Community grants now available
Local charities and community groups can now apply for grants of up to £5,000 from Hackney Council.
The financial help is available to voluntary and community organisations running projects that benefit Hackney residents.
The projects must run from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. Successful applications must demonstrate how their projects will help improve the lives of residents by focusing on one of the following themes: reducing poverty, raising aspirations, promoting healthy living, making the borough safer, promoting mixed communities, or increasing community pride.
We know there are loads of organizations across Hackney with the ideas and energy to help make Hackney an even better place. If your group or organisation needs some extra help, then I would encourage you to apply for a grant from Hackney Council.
So far, from the 2014/15 small grant progamme 22 groups have been awarded small grants totaling £80,000 to deliver a range of community-focused activities around the borough.
Older people have made new friends and are developing their creative skills at an art class at the Queensbridge Centre, Dalston.
The classes were set up by the Sharp End, thanks to a £3,000 small grant earlier in 2014. The classes aim to help reduce social isolation and improve physical and emotion wellbeing. Some of the 16 participants have also taken part in other activities at the centre.
Reminiscence sessions, women's empowerment workshops and accountancy training for young people are some of the other ways residents are benefiting from Hackney Council’s financial support.
Nazmun Khanam, from the Sharp End, said: “The art class has been a lifeline for people who are isolated and recovering from ill health. Since subscribing to this class their skills in painting and drawing has improved tremendously, as well as their confidence”.
Applications are being accepted until midday on 12 December. Guidance and information on how to apply is available here.