Microgrants of up to £2,000 available to celebrate and support 75th anniversary of Windrush
On the 75th anniversary of Windrush, Hackney Council is offering microgrants of up to £2,000 for community groups and organisations to fund projects that celebrate or support the Windrush generation and their descendants.
Microgrants are open to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local venues based in Hackney, to fund events, activities, workshops, public awareness campaigns, mental health and well-being classes, and other projects that expand the narrative of the Windrush story or help preserve and share the history of Windrush for future generations.
A total of £10,000 has been made available for projects to take place throughout 2023. The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday 17 March, with successful applicants announced the following week.
This year marks 75 years since the UK began to benefit from the Windrush generation’s arrival. The microgrants are part of a promise made by the Council to highlight the significant contribution of the Windrush generation to the nation, in the form of arts and cultural events, and initiatives. It is vital that through these projects we move away from singular narratives that limit the community to one group of people from one island, class, age group, or story of injustice and encourage exploration of the wider experience and history so we can present an authentic account for future generations.
Hackney Council is planning a yearlong programme of activities, exhibitions and events to honour the 75th anniversary of Windrush, beginning in June. The listings will be made available on Love Hackney.
In 2018 Hackney became the first UK Council to pass a comprehensive motion in Parliament committing to annually commemorate National Windrush Day on 22 June, and actively lobby the government for justice for those affected by the Windrush scandal.
This month Cllr Williams and the Mayor of Hackney wrote to the Home Office to raise concerns regarding the government’s Windrush Compensation Scheme amidst recent reports of the government’s intention to abandon key commitments.
To apply for a Windrush microgrant, please complete and send the application form on lovehackney.uk/windrush-grants