools: Funding for 50 scooters each for Scooter Libraries
  • Mental Health Aberdeen: £750 through I Will Grants
  • The Trussell Trust: £750 for Emergency Fund Appeal

Act Quickly: The first-come-first-served model means applications should be submitted promptly when windows open.

Keep It Concise: Two-page maximum for proposals—be clear, focused, and demonstrate direct impact.

Build Relationships: The Foundation appears to favor ongoing relationships, with multiple examples of multi-year support (Breakout Youth in fourth year, Marine Conservation Society partnership renewed).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Verify your organization's connection to FatFace locations or supply chain before applying
  • Time your application strategically: With a £20,000 pot twice yearly on first-come-first-served basis, monitor the website closely and apply immediately when windows open
  • Emphasize direct beneficiary impact: Clearly articulate how every pound reaches end users, not organizational overheads
  • Align with ocean health or community wellbeing: The Foundation's £1 million ocean health pledge and strong community focus suggest these areas receive priority
  • Consider the I Will Grants route: If you have connections to FatFace staff, encourage them to apply on your behalf for up to £750
  • Think partnership, not one-off: Multi-year relationships appear valued—position your project as having ongoing impact
  • Be concise and specific: Two-page maximum means every word counts—focus on tangible outcomes and measurable impact

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