The Speedomick Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £442,000+ distributed to date
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000 (estimated, average £2,200)
• Geographic Focus: UK and Ireland

Contact Details

Website: www.thespeedomickfoundation.org

Phone: 07540 221756

Email: paulsbibby@icloud.com

Grant Applications: www.thespeedomickfoundation.org/grant-application/

Overview

The SpeedoMick Foundation (Charity Number: 1189920) was founded by Michael Cullen, known as “SpeedoMick,” an Everton supporter who has raised over £1 million through charitable walks wearing only blue Speedos and boots. Having personally experienced homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges for 23 years before recovery, Cullen brings authentic understanding to the foundation's work. Since establishment, the foundation has distributed over £442,000 to more than 170 grassroots charities across the UK and Ireland. The foundation began actively supporting small charities during the COVID-19 pandemic when these organizations faced unprecedented demands while being unable to fundraise. SpeedoMick has received a British Empire Medal (BEM), recognition in the Happy List 2021, and a British Citizens Award at Westminster Palace.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Grant Program: £500 - £5,000 (estimated range, average £2,200)
• Online application via website on rolling basis
• Focus on grassroots charities and community groups

Priority Areas

• Disadvantaged Young People (41% of recent grants): Educational opportunities, poverty relief, confidence building, safe spaces for youth
• Homelessness Support (32% of recent grants): Direct services, prevention programs, accommodation support
• Mental Health (15% of recent grants): Support services, counseling, community programs
• Rehabilitation (5% of recent grants): Addiction recovery, substance abuse support

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, funding clearly focuses on:

• UK and Ireland-based organizations only
• Grassroots charities and community groups
• Projects aligned with youth support, poverty relief, homelessness, and health

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Governance and Leadership

Founder: Michael Cullen (SpeedoMick) - 23 years recovery from homelessness and addiction, trained counselor

Trustees: 4 trustees including Paul Bibby (retired managing partner, MSB solicitors)

Key Quote from Michael Cullen: “We need to tackle the problems in our society by being caring, compassionate and loving to our children.”

Governance Principle: No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits. Trustees actively seek feedback on donation impact and evidence of project success.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online application through www.thespeedomickfoundation.org/grant-application/

Three-stage process:

1. Submit initial application via website form
2. May require written presentation to trustees (or direct to Stage 3 if sufficient information provided)
3. Board approval and grant award

Application requires:

• Organization details
• Purpose for funds
• Amount requested

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified - contact foundation for current timeframes

Success Rates

170+ grants awarded since inception. Foundation states “the number of projects which can be supported is limited.”

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly stated - contact foundation directly

Application Success Factors

• Lived Experience Alignment: Foundation values organizations that understand real challenges faced by vulnerable people, not just theoretical approaches
• Grassroots Nature: Explicitly targets “small, grass roots charities” - emphasize direct service delivery
• Compassion in Practice: Demonstrate how your organization shows “compassion and understanding to young people”
• Evidence of Impact: Be prepared to show outcomes and provide progress reports - trustees actively monitor effectiveness
• Specific Outcomes: Example success - Merseyside Children's Holiday Fund received multi-year support to send 60 specific young people on specific experiences
• Community Connection: If serving areas where SpeedoMick has undertaken fundraising walks, mention this connection

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Personal connection matters: Born from lived experience - show real understanding of challenges, not bureaucratic frameworks
• Think small and grassroots: Average grant £2,200 - ideal for small charities needing modest amounts for specific projects
• Prioritize young people: Disadvantaged youth receive largest proportion of funding (41% of recent grants)
• Use compassionate language: Avoid clinical terminology - foundation ethos is about caring for people
• Be specific about impact: State exact numbers of beneficiaries and concrete outcomes (follow Merseyside example)
• Prepare for accountability: Factor reporting requirements into project planning
• Consider multi-year potential: Foundation has supported organizations multiple years - they value building relationships

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Elifar Foundation Limited
• The Carmela & Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation
• THE TRUEMARK TRUST
• IMAGINE FOUNDATION
• DJ Sidebottom/Glasdon Charitable Programme
• The Tudwick Foundation
• The Shanly Foundation
• The George A Moore Foundation
• Focus Foundation
• P F Charitable Trust

References

• UK Charity Commission Register - The SpeedoMick Foundation (1189920)
• The SpeedoMick Foundation Official Website - www.thespeedomickfoundation.org
• The SpeedoMick Foundation Grant Application Page
• The SpeedoMick Foundation Projects and Giving Page
• The Mailing Room Case Study on SpeedoMick Foundation