£1million fund launched for community projects that bring Hackney together
Grants of up to £45,000 for dozens of projects that tackle social isolation and bring residents together were opened for applications from local community and voluntary sector groups by Hackney Council today.
The strategic one-year programme, designed to invest funding where it will have the greatest impact, will help organisations deliver everything from social projects for young people, support for those recovering from sexual violence or even dementia-friendly tea dances – building on the incredible contribution of the sector to support residents most in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The grants, which build on previous years’ programmes, are part of the Council’s mission to rebuild a better Hackney in the wake of pandemic – helping residents to stay independent, healthy and better connected with their local community.
In total, the Council will invest £2.7million in the sector next year – again demonstrating its commitment to protecting its investment and funding for charities and voluntary groups despite the effect of 12 years of austerity on the Council’s budget.
As the pandemic had a huge impact on our borough, it brought the best out of our charities, volunteers and community groups – who stepped up to ensure families could put food on the table, isolated residents saw a friendly face and those with the least resources had a helping hand.
Crucially, our voluntary and community sector collaborated with the Council and public sector partners brilliantly – and we want to work more closely with them to ensure we’re reaching those who really need our help.
The sector provides vital advice, support and activities for our borough, which is why I’m proud to launch this funding programme today to ensure they play a key role in our mission to rebuild a better Hackney.
The three grant pots opening for applications today include:
- Project Grants of up to £20,000 for small and medium-sized organisations
- Community Chest grants of up to £1,000 aimed at grassroots organisations and groups of residents
- Community Anchor grants of up to £45,000 for organisations that play a role in their communities beyond service provision, collaborate with public and third sector partners and put inequality and anti-racism at the heart of their work.
The Project Grant programme also includes a new £200,000 fund to support youth work projects for a variety of activities such as sport, drama and film.
Applications are open until 25 April. For more information and to apply, visit hackney.gov.uk/community-grants. Successful applicants will be announced later this year.