The Neighbourhood Fund (NCIL) is an exciting £150,000 funding opportunity for residents and local groups to make a real difference in their local areas. The funding is open to community groups, charities and social enterprises in Barking and Dagenham to bid for grants of up to £10,000.

Over £1,000,000 has already been awarded from previous funding rounds to 122 local community projects across the borough. 

As part of a newly introduced rule, applications are now welcome from groups working together as consortiums made up of multiple organisations, applying for a maximum of £10,000. This new criteria could be helpful for smaller or newly established organisations who do not meet the organisation eligibility criteria.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “It’s important that as our borough grows and develops, as many of our residents as possible continue to benefit from this growth.  

 “Our levy on developers means we’re able to support fantastic local projects led by our borough’s brilliant community heroes. So, if you think your project could go the distance and even more local people could benefit from it – apply today!”

More information, including how to apply, can be found at www.oneboroughvoice.lbbd.gov.uk/neighbourhood-fund-autumn-2023. The deadline for applications is Sunday 1 October by 5pm.