Hackney Council is inviting local organisations to apply for grants of up to £120,000 to fund projects that will make the borough greener, safer and fairer for all residents.

The Hackney Community Fund is financed through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). This levy is a charge placed on developers when they secure planning permission.

£650,000 is available to support local charities, voluntary groups, community interest companies and social enterprises in delivering projects. These projects can use arts, culture and the environment to bring people together and create lasting benefits for the community.

Projects funded as part of the first round of the Hackney Community Fund in 2022 included:

• A community garden in Homerton promoting mental wellbeing.
• A permanent home for a youth theatre company.
• A celebration of African and African-Caribbean heritage.

Funding will be awarded based on how well projects meet key criteria, including deliverability, community support, value for money and long-term impact.

Cllr Joe Walker, Deputy Cabinet Member for Strengthening Neighbourhoods, said: “Hackney’s greatest strength lies in its diverse communities and the organisations which support them.”

“I am delighted that the council is able to continue to find ways to offer much-needed financial support, even in challenging times. The Hackney Community Fund is there to provide investment in vital community infrastructure to build stronger and resilient neighbourhoods and I look forward to seeing the incredible projects which will emerge as a result.”

Deadline

Applications are open until 11.59pm on 6 October.

Eligible organisations include charities, social enterprises, voluntary groups, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and companies limited by guarantee. Projects must be non-commercial and based entirely in Hackney.

Applicants should check the eligibility criteria and guidance thoroughly before applying.

The Council has developed step-by-step application guidance which can be found at: hackney.gov.uk/community-fund.

The Hackney Community Fund is one of a number of ways in which Hackney Council works in partnership with local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations.

Hackney Council’s new VCS Grants Programme, which has been codesigned with VCS partners over the past months, will be launched in summer 2025 alongside a refreshed VCS Strategy.