Hackney-based social organisations can now apply for grants between £5,000 and £120,000 as part of the council’s Community Fund programme.
The Hackney Community Fund, launched in 2022, is financed by money collected from new developments in the area.
The fund has provided much needed support to community projects, like the Core Arts Community Garden behind St Barnabas Church on Homerton High Street.
The Core Arts Community Garden was awarded £95,000 by Hackney Council in the 2022 round of funding, which helped to build an indoor teaching space.
Nemone Mercer, project director of the community garden, said: “The structure has been an absolute game changer.
“Up until that point we didn’t have any sheltered teaching space, so we were working in the elements throughout the winter.”
The community garden behind St Barnabas Church is part of mental health charity, Core Art’s award-winning horticultural project, Core Landscapes.
Mercer explained the aim of the Core Arts Community Garden is to teach people skills they can use on their balconies and in their gardens – whilst also giving visitors respite from city life.
The project director said: “It’s much more than just creating lovely green spaces.
“People feel like they have a purpose, that they belong, that they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
“They create massive feelings of hope for people.”
Between 100 and 150 volunteers help to maintain the garden every year, which is open to the public 24 hours a day.
Many community garden volunteers are referred to Core Arts through health and social care routes for mental ill health.
It is with referred volunteers that Mercer believes the garden has the greatest impact.
The project director said: “The garden creates a space for people experiencing mental distress to switch off from what’s going on inside their heads and gives people the opportunity to volunteer once their referral period ends.”
On whether other Hackney-based social initiatives should apply for the Hackney Community Fund, she said: “Yeah, absolutely. Go for it.
“We’re actually writing an application for this round.
“Just be really thorough with your project to make sure that you can deliver it on the ground.”
The total funding available for the 2025 round is £150,000 more than the first round in 2022, showing Hackney Council’s sustained belief in the project.
Hackney Councillor Joe Walker 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.”
To be eligible to apply for funding, you must represent a hackney-based voluntary group, charity or resident association, have a non-profit and non-commercial project plan, and have funds to match 10% of the value of your application.
Applications must be submitted by October 6 at 11.59pm.
Featured Image: Core Landscapes
Join the discussion