ABOUT US
The Dr. Martens Foundation is an independent charity rooted in everything the Doc’s community stands for.
Through our mission, Backing the Right to Be Yourself, we work with partners across the globe to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to step into who they are, and who they can be.
For decades, Dr. Martens footwear has helped people move through the world with comfort underfoot and the confidence to express who they are. In 2021, the Foundation was born from that same spirit, with a focus on tackling the barriers stopping people from being seen, heard and safe to be themselves.
When people can’t be themselves, the effects run deep. It takes away the safety, belonging and opportunity that we all have a right to. There are initiatives already working on the ground to tackle this, helping people express themselves, build confidence and challenge the systems that hold them back. Their work is essential, but too often underfunded.
That’s where the Dr. Martens Foundation comes in. We partner with organisations driving vital change across the globe and equip them with the resources they need to take it even further.
Since 2021, we’ve committed over £4.7 million in funding to support charities driving vital change in the heart of communities. We’ve championed everything from LGBTQ+ rights, disability inclusion and youth creativity, to homelessness support, racial justice and anti-trafficking.
This is impact driven by the collective. It’s powered by the partners driving change on the ground, the donors and employees who give their time and support, and the global Dr. Martens community who share our belief in everyone’s right to be themselves.
We support initiatives that sit within our four programmes, our key areas of focus:
Igniting Creativity
Uplifting Through Progression
Building Safety
Supporting Systemic Change
Together, these programmes equip individuals and communities with the tools and space to be themselves.
Strategy
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.
Our Evolving 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.
Building on this progress, we’ve refined our approach to strengthen our focus, flexibility and connection, so we can keep driving meaningful change where it matters.
A Sharpened Mission
Championing social justice remains at the heart of everything we do, but our mission is clearer about the change we’re here to drive:
Dr. Martens Foundation: Backing the Right to Be Yourself.
Rooted in the values that define Dr. Martens, our mission supports communities struggling to be seen, heard and safe to be themselves. By building on our legacy and connections, we aim to fuel a bigger movement for change.
Four Focus Areas for Impact
To bring this mission to life, we’ve identified four areas of focus, helping us prioritise meaningful support while responding to what communities need, when they need it.
Igniting Creativity: Unlocking creative mediums for people to explore and express their most authentic selves.
Uplifting Through Progression: Developing the skills, connections and confidence people need to evolve into their best selves.
Building Safety: Equipping communities to stand up for one another and giving everyone the security to be themselves.
Supporting Systemic Change: Addressing society’s imbalances by shifting the systems that shape everyday life.
Looking Ahead
Through our partnerships, we’re turning this strategy into real-world change, unlocking safety, expression and belonging.
Backing the right to be yourself isn’t something we do alone. It grows through collaboration, shared commitment and sustained action.
FINANCES
Further details of our financial information can be found on the Charity Commission website.