One Stop Community Partnership Programme – Supporting Local Communities with Grants and Volunteers

If your organisation is working to make a positive difference in its local community, the One Stop Community Partnership Programme could provide valuable funding alongside practical support from One Stop store colleagues.

Delivered by Groundwork UK in partnership with One Stop Stores Ltd, the programme helps charities and community groups deliver projects that improve local communities while building lasting relationships with their local One Stop store. (Groundwork UK)

Funding Available
Successful organisations can receive:

• Up to £1,000 in grant funding.
• The opportunity to develop a long-term partnership with their local One Stop store.
• Practical support through colleague volunteering and community engagement activities. 

What Can the Funding Support?
Projects should benefit local communities and align with at least one of the programme's themes, including:

• Supporting vulnerable people
• Improving health and wellbeing
• Tackling food poverty
• Enhancing community spaces
• Environmental improvement
• Supporting children and young people
• Promoting community cohesion

The programme is designed to support activities that have a clear, positive impact on local people and strengthen community connections. (Groundwork UK)

Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcomed from organisations located within two miles of a One Stop store, including:

• Registered charities
• Community Interest Companies (CICs)
• Constituted community groups
• Social enterprises
• Other not-for-profit organisations

Applicants must be able to demonstrate how their project will benefit the local community and, where possible, engage with their local One Stop colleagues. (Groundwork UK)

Why This Programme Is Different
The One Stop Community Partnership Programme is more than a grant scheme. It is designed to build ongoing relationships between local organisations and One Stop stores by encouraging:

• Employee volunteering.
• Community fundraising.
• Donations of time and resources.
• Long-term collaboration that extends beyond the initial grant.

This can provide additional value to organisations by creating new partnerships and strengthening community support.

Key Dates

Applications are accepted throughout the year across regular funding rounds. Organisations should check the Groundwork website for details of the current application window and eligibility requirements. (Groundwork UK)

Top Tips Before You Apply
To strengthen your application:

• Check that your organisation is within two miles of a One Stop store.
• Clearly explain the local need your project will address.
• Demonstrate how local people will benefit.
• Show how volunteers from One Stop could become involved.
• Include realistic costs and measurable outcomes.

Projects that demonstrate strong community involvement and lasting local impact are likely to be particularly competitive.

Find Out More
Full guidance, eligibility criteria and application information can be found on the Groundwork UK website: One Stop Community Partnership Programme