Diving Deeper Into Our Refreshed Strategy

26 May 2026

Since 2021, the Dr. Martens Foundation has been standing alongside communities facing injustice - championing everything from LGBTQIA+ rights, disability inclusion and creative access, to homelessness support, racial justice and anti-trafficking.

Now, we’re stepping into our next chapter with a refreshed strategy.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, why it matters, and how you can be part of it:

WHY WE'RE EVOLVING OUR STRATEGY

In just a few years in action, we’ve seen what’s possible when the right support reaches people where they are. We’ve seen communities lead change, barriers shift and opportunities open up.

In our commitment to building on that progress, we took time out to reflect on where we’ve made a real difference so far, the challenges communities are continuing to face, and how our resources can be used to overcome them.

The result is a refined approach that strengthens our focus, flexibility and connection so we can keep driving meaningful change, where it matters.

WHAT HAS CHANGED IN OUR APPROACH

We’ve made two key shifts that bring more clarity to why the Foundation exists and how we create change:

A SHARPENED MISSION

Championing social justice is still at the heart of everything we do, but our new mission is clearer about the change we’re here to drive:

DR. MARTENS FOUNDATION:
BACKING THE RIGHT TO BE YOURSELF

It’s rooted in the values that define Dr. Martens and a real need we’re seeing in wider society: to support communities who are struggling to be seen, heard and safe to be themselves.

Articulating this more explicitly helps us to build more intentionally on our legacy and connections so that we can fuel a bigger movement for change

FOUR FOCUS AREAS FOR IMPACT

To bring this mission to life, we’ve also carved out four new areas of focus, aka ‘programmes’.

They give us a clear framework for action - helping us prioritise where we can provide support meaningfully, while flexing in response to what communities need, when they need it.

	IGNITING CREATIVITY Unlocking creative mediums for people to explore and express their most authentic selves.
	UPLIFTTING THROUGH PROGRESSION Developing the skills, connections and confidence people need to keep evolving into their best selves.
	BUILDING SAFETY Equip communities with tools to understand and stand up for one another, giving everyone the security to be themselves.
	SUPPORTING SYSTEMIC CHANGE Addressing societies imbalances by shifting systems that shape everyday life and who we can be.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN ACTION

The most important part of this strategy is the real-world change it translates to through the initiatives we fuel.

Our existing partnerships show us how this strategy will unlock safety, expression and belonging:

	ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING *An example of Igniting Creativity in action* Live music has long been a space for self-expression and connection. But for many disabled people, barriers like inaccessible venues and ticketing systems still make these experiences harder to access. Together with Attitude Is Everything we’ve helped to champion a more inclusive music industry, co-created with disabled people. One way we made this happen is by rebuilding Attitude is Everything’s specialist volunteer programme. It brings disabled people into iconic festivals like Glastonbury to shape them from this inside out – by helping organisers spot barriers others miss, test new accessible solutions in real time and model what accessibility looks like to other industry professionals.
	BACK ON MY FEET *An example of Uplifting Through Progression in action*Homelessness doesn’t just take away stability - it can strip people of connection, routine and belief in what’s possible. Together with Back on My Feet, we supercharged an innovative approach that helps people rebuild that sense of momentum. Starting with early morning run clubs across the USA, members find community, confidence and structure again - small steps that can spark much bigger change. From there, opportunities to develop skills, build networks and access practical support help people move towards greater independence. It’s a reminder that when people are given the space and support to rediscover their potential, progress becomes possible again.
	REBIT *An example of Building Safety in action*For many young LGBTQ+ people in Japan, growing up without understanding or representation can lead to isolation and fear of being themselves. Together with ReBit, we turned classrooms into safer spaces for LGBTQ+ communities. By equipping teachers with the knowledge to support young people and encouraging conversations that build understanding of LGBTQ+ issues among students, this work is helping create environments where more young people feel seen, understood and accepted. It’s a step towards a future where belonging starts early - and where every young person has the confidence to be themselves.
	ENAR *An example of Supporting Systemic Change in action* Across Europe, racism continues to shape people’s access to opportunity, representation and security in everyday life. Together with European Network Against Racism, we’ve strengthened a movements towards racial justice across the continent. By connecting more than 150 organisations working in their own communities, ENAR helps turn shared experience into collective action - from research that exposes inequality to advocacy pushing for fairer policies. Through collaboration and solidarity, this work helps ideas travel further, movements grow stronger and change take root across borders.