Kingston launches Community Resilience Fund to support voluntary and cultural groups

The new fund was created as part of the council’s 2023-24 budget to support organisations to survive the current economic crisis and continue the vital work they do in supporting residents and communities across the borough.  The fund will focus on investing in culture and wellbeing, and strengthening communities to help them thrive. 

It will run for one year from 18 April 2023 and there will be three opportunities for groups to apply for funding. Applications for the first round of funding can be made between 24 April and 31 May. Collaborative bids involving joint working between organisations are encouraged. 

Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Andreas Kirsch said: 

Kingston’s community, voluntary and cultural organisations are invaluable in supporting communities across the borough. We all need to ensure these organisations can survive and navigate the cost of living crisis, so they can continue the vital work they do to support and enrich the lives of people throughout the borough. 

The Community Resilience Fund is designed to ensure that not only can groups manage, but also feel confident in planning future activities that will continue to support residents through all kinds of activities for all ages and needs. We want to help establish a sustainable future for community and cultural groups.

Organisations will be able to apply for three types of funding through the new fund. Grants of up to £3,000 will be available for core costs such as rent and energy bills, up to £5,000 for small projects to maintain or develop a community resilience response, or up to £20,000 to develop a new approach.

Funding will be awarded based on how the organisation or response supports the borough to be resilient. 

More information on eligibility and applications is available at kingston.gov.uk/communityresiliencefund.