Across the world, our charity partners are creating space, safety and opportunity for people to be themselves. But many of our partners delivering this vital work in the face of rising costs, increased demand and particularly tight budgets.
Our Accelerator Fund is designed to help partners facing these challenges, by providing a small, targeted boost of funding where it can unlock meaningful progress.
Here's the difference the first round of funding made:
SHAPED BY COMMUNITY
To help us distribute our first ever round of the fund, we drew on the insight and experience of our global Dr. Martens employee community.
Across our head offices, factories, retail stores and distribution centres, hundreds of employees voted to share their perspectives on the causes that inspired them most.
Every vote helped guide this support to where it could have the most meaningful difference.
THE IMPACT IN ACTION
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1) Readipop: Transforming the lives of young people like CAt 13, C had been repeatedly excluded from school because of bullying and fighting. He was referred to Readipop to help him find a new direction. Through 1:1 mentoring sessions and music‑making workshops, C found a safe, creative space where he could rebuild confidence, trust others, and make music alongside people who believed in him. Today, he’s thriving back in school - and even helping guide other young people as they join Readipop’s sessions. Support from the Accelerator Fund will help more young people like C rebuild confidence, connection and direction through music:
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2) Dding Dong: Creating a place to belong for LGBTQ+ communities Dding Dong provide safe spaces, counselling, crisis support and community to young LGBTIQ people who often have nowhere else to turn in South Korea.
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3) Project Lemonade: Bringing joy, choice and confidence to young people in foster care.Project Lemonade equip children in foster care with specialist support to help them beat the odds. From clothing that boosts confidence, to scholarships that open up opportunities.
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4) On Our Radar: Helping communities tell their stories, in their own words.On Our Radar provides a voice for the unheard through film, giving communities tools and platforms to tell their stories, expose hidden injustices, and spark change
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Thank you to the Dr. Martens global employee community for guiding the first round of the Foundation’s Accelerator Fund - and turning small boosts into meaningful impact.
LOOKING AHEAD
With this refreshed strategy we’re building a bigger movement behind our mission.
Because backing the right to be yourself isn’t something we do alone. It grows through collaboration, shared commitment and sustained action.
To find out how we can work together visit our Get Involved page.
