Aims/priorities: The Windrush Day Grant Scheme is part of the Government's work to create more resilient communities, where different religions, cultures and opinions are celebrated, underpinned by a shared set of values that champion tolerance, freedom and equality of opportunity.
The funding for projects in 2024 is intended to build on the work done so far by organisations across the country.
Projects should be unique and exciting that engage with the Windrush story and Windrush communities in powerful, enterprising and thoughtful ways. They should also encourage communities to work together across generational, social and ethnic divides. Events and activities should engage with the Windrush generation and their descendants as well as those from different age groups and ethnic backgrounds.
Who can apply? Organisations are eligible to apply if they fit into one of the following three categories:
They are registered
- Charities
- Exempt charities
- Community interest companies/Community Interest Organisation
- Social enterprises
- Community benefit societies
They meet all the following criteria as demonstrated by submitting additional supporting documents:
- They are established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes
- They have a governing body with at least three members
- They have a governing document which they can produce
- They can provide accounts demonstrating good financial health across both of the last two financial years
- They are a local authority
Local authorities may include a county council; a district council; a parish council; a combined authority; a London borough council; or another organisation set out in Section 33(1) of the Local Government Act 2003. Schools, libraries and other local authority organisations are encouraged to submit bids in conjunction with their local authority.
Organisations must also have a proven track record of working directly with communities and the project proposal must be significantly influenced by the community itself.
A group of bidders can also apply.
Organisations that do not work with groups of Caribbean heritage may apply.
Grant amount: The budget for 2024 is £500,000.
The following grants are available:
- Tier 1: smaller projects between £5,000 and £24,999.
- Tier 2: larger projects between £25,000 and £50,000.
Applicants seeking funding of less than £5,000 should contact their local authority to explore the possibility of inclusion in a larger bid.
Funding for all approved projects will be released in April 2024.
Application process: The FAQs, guidance notes for applicants, application questions and two online application forms (one for charities, CICs, and community groups and the other for local authorities) can be found on the Near Neighbours website.
Near Neighbours will be holding four bidder workshops in November 2023, which will give an overview of the scheme and an opportunity for bidders to ask questions.
Three virtual sessions will take place on:
- 7 November (18:00)
- 14 November (15:00)
- 16 November (10:00)
One in-person session in London will take place on 6 November (14:00).
Registration is required for all sessions and can be done on the Near Neighbours website
Deadline: Sunday 17 December 2023, (23:59).
Contact information: Email: windrush@nearneighbours.org.uk
Website: Windrush 75 — Near Neighbours