Earlier this summer, we invited local organisations to apply for grants of £750 to hold street parties or other events that bring people together. We have now awarded funds to six local organisations.
The idea behind this initiative is to reduce isolation in Hackney and the City of London, as well as helping East London to have fun.
This was the first time we had funded this kind of work. We know that getting together with other people can be a great way to combat loneliness and it also helps build and strengthen communities. The funds came from generous donations from the community, including from individuals and businesses such Burberry, as well as from the Chesham Arms Hackney Half team.
The events will bring people together, giving them the opportunity to connect with others in relaxed and fun settings.
Having a good time together has long-lasting effects and we’re excited to be able to fund these street parties and other events.
A new approach
Staff at Hackney Giving involved local individuals in the decision-making panel for this initiative. It was an exciting new approach for Hackney Giving to involve the community in allocating funding. Sarah Watson, Development and Programme Manager, Hackney Giving, said: “Having a good time together has long-lasting effects and we’re excited to be able to fund these street parties and other events. Involving community members in making the decisions on who to fund is a new thing for us and we’re looking forward to developing this approach in future”
Sarah was also keen to emphasise that the grants programme has been assisted by various community initiatives. Sarah said: “We worked closely with Volunteer Centre Hackney to identify people from Hackney to be on the community panel. The funds were raised by the community. This included Burberry and the Hackney Half and Chesham Arms partnership.”
She added: “We had many more applications than we could afford to fund this time. But hopefully we will be able to work with the community and local businesses to raise some more funds in the near future.”
Hackney Giving recently led a walking tour of four community projects to show some of the great work that local voluntary and community sector organisations are doing.
Hackney Giving has awarded another £165,000 to not-for-profit groups helping people deal with the cost of living.
Homerton’s beloved Chesham Arms raised funds for Hackney Giving with its pumpkin carving competition.
