Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Over £2 million distributed since inception in 2013
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Typically within one month
• Grant Range: Typically £1,000 for colleague-sponsored awards; larger amounts available for major projects
• Geographic Focus: Areas where Samworth Brothers operates (primarily Leicestershire, also Cornwall, Cumbria, Bristol, and other UK locations)

Contact Details

• Email: opportunityfund@samworthbrothers.co.uk
• Phone: 01664 414500
• Address: Samworth Bros (Holdings) Ltd, Chetwode House, 1 Samworth Way, Melton Mowbray LE13 1GA
• Website: https://www.samworthbrothers.co.uk/community-opportunity-fund/

Overview

The Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund was established in 2013 as a charitable trust (registered charity number 1155782) by Samworth Brothers Limited, a major UK food manufacturing company. Originally named the Sports Opportunity Fund, it was created following the success of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to support communities through the legacy of the Games. The fund has since evolved to become the Community Opportunity Fund, broadening its scope whilst maintaining a strong focus on sport and youth development. Since inception, the fund has distributed over £2 million, benefitting more than 75 clubs and organisations. The fund represents the company's commitment to supporting communities where their employees live and work, particularly focusing on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Community Development Award: Supports general projects that align with the fund's criteria
• Colleague Sponsored Award: Small grants, typically around £1,000, for projects that Samworth Brothers colleagues have a connection to through their children or volunteering
• Major Project Grants: Larger grants for significant community projects, with multi-year funding available (typically up to three years)

Priority Areas

The fund has specific focus on:

• Sport: Clubs and organisations where sport is the main focus of activities, particularly those with governing body status or Club Mark accreditation
• Food and Nutrition: Clubs, associations and organisations where food, nutrition and cooking skills are the main focus
• Youth Development: Projects primarily targeting young people under 18 years old
• Disadvantaged Groups: Clubs and organisations working with young people from hard to reach and disadvantaged groups, including those with disabilities
• Capacity Building: Awards are typically made to extend organisational capacity

Eligibility Criteria

• Only projects in areas where a Samworth Brothers business is an integral and important part of the local community will be supported
• Main target group is young people under 18 years old
• Organisations should have appropriate safeguarding, welfare and insurance policies in place
• Sports organisations should be members of their relevant sport governing body or hold Club Mark or equivalent status

What They Don't Fund

Based on the fund's stated criteria, they do not support:

• Projects outside areas where Samworth Brothers has business operations
• Organisations without proper safeguarding and insurance arrangements
• Projects not primarily benefiting young people under 18

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Governance and Leadership

The fund is overseen by trustees who meet monthly to review applications. The trust operates with administrative support provided by Samworth Brothers Limited, maintaining close links with the company whilst operating as an independent registered charity.

How to Apply to Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund

How to Apply

Organisations can apply by contacting the fund via email at opportunityfund@samworthbrothers.co.uk or through the application process on the Samworth Brothers website. Applications are reviewed on a monthly cycle.

Application Deadlines

All applications should be submitted by the 25th of the month to be considered at the next trustee meeting. Trustees meet each month to review applications.

Decision Timeline

The fund aims to provide applicants with an update by the end of the meeting month. However, decisions may occasionally be delayed if further information is required, either as documentation or through an in-person visit.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed by the fund.

Grant Duration

Most awards are for one year, although the fund does support some multi-year projects, typically for up to three years.

Reapplication Policy

Organisations may reapply in subsequent rounds if unsuccessful, and are encouraged to contact the fund for feedback.

Application Success Factors

Based on the fund's priorities and approach:

• Strong focus on projects benefiting young people under 18, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Clear connection to areas where Samworth Brothers operates facilities
• Projects centred on sport, physical activity, or food and nutrition
• Appropriate governance structures including safeguarding policies and insurance
• For sports projects, membership of relevant governing bodies or Club Mark status
• Evidence of capacity building and sustainable impact
• Measurable outcomes that demonstrate benefit to hard to reach groups
• For colleague-sponsored awards, connection through Samworth Brothers employees

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Ensure your project clearly targets young people under 18 as the main beneficiary group
• Emphasise connections to areas where Samworth Brothers has business operations (primarily Leicestershire, but also Cornwall, Cumbria, Bristol and other locations)
• For sports projects, ensure governing body membership or Club Mark status before applying
• Highlight work with disadvantaged groups or hard to reach young people
• Plan your application to meet the monthly deadline cycle (by 25th of each month)
• Keep applications focused on capacity building and extending organisational reach
• Demonstrate robust safeguarding, welfare and insurance arrangements
• Consider seeking colleague sponsorship if connections exist with Samworth Brothers employees
• For larger projects, be prepared to discuss multi-year funding arrangements
• Focus on either sport/physical activity or food/nutrition themes for strongest alignment

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Dixie Educational Foundation
• Hays Travel Foundation
• The David Wilson Foundation
• Exeter Chiefs Foundation
• Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund
• The Norman Family Charitable Trust
• The Livewell Foundation
• The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust
• County Of Gloucestershire Community Foundation
• Leicestershire, Leicester And Rutland Community Foundation

References

• Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1155782
• Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund website (https://www.samworthbrothers.co.uk/community-opportunity-fund/)
• Various third-party funding directories (Active Together, Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport) verified December 2024