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 is for local authorities, charities and community groups to run a community led project seeking to celebrate, commemorate and educate people about the Windrush Generation and their contribution to British economic, social and cultural life. This includes those who arrived on the ship, their contemporaries and descendants.
2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush in the United Kingdom.
Who can apply? Local authorities, registered charities/community interest companies or community groups with a charitable purpose can apply.
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.
Other groups that would like to apply must:
- Be registered charities, exempt charities or Community Interest Companies OR meet all the following criteria:
- 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 are able to produce; and
- They can provide accounts demonstrating good financial health across both of the last two financial years.
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.
Grant amount: 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 fewer than £5,000 should contact their local authority to explore the possibility of joining a larger bid.
Application process: An application form and guidance notes are available on the Near Neighbours website.
There will be bidder workshops at the following times:
- 24 January 2023 at 7pm (online).
- 27 January 2023 at 10:30am (online).
- 30 January 2023 at 11am (online).
- 9 February 2023 at 10:30am (in person).
Deadline: Wednesday 22 February 2023.
Contact information: Email: windrush@nearneighbours.org.uk
Website: Windrush 75 — Near Neighbours