The Clark Foundation provides grants to support community projects that improve local facilities, spaces and services. Funding focuses on capital projects and equipment that create long-term benefit for communities.
The Foundation prioritises projects in areas where Clarks employees, pensioners and their families live and work, with a strong geographic focus on parts of Somerset, Devon, Cumbria and surrounding regions.
Key Links
- View the funders website
- View 100s of grants like this on Fundin for free
- See how our team can help you apply
About the Clark Foundation
Established in 1959, the Clark Foundation is an independent charitable organisation linked to the Clarks business. Each year, it distributes funding to community groups and charities delivering projects that improve quality of life in local communities.
Funding is primarily directed towards capital improvements and equipment that strengthen community infrastructure and create lasting impact.
How Much Funding Is Available
The Foundation offers two main grant types:
- Small Grants: £250 to £1,000 (rolling decisions)
- Community Grants: £1,000 to £100,000+ (reviewed quarterly)
Most grants are relatively modest, with average awards often around a few thousand pounds, but larger capital projects can receive significantly higher amounts depending on scale and impact.
What the Foundation Supports
The Clark Foundation supports capital projects, equipment and start-up costs across a wide range of community sectors.
Examples include:
- Health and wellbeing services, including hospices and community care
- Village halls and community centre improvements
- Youth groups, play areas and recreational facilities
- Education facilities, libraries and school equipment
- Arts, heritage and cultural projects
- Sports facilities and leisure spaces
Funding is focused on projects that create tangible, long-term assets for communities.
What the Foundation Does Not Fund
The Foundation does not typically support:
- General running costs or ongoing revenue funding
- Individuals
- Projects outside priority geographic areas
Funding is intended for one-off investments rather than ongoing operational support.
Who Is Eligible
To apply, organisations must:
- Be a not-for-profit organisation such as a charity, CIC, school or local council
- Be based in, or delivering projects in, key locations such as Somerset, Plymouth, Barnstaple or Kendal
- Demonstrate a clear link to communities where Clarks employees or pensioners live and work
Applications without a clear geographic or community link are unlikely to be considered.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications are submitted via a downloadable application form and sent directly to the Foundation.
- Small grants are decided on a rolling basis, often quickly
- Larger grants are reviewed at quarterly committee meetings
Applicants requesting over £1,000 must also provide a short executive summary outlining their project, impact and funding plan.
What Makes a Strong Application
Strong applications typically:
- Focus on clear capital or equipment needs
- Demonstrate strong community benefit
- Show evidence of local demand and impact
- Include clear costings and funding plans
- Highlight links to local communities connected to Clarks
The Foundation expects to be one of several funders, so organisations should show how the wider project will be financed.
Is This Right for Your Organisation
If your organisation is delivering a capital project or purchasing equipment to improve community facilities and operates in an area connected to Clarks communities – the Clark Foundation could be a strong fit.
This fund is particularly suited to grassroots organisations looking to make tangible improvements to local infrastructure, spaces and services that benefit their community over the long term.
