For the last six years, the Matt Kendall Foundation has provided small financial grants for disadvantaged 16-25 year olds from Birmingham, to support them into work, training or education. (See http://themattkendallfoundation.org)

The founder Matt Kendall set up the charity in 2015 shortly before he passed away, because he believed no young person should have their future put on hold because they can’t afford the basics that most people take for granted. Since then, the charity has been run by a board of volunteers. Having no paid staff has meant that the charity has been able to support more young people to thrive and reach their potential. Many of the Trustees leading the charity helped Matt set it up and have seen the fantastic difference the foundation has made to disadvantaged young people’s lives across Birmingham.

The Matt Kendall Foundation has now reach a point in its life where it is increasingly difficult for its volunteers to work full time, manage other commitments and run a growing charity. It is therefore with a very heavy heart that the Board of Trustees has taken the difficult decision to close down the charity in May 2021.

To maximise the impact that the Foundation can have; to make the biggest difference to Birmingham’s young people and to continue Matt’s legacy for years to come, a larger grant scheme called The Dream Bigger Grants has been set up to support those with a long-term plan to change their lives. While young people aged 16-25 can continue to apply for up to £500, including for laptops, there will also be an option to apply for larger grants of between £2,000 – £3,000. Previous grantees can apply for funding and it's the same application form as for the regular grants. The deadline for applications is 19 March 2021.

The Dream Bigger Grants are set aside for young people in Birmingham with a longer term plan to change their lives.

The Board of Trustees would like to see plans on how young people aim to reach their goals, and encourage applicants to use their mobile phone to record a video of themselves talking about what they would like to do if they were successful in getting a Dream Bigger Grant.

Criteria, application form and more information can be found at: http://themattkendallfoundation.org/dreambigger/ 

Matt Kendall had a fantastic impact on young people in Birmingham and this legacy will remain. As the foundation nears its closure, it hopes to celebrate what it has have achieved together with its supporters. Keep an eye out for more communications on our social media, you find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook:

https://twitter.com/mk_foundation_
https://www.facebook.com/themattkendallfoundation
https://www.instagram.com/the_matt_kendall_foundation