Today, Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), has opened its second Community Fund – a £30,000 package of funding for projects and initiatives that have a positive impact on the town centre, support local businesses and promote positive community engagement.
The Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund, now in its second year, opens for applications from 1 November 2024 until 31 January 2025. The fund is primarily aimed at not for profit, charity or voluntary organisations although anyone who can demonstrate they meet the conditions in our application form can apply. The fund consists of £30,000 and the maximum any one organisation can apply for is £15,000.
Last year Kingston First awarded funding for a new 10 day festival along the river, investment in the night time economy and community safety with recruitment and training of Street Pastors, and a new film commissioned to celebrate Kingston’s heritage.
Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First said:
“Building on the success of last year’s Town Centre Community Fund, we are delighted to be able to allocate a bigger amount of funding – £30,000, to support local and community focused causes that have a positive impact on Kingston town centre.
The local community plays such an important role in Kingston town centre and we want to give those lesser known community groups, social enterprises, charities and individuals an opportunity to bring their ideas to life. The funding is available to anyone who meets the conditions in our application so do check out our website for details on how to apply.”
As well as funding being available, successful applicants will also be able to access Kingston First’s professional training opportunities to help build their capabilities and achieve long-term success.
Eligibility and application process
In a nutshell, we’re open to projects and activities that can be delivered in the town centre that encourage people to visit the town and raise the profile of Kingston.
Funding will be decided through a competitive process. The idea or project should be delivered in the town centre by the end of December 2026, however longer term projects will be considered on a case by case basis.
To find out more about the fund and the application process please click here.
Deadline for applications is 31 January 2025.
We will be announcing the successful applicants by early Spring 2025.
About Kingston First
As the UK’s first Business Improvement District (BID), Kingston First has been driving initiatives to support the commercial success of the business community in Kingston since 2005. They deliver exceptional services that ensure Kingston is a thriving and attractive environment to do business in, as well as a vibrant and exciting destination for people to visit, shop, learn, live and work in. For more information visit: www.kingstonfirst.co.uk
Check out our website for Kingston upon Thames, showcasing the best of our town with insider guides, events, news, offers and more: www.kingstonuponthames.info
Facebook: In Kingston UK Twitter: @inkingstonuk Instagram: @inkingstonuk
For more information or to arrange any interviews with Kingston First please contact shareena.merzi@kingstonfirst.co.uk
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