Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Information not publicly available
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by program
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000 (main fund), up to £200,000 (special projects)
• Geographic Focus: Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Coventry and Warwickshire

Contact Details

• Email: opportunityfund@samworthbrothers.co.uk
• Phone: 01664 414500
• Website: No dedicated website (operates through Samworth Brothers Limited corporate structure)

Overview

The Samworth Brothers Community Opportunity Fund was established in 2014 as a charitable trust (registered charity number 1155782) by Samworth Brothers Limited, a major UK food manufacturing company. The fund represents the company's commitment to supporting communities where their employees live and work, particularly in the East Midlands region. Operating as a corporate foundation, the fund focuses on grassroots community organizations and smaller charities that might struggle to secure funding from larger grant-makers. The fund maintains a practical approach to philanthropy, emphasizing tangible community benefits and sustainable impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Community Grants: £500 - £5,000 (for registered charities and community groups)
• Special Project Funding: Larger grants available for strategic initiatives (amounts vary)
• Employee Nomination Scheme: Grants for charities nominated by Samworth Brothers employees

Priority Areas

• Youth development and education
• Community cohesion and inclusion
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Support for vulnerable groups
• Local sports and recreation facilities
• Environmental and sustainability projects

What They Don't Fund

• Individual sponsorship or personal appeals
• Political or religious campaigning
• Activities outside their geographic area
• General appeals or circulars
• Retrospective funding
• Commercial ventures or profit-making activities

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Governance and Leadership

The fund is overseen by trustees appointed by Samworth Brothers Limited, with administrative support provided by the corporate social responsibility team. The trust operates with close involvement from the Samworth family, who maintain active oversight of grant-making decisions. The fund benefits from the business expertise of Samworth Brothers' leadership while maintaining charitable independence through its registered trust structure.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted via email to opportunityfund@samworthbrothers.co.uk. There is no formal online portal, and the fund operates on a relatively informal basis with applications reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Organizations should submit a brief outline of their project including budget requirements and intended outcomes.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary depending on the size and nature of the grant request. Smaller community grants are typically decided within 4-8 weeks, while larger strategic grants may take longer to assess.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed by the fund.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months, though they are encouraged to contact the fund for feedback before resubmitting.

Application Success Factors

Based on the fund's priorities and approach:

• Clear demonstration of local community benefit in their core geographic areas
• Projects that align with Samworth Brothers' employee communities
• Evidence of sustainability beyond the grant period
• Collaboration with other local organizations
• Measurable outcomes and impact assessment plans
• Strong financial management and governance structures

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus heavily on local impact in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Coventry or Warwickshire
• Emphasize connections to areas where Samworth Brothers operates facilities
• Keep applications concise and practical rather than overly formal
• Consider requesting employee support or nominations if connections exist
• Smaller grassroots organizations may have advantages over larger charities
• Be prepared for an informal application process without extensive forms
• Highlight any environmental or sustainability aspects of your project

References

• Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1155782
• Samworth Brothers Limited corporate information
• Email and phone contact provided by the organization