Now! Charity Group Ltd

Charity Number: 1048093

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: Not available
  • Decision Time: 4 weeks (micro grants, rolling basis)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £5,000
  • Geographic Focus: East Sussex only

Contact Details

Website: www.nowcharity.org.uk

Email: hello@nowcharity.org.uk

Phone: 01273 487377

Grant Enquiries: communitynow@nowcharity.org.uk

Address:

Unit 1, Phoenix Works, North Street

Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2PE

Overview

NOW! Charity Group Ltd was founded in 1995 when volunteers began operating a milk float collecting and redistributing unwanted furniture across Lewes, East Sussex. The organization formally established Furniture Now! as an independent non-profit, rebranding as Now! Charity Group Ltd in 2015. The charity operates through two main arms: Furniture Now! (retail sites in Lewes, Eastbourne, and Hailsham providing affordable household items) and Community Now! (their grant-making and training division). Their mission is to build “prosperous and sustainable futures for people and planet” through increasing public access to quality household essentials, implementing greener waste management practices, and investing in local community initiatives. The organization holds “Outstanding” training provider accreditation since 2016 and is a member of the European Reuse Network and Disability Confident scheme. Their Sustainable Communities Fund redistributes annual profits from their retail operations to support local projects.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Sustainable Communities Fund - Large Grants: £500 - £5,000

  • Delivered in partnership with Sussex Community Foundation
  • Applications submitted through Sussex Community Foundation portal
  • Applicants must state “Now! Charity Sustainable Communities Fund” in project details
  • Fund currently closed for strategic review; autumn deadline to be announced

Sustainable Communities Fund - Micro Grants: Up to £500

  • Dedicated application form available on website
  • Rolling basis applications
  • Aimed to be approved within 4 weeks

Priority Areas

The fund supports East Sussex community projects that:

  • Reduce waste and environmental impact through circular economy principles
  • Use repair, reuse, recycling, or upcycling activities
  • Deliver social outcomes through recycling, repair, and reuse schemes
  • Alleviate household poverty through sustainable practices
  • Improve quality of living for people in their homes
  • Offer training or support for individuals in these areas

Eligible Organizations:

  • Schools, colleges, universities
  • Community and voluntary groups
  • Sports clubs
  • Charities
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs)
  • Social enterprises

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects outside East Sussex
  • Activities not aligned with circular economy, reuse, recycling, or repair principles
  • Projects that do not demonstrate social outcomes
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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

Gordon Sims - Chairman: 28 years management experience; former Senior Manager; independent HR and training consultant for 13+ years. Became Chairman February 2019.

Sarah Hinks - Interim CEO: Board member since March 2019. Quote: “I am proud to have a part in supporting a cause I believe in, with a charity that aims to improve futures for individuals and our communities.”

Caroline Cutress - Vice-Chair: 25+ years strategic marketing experience spanning brand development, innovation, and international projects.

Neil Whines - Chair of Finance & HR Sub-Committee: Chartered Accountant specializing in small business support; former part-time Finance Director of St Wilfrid's Hospice (10 years).

David Carter: Chief Operating Officer at The Cheeky Panda (B-Corp sustainable brand). Logistics and supply chain specialist.

Paul Powici: Former senior manager at Housing Corporation and local authorities. Specializes in risk management and policy development.

Matthew Grant: Employment lawyer in private practice. Passionate about accessible essential items and community volunteering.

Denise Turner: Professor of Social Work; qualified psychotherapist; published researcher on social issues including bereavement and mental wellbeing.

Note: No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Large Grants (up to £5,000):

  • Submit applications through Sussex Community Foundation online portal
  • Must state “Now! Charity Sustainable Communities Fund” in project details section
  • Fund currently under strategic review; autumn deadline to be announced once review completed

Micro Grants (up to £500):

  • Complete dedicated application form available on NOW! Charity website
  • Applications processed on rolling basis

Decision Timeline

Micro Grants: Applications aimed to be approved within 4 weeks

Large Grants: Timeline not specified; likely follows Sussex Community Foundation's standard process

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Core Values

Projects must demonstrate clear alignment with NOW! Charity's mission of building “prosperous and sustainable futures for people and planet.” The organization emphasizes that “nobody views their role as a retail position or just another job. We care about each other,” indicating they value organizations with similar people-centered values.

Circular Economy Focus

Strong emphasis on projects that promote:

  • Repair, reuse, recycling, or upcycling activities
  • Waste reduction and environmental impact
  • Circular economy principles in practice

Social Impact

Projects are “particularly encouraged” if they:

  • Use sustainable practices to alleviate household poverty
  • Improve quality of living for people in their homes
  • Deliver training or support for individuals
  • Demonstrate clear social outcomes alongside environmental benefits

Geographic Specificity

Must operate within East Sussex boundaries - this is a firm requirement

Partnership Approach

Large grants delivered through Sussex Community Foundation partnership suggests they value collaborative approaches and established funding mechanisms

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic requirement is non-negotiable: Projects must be delivered in East Sussex to be eligible
  • Dual impact is key: Strongest applications will demonstrate both environmental benefits (waste reduction, circular economy) and social outcomes (poverty alleviation, skills development)
  • Consider starting small: Micro grants (up to £500) offer faster decisions (4 weeks) and rolling applications, making them ideal for testing partnership with the funder
  • Use their language: Emphasize “circular economy,” “reuse,” “repair,” “recycling,” “upcycling,” and “social outcomes” in applications
  • Currently under review: The fund is closed while they review their funding strategy, so check website for reopening announcements before preparing applications
  • Partnership delivery: Large grants go through Sussex Community Foundation portal, so familiarize yourself with SCF's application requirements and language

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