Square Mile community projects in funding boost
Five projects working to build stronger communities in the Square Mile have received £29k in grant funding.
Aldgate Community Events (ACE), City YMCA, Portsoken Activities Group (PAG), Portsoken Ward Club and the Bevis Marks Synagogue received the money from the City of London Corporation’s Central Grants Programme. The fund supports community, cultural, environmental, educational and employment projects across the capital.
ACE received £10k to deliver a Lantern Parade and Winter Festival in Aldgate Square on December 6, with stalls, performances, choirs, festive street food and a giant Christmas Tree. ACE aims to bring people in Aldgate and wither City together to create friendship and a strong sense of community through organising arts, culture and activities.
City YMCA was awarded £3k for a residential trip to Lambourne End Centre in Essex and a visit to a theme park for 30 young people from the City’s Golden Lane Estate and neighbouring estates in Islington. The group provides residential and supported accommodation plus a range of services for young people in the Square Mile.
PAG won £3k for a Latino Fiesta on Aldgate Square celebrating Colombian Independence Day; a Family Fun Day on the Guinness Estate in Mansell Street; and a Podium Party in Middlesex Street in September. PAG provides social activities and community events in the ward of Portsoken.
The Portsoken Ward Club, a non-profit-making club made up of residents, workers and friends of the Ward of Portsoken in the City of London was awarded £3k to organise social events for its members, including an annual coach trip for residents of Portsoken Ward to Boulogne and other summer coach trips to go fruit picking and to the seaside.
Bevis Marks Synagogue in Heneage Lane received £10k to transform it into a vibrant City cultural and educational hub. The project will improve its entrance courtyard, repair paving and create a new gathering and events space.
Funding for the five projects came from the City Corporation’s Central Grant Programme’s Stronger Communities theme. This funding strand awards money to projects or services being delivered for the benefit of communities or residents within the City of London and its housing estates across seven London boroughs.
Randall Anderson, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, said:
“We are proud to support these community groups who are playing a leading role in City life.
“Our Central Grants Programme is a great opportunity for our residents within the City and on our estates to take advantage of a pot of money which allows them bring together their whole community.”
For further information and how to apply visit the Central Grants Website here https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-the-city/community-work/Pages/central-grants-programme.aspx
Deadline for applications:
For the Stronger Communities Programme – 22 November 2019.
Application deadlines for 2020 will be in April and November and will be available on the Central Grants Website in October.
About the City of London Corporation:
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. The City Corporation is supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Green Ribbons Campaign.