The Equality and Diversity Community Fund, launched in 2019, offers charities and local groups the chance to apply for up to £500 for initiatives that provide opportunities for residents with protected characteristics.
The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to discriminate against people because of their age, gender reassignment, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Applications are open until midnight, Thursday, 27 February. The council is particularly encouraging applications for the following:
- World Autism Awareness Day (April)
- Vaisakhi (April)
- Easter (April)
- St George’s Day (April)
- Dementia Action Week (May)
- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (May)
- Mental Health Awareness Week (May)
- Pride Month (June)
- Eid-al-Adha (June)
- Carers Week (June)
- Learning Disabilities Week (June)
- South Asian Heritage Month (July)
Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills & Aspiration, said: “We are thrilled to announce that applications for the latest round of the Equality and Diversity Community Fund are officially open.
“Barking and Dagenham is home to people from all walks of life and it is this wonderful diversity that makes our borough so unique. Our community fund celebrates our differences by bringing everyone together and I urge all local groups and charities to apply for funding if they have projects that help champion our diversity.”
Applications can be submitted via the One Borough Voice website. Applicants will need to create an account to apply.