Now in its sixth year, the fund has £50,000 available to support local community projects, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Brent Cross Town’s 2024 community fund has opened to applicants.

The funding opportunity was announced last week in a bid to support schools, charities, and community groups deliver projects “which benefit the local community”.

Now in its sixth year, the fund has £50,000 available to support local community projects.

The Keep Rolling Project, a previous recipient, said it would “definitely” be applying again as the funding they won had been “vital”. Co-founder Rachael Sherlock said: “The Keep Rolling Project was awarded £4,000 by the Brent Cross Town Community Fund to run summer workshops combining skateboarding and education for underrepresented groups.

“A girls-only workshop empowered young women to develop leadership skills in skateboarding, architecture, and photography.

“We are committed to providing free skateboarding and education workshops to young people in Barnet, so that all young people have equal opportunities to keep active and learn about potential new career paths.”

Speaking on applying for a second time, Rachael said due to the company’s “small” size, reliance on grant funding sustainability was the “hardest thing”.

“We are hopeful to continue to provide young people with skateboarding and education opportunities,” she added.

Anika Bakirtzidis, the garden manager for Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm, which previously received £2,000 from the fund, said: “Thanks to the Brent Cross Town Community Fund we were able to run low-cost nature activities for local children throughout spring.

“Our weekly children’s garden club aimed to inspire love for nature, engage imagination and provide opportunities for creativity through nature and arts and crafts projects.

“Spending time in nature makes children feel more connected; helps them stay grounded and appreciate the natural areas in their communities.”

The deadline for applications closes on Thursday, 24th October, and individual grant amounts will range from £3,000 to £10,000.

Brent Cross Town is a joint venture between Barnet Council and developer Related Argent and is expected to deliver 6,700 homes and workspace for 25,000 people.

Morwenna Hall, executive director at Related Argent, said she was pleased to be able to bring the fund back for a sixth year and proud of the impact the fund was having.

She said: “Employment, education, and life enriching skills are intrinsic to creating flourishing communities, which is at the heart of what we are looking to achieve at Brent Cross Town.

“We look forward to receiving this year’s applications and are grateful for the opportunity to support our communities in this way.”

Alan Schneiderman, Barnet cabinet member for climate change and a judge on the community fund panel, added: “This year’s £50,000 community fund joins a host of other initiatives made possible by the Brent Cross Town development to deliver skills, employment and training to people living in the area.

“I encourage all local groups, schools and individuals delivering a programme or activity that could benefit from additional funding to apply.”

Once submissions have closed, residents will have the opportunity to vote on shortlisted projects and the winners are expected to be announced in December.

Those eligible to apply for the grant include informal and incorporated community groups; local charities and local branches of national charities; schools and educational organisations; not-for-profit organisations; residents’ associations and social enterprises.

For more information and to apply visit Brent Cross Town Community Fund 2024: Apply Now! – Brent Cross Town

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