The Matthew Good Foundation, which was founded by the Hull-based, family-run company, John Good Group has increased it’s giving by 83% on the previous year and supported over 150 causes in 2022, an achievement made possible thanks to a significantly increased funding commitment from the John Good Group.

The Matthew Good Foundation runs an employee giving programme that helps employees of the John Good Group to direct funding to the causes that matter to them. They also have a mission to amplify small or local charitable causes whose work is often unseen and underfunded, yet delivers high social value and impact. Their 'Amplify Fund' includes a range of grassroots project funding, plus the 'Grants for Good' programme which invites small charities to apply for funding, and most recently 'Films for Good' which sees the Foundation and its network of partners offer pro-bono support, promoting charities and projects through the power of film.

The charities supported by the Foundation and its members – who are all employees of the John Good Group – are incredibly diverse, ranging from very small community groups local to the John Good Group’s head office in Hull, to charities working internationally towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Locally, Hull charities CatZero and Downright Special have both received a £50,000 commitment over five years, and North Cave organisation Mires Beck Nursery has received a £25,000 commitment over two years. Globally, Reef World Foundation were granted £20,000 over two years towards a launch of their Green Fins Hub – a world first platform facilitating green marine tourism globally, and a film was funded for the Inga foundation – promoting their tried and tested ways of saving rainforests whilst alleviating poverty through an innovative new farming method.

The Foundation’s “Grants for Good” programme also saw a diverse range of winners, from The Bank – a community hub local to West Hull, to Nurdle – an innovative new organisation based in Cornwall that has invented a range of machinery used to clear beaches of microplastics across the UK and beyond.

Another major way that charities come to the attention of the Foundation is through employees of the John Good Group – who are given exclusive access to apply for grants for organisations that are close to their hearts. This year’s beneficiaries of double-matched employee fundraising include Dove House Hospice and Hull Homeless Community Project, whilst employees that have seen organisations struggle through Covid have received Champion Grants of up to £1000, the beneficiaries ranging from local foodbanks to a maternity hospital in Pakistan.

Michelle Taft, Executive Director of the Matthew Good Foundation said, “Despite the challenging environment of the last two years, we are delighted that 2022 was another successful year. With an incredibly generous commitment from the John Good Group, we have been able to set a clear vision for the future, and we are excited for what’s to come. The Foundation has become a vital resource in linking local people and businesses to the high-impact charities that they really want to support but can be difficult to find and administrate. We would love to help others learn from our unique philanthropy model and invite other local business leaders to come and talk to us about how we can support them in achieving this too.”

The increase in activity from the Matthew Good Foundation is set to continue, as the John Good Group, who recently won an award for Best Social Impact at the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards, has committed a record level of funding over the next three years to the Foundation, as well as continuing to cover all operational costs.

The extra funding means that, as well as increasing the amount the Foundation is able to commit to their mission to amplify small charities, they have also been able to expand their team, hiring a second employee, and improve their impact by investing in impact measurement, including the use of The Social Value Engine, an impact measurement platform developed in a scheme involving East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group describes his passion to be part of an initiatives that delivers positive impact, “I am thrilled to support the Matthew Good Foundation in their mission. Our funding covers all operating costs, as well as funding many of the Foundation’s initiatives. This means that 100% of any additional donations received go to charities in need."

"At John Good Group, we strive to be a Force for Good in everything we do, and supporting initiatives that prioritise people and the planet aligns perfectly with our values. We are proud to have the opportunity to make a positive impact through the work of the Matthew Good Foundation.”

The Matthew Good Foundation has given over £820,000 to charities and good causes since it was founded in 2011 in memory of Matthew Good.