East Marsh United

The Mercers’ Company, as trustee of Mercers' Charitable Foundation, has awarded over £200,000 through its Church & Communities programme to strengthen community‑led programmes in two of Lincolnshire’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. 

Funding includes:

• £100,000 for a new grant fund managed by Key Fund supporting charitable organisations and local participatory decision‑making in Greater Grimsby, with a focus on the East Marsh; and
• £100,000 to Together CIO plus an additional £5,000 for staff and wellbeing to expand a partnership‑driven initiative improving community life in South West ward of Gainsborough.

These grants build upon the Mercers’ Church & Communities programme’s long‑term commitment to place‑based funding, which prioritises local relationships, lived experience and shared decision-making to create meaningful change. 

“Both East Marsh and South West ward of Gainsborough are places where local organisations and residents are taking the lead in shaping their futures. 

“These grants reflect our long‑term commitment to place‑based funding, backing communities to build on existing momentum, strengthen local leadership and develop solutions that respond directly to local priorities.” 

Matthew Roche, Head Grants Programme Manager, The Mercers' Company 

Strengthening community‑led regeneration in East Marsh and Grimsby

The £100,000 grant to Key Fund comes at an important time for Grimsby, where major regeneration is underway to transform the town centre, improve public spaces, create new housing and support business growth. 

At the same time, local organisations including East Marsh United and Our Future are creating new opportunities for residents to shape investment decisions. 

Following seven years of collaboration between the Mercers’ Company, Key Fund, and local partners, where over £700,000 has already been awarded by Mercers’ Charitable Foundation across Lincolnshire and the North‑East, this new grant is designed to support the next stage of community‑led development.

To do this, Key Fund will work with partners to deliver two linked funding programmes:

• An expanded early‑stage Participatory Grant‑Making (PGM) scheme in East Marsh, delivered with East Marsh United, supporting community-led proposals. 
• A Grimsby‑wide fund for groups looking to grow their activity and impact, delivered with Grimsby Together and Our Future, helping community organisations develop and scale projects that respond to local priorities.

Around 30 community organisations are expected to be supported. 

Investing in long‑term change in South West ward of Gainsborough

Mercers’ Charitable Foundation is also awarding £100,000 to Together CIO, a newly constituted charity formed from the Together Initiative, a partnership between local organisations working to improve life in the South West ward of Gainsborough, an area which faces multiple challenges.

Together CIO has emerged as the central coordinating body for community‑led change in the area, delivering:

• regular community engagement and resident‑led events;
• improvements to green spaces including a new play park and a c. 40‑acre recreation area and nature reserve;
• partnership working with housing providers, the local authority, and voluntary organisations; and
• increased opportunities for residents to shape local priorities.

The funding will provide three years of core support, enabling Together CIO to build sustainable income and strengthen its role as a long‑term anchor for the community.

“One of our key values is collaboration: a genuine willingness to work together for the good of the neighbourhood. We believe this partnership will help deliver practical, lasting change for the South West ward of Gainsborough, ensuring support reaches the people and neighbourhoods who need it most.”

Barry Rooks, Leader and CEO of Together CIO 

Read here for further information on our Church & Communities Programme.