Introduction
The McCarthy Stone Foundation is a charitable initiative dedicated to improving the wellbeing, connection, and social engagement of older people across the United Kingdom. Established by the retirement living developer McCarthy Stone, the foundation supports grassroots charities, community groups, and local initiatives that address loneliness, isolation, and social exclusion among older adults.
Through grant funding, volunteering programs, and community partnerships, the foundation aims to create inclusive communities where older people feel valued, supported, and connected. Since its establishment, it has funded hundreds of charitable projects that promote companionship, intergenerational engagement, and community wellbeing.
History and Background
The McCarthy Stone Foundation was launched in November 2020 as part of McCarthy Stone’s broader commitment to supporting older people and strengthening communities across the UK.
The foundation builds upon decades of work by McCarthy Stone, which has developed retirement communities and services designed to enhance quality of life for older adults. The creation of the foundation formalized the company’s charitable and volunteering activities into a structured program capable of delivering funding, resources, and expertise to community organizations.
Since its launch, the foundation has already:
- Supported more than 450 grassroots charities and community causes
- Distributed over £1 million in grants and project support
- Helped thousands of older people across the UK reconnect with their communities.
The foundation’s establishment also responded to rising concerns about loneliness among older adults, particularly as millions of older people in the UK live alone and face increasing social isolation.
Mission and Purpose
Vision
The foundation’s vision is a society where older people are valued, connected, and actively engaged in their communities.
Mission
Its mission is to support grassroots charities and community groups that improve the lives of older people by providing funding, volunteering, and partnerships with organizations and communities.
Strategic Objectives
Key objectives include:
- Reducing loneliness and social isolation among older adults
- Promoting intergenerational relationships between young and older people
- Supporting community initiatives that improve wellbeing and independence
- Strengthening local charities working with older populations
By funding community activities and creating opportunities for social participation, the foundation helps older individuals rediscover purpose and belonging in later life.
Governance and Structure
The McCarthy Stone Foundation operates as an independent charitable foundation aligned with the social responsibility mission of the McCarthy Stone Group. Its activities are guided by a governance structure that includes leadership from the foundation team as well as oversight from the broader organization.
Key governance features include:
- Strategic oversight from foundation leadership and trustees
- Collaboration with McCarthy Stone employees, customers, and partners
- Transparent grant-making processes to support community organizations
Employees, residents, and business partners of McCarthy Stone also contribute to the foundation’s initiatives through volunteering, fundraising, and community engagement.
Funding and Grants
The foundation primarily supports community organizations through grant funding programs and partnership initiatives.
Grant Programs
Grants are typically offered to:
- Registered charities
- Community groups
- Non-profit organizations supporting older people
Many programs prioritize small grassroots organizations with annual incomes below £250,000, helping them deliver community activities that bring people together.
Funding may support activities such as:
- Community gatherings and social events
- Befriending programs for isolated seniors
- Local volunteering projects
- Intergenerational learning initiatives
In addition to financial support, the foundation also provides volunteer assistance and project resources.
Funding Model
The foundation’s funding comes from multiple sources, including:
- Fundraising by McCarthy Stone employees and residents
- Donations from corporate partners and suppliers
- Matched funding contributions from the McCarthy Stone Group
This matched funding model doubles the impact of community fundraising efforts and expands the reach of supported projects.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The McCarthy Stone Foundation focuses on several core areas of community impact.
Grants for Community Charities
The foundation provides grants to local charities that create opportunities for older people to connect, participate in community life, and maintain independence.
Volunteering Programs
Volunteers play a central role in the foundation’s work. Employees, residents, and partners contribute time and skills to support community projects and charities.
Intergenerational Engagement
The foundation promotes programs that connect older adults with younger generations through education, mentoring, and community activities.
Community Spaces and Social Projects
Support is provided for projects that create welcoming spaces where people of all ages can gather, share experiences, and build relationships.
Charity Partnerships
The foundation collaborates with national charities such as:
- Royal Voluntary Service
- Coram Beanstalk
These partnerships help expand programs that improve wellbeing, literacy, and social inclusion.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The McCarthy Stone Foundation has already generated significant community impact since its launch.
Supporting Grassroots Community Projects
Hundreds of small charities have received grants to run activities that reduce loneliness among older adults, including:
- Community choirs and music groups
- Social clubs and coffee mornings
- Memory cafés supporting people with dementia and their carers
Strengthening Community Connections
In several UK communities, grants have helped establish local initiatives where older residents volunteer, mentor younger people, or participate in community events.
Supporting Vulnerable Older Adults
Funding has also supported projects that provide:
- Companionship services for isolated seniors
- Transportation and mobility assistance
- Community meals and outreach programs
These initiatives improve mental health, social engagement, and overall wellbeing for older individuals.
Conclusion
The McCarthy Stone Foundation plays an important role in strengthening communities and improving the quality of life for older people across the United Kingdom. Through strategic grantmaking, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships, the foundation empowers grassroots organizations to address loneliness, promote social inclusion, and build meaningful intergenerational connections.
As populations age and social isolation becomes an increasing concern, initiatives like the McCarthy Stone Foundation demonstrate how corporate philanthropy and community collaboration can create lasting social impact. By supporting local charities and empowering communities, the foundation continues to help older people live more connected, fulfilling, and purposeful lives.
For more information, visit here.
