Council launches next phase of Local Area Fund to support community projects
Richmond Council is welcoming applications for its Local Area Fund, which provides funding for local ward areas to support community driven projects to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of local communities. Individuals, local groups and organisations can all apply for the fund.
The Local Area Fund was introduced in 2020 to provide funding to support local initiatives, help launch new ideas and developing projects to make a positive difference to the borough. Each ward in the borough has been allocated a budget of £10,000 for local projects.
Through this fund Richmond Council is keen to work with local people and organisations to improve their local community. The Council is asking residents, local groups and organisations to come forward with innovative ideas that reflect local priorities and improve the overall quality of life in Richmond upon Thames.
The Council’s Community Engagement Team are looking to work with residents to help develop projects in each local area. The Council is also encouraging residents to get in touch with their local Ward Councillors to discuss their project ideas and the difference their project could make to the ward. You can find your local Ward Councillor here.
If a Ward Councillor is supportive of a local project, they can provide an endorsement as part of the application process. Individuals and groups who are not looking to apply for funding can still share their ideas of ways to improve their local areas with the Council who can then help to support these ideas.
Previous examples of some of the projects awarded funding during the last round of applications include the building of a wooded play area and nature trail structure for children under 12 in East Sheen, intergenerational music therapy sessions for children and older people in Kew, the creation of a new gaming lounge for young people at Ham Youth Centre and the creation of a sensory garden for local community use in Twickenham Riverside.
Find out about previous funding awards in your local area here.
Cllr Michael Wilson, Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities & the Voluntary Sector, said:
“During the pandemic, many of us have been able to spend a lot more time getting to know our local areas and communities and am sure we all have ideas for small improvements that could be made! The Local Area Fund provides residents with a unique opportunity to improve their local areas by helping to turn your bright ideas into a reality by providing funding directly to local groups and organisations. The Local Area Fund has already helped to improve many areas across the borough and we want this to continue.
“I would strongly encourage anyone with an idea, no matter what that idea is, to approach their local representative and discuss their ideas with us. All ideas will be considered. Let us know your big ideas to improve your local area.”
Further information and details of how to apply for funding can be found via the Council’s website here.
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