A new £1million Community Grants Fund to help support and empower communities across the capital in the wake of the pandemic has been launched by the Mayor of London today (13 December).
From today, charities and voluntary organisations can apply for grants ranging from £1000 to £10,000 to support community-led activities and projects that help those most adversely affected by the pandemic including projects supporting mental health needs, food growing initiatives, creative projects, intergenerational projects, and initiatives working with children and young people.
The pandemic has had a devasting impact on disabled Londoners, older people and London’s Black and Asian communities as well as Londoners living on lower incomes, further exacerbating existing inequalities in health, employment, learning, housing and access to green spaces.
The fund has been created to address these issues and will help to ensure that all Londoners have the chance to thrive as the city rebuilds.
The Community Grants Fund will ensure that Londoners are supported to lead and shape the recovery of their communities, thereby increasing feelings of belonging and connection, and reducing loneliness and social exclusion.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Every Londoner has been affected by the pandemic but older and disabled Londoners, our Black and Asian communities and those living on lower incomes have been impacted disproportionately.
“Many experienced lockdown in overcrowded housing, increased social isolation affecting their mental health, or difficulties accessing education and health and care services due to digital exclusion.
“This new £1million Community Grants Fund – which will enable grassroots community organisations and charities to enhance their work – will make a real difference to the lives of many Londoners.”
