A North London council has co-launched a scheme designed to support community-led projects that “improve the lives” of residents. Grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 will be made available to initiatives that contribute to local causes, including combating environmental issues, addressing inequalities and tackling loneliness.
Brent Council is partnering with the Wembley Stadium Foundation (WSF) – an independent grant-making charity – to provide funding to people and organisations that are driving change in their communities. Brent registered community and voluntary sector groups, schools and residents – as well as previous grant recipients – are all eligible to apply.
The Love Where You Live Grant is now accepting applications for grants between £1,000 and £15,000 for projects that “improve community cohesion” and provide opportunities that are “available to all”. It is aiming to support initiatives that enhance the skills of local people and empower residents and community organisations to “come together to respond to local needs and concerns to develop stronger communities”.
The grants can be used for activities, events or equipment that “contribute to key areas” such as, developing community and social cohesion, tackling environmental issues, addressing inequalities and expanding local engagement, capacity-building, tackling social isolation and reducing health inequalities, according to Brent Council. The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on June 29.
Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power, Cllr Jake Rubin, said: “Brent Council’s Love Where You Live Grant gives power to residents and local organisations to brighten our borough and bring communities together. I encourage anyone who has a positive idea to apply and make use of the support Brent is making available.”
Previously funded projects have included a visual storytelling workshop where children created imagined planets and storylines, a local basketball tournament, a SEN Fun Day with sensory-friendly activities for children, a soup kitchen, and carers events.
WSF CEO, Paul Findlay, said: “We’re proud to partner with Brent Council on the Love Where You Live Grant — supporting the brilliant people and organisations driving change in their communities. Brent is our home, and through this fund, we want to back local ideas that bring people together and make a real difference.”
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
