Guidance for Applying to the We make Camden Food Fund
Guidance
This winter, Camden citizens are working with the Camden Food Poverty Alliance and Camden Council to provide funds to organisations involved in tackling food inaccessibility.
These funds provide an opportunity to test new ideas or support organisations to take the ‘next step on’ from what they currently do. The fund is based on the theme of ‘wraparound support’ – this is intentionally broad and we welcome a range of interpretations of what wraparound support looks like.
Through this partnership, a panel of Camden citizens will decide which organisations should receive funding. They are looking for applications from organisations that prioritise the following 7 principles.
Food should be culturally appropriate for Camden’s diverse communities
Services should be responsive to the cultures and traditions of people who use them.
Ensure dignity, respect and choice
We believe that people should be trusted to know what they need and they should never feel “handed down to”.
Uphold a “money first” approach
We know it’s not always possible for people to have money instead of emergency food. But where possible people are supported to have enough money to eat well everyday.
Be guided by resident voices and underpin action with strong communication
There are lots of ways that resident voices can underpin a project, be that a resident steering group or a project that is run by residents.
Successful projects will have a plan to let people know about their work and they’ll consider digital and non-digital communication methods.
Use food as a social connector for good in order to access wider support
Alongside food, organisations should offer other services that build resilience, this could include providing cooking equipment, soft skills, providing recipes, building friendships, sharing information on wider support, intergenerational connection, building confidence or giving people the information they need to move away from food poverty.
Prioritise food that is nutritious
Healthy food should be available, but not compromising the importance of dignity and choice.
Monitor data and measure impact
The panel are looking for impactful projects that make good use of data.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to charities, community interest companies, TRA’s, schools, charitable incorporated organisations and community benefit societies. Organisations of any size can apply.
If you’ve previously received a small grant from the We make Camden Kit, you are still elegible to apply, but you don’t need to have received a small grant to apply.
You need to join the Camden Food Poverty Alliance to apply for a grant, if you aren’t already a member you can sign up here.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need to provide us with a copy of your safeguarding policy, a copy of a bank statement with your organisations name on it, a copy of your governing document and a budget. If you’d like to you can also share a video with the panel about your work. We’ll ask you to fill in a form, we think it takes about 2 hours to complete all documents and the form.
Can I apply for core costs?
At least some of the grant needs to be for delivery costs, for example the costs of food or the costs of paying people to provide a service, but some of the grant can be used for covering core costs or overheads, such as office costs. If you are using the grant to pay people, we strongly encourage you to pay at least London Living Wage.
Can residents apply?
Only if they applying as part of a charity, community interest company, TRA’s, school, charitable incorporated organisation or community benefit society. Residents who do not meet this criteria can apply to the main We Make Camden Kit.
Do we need to be a food service to apply?
Absolutely not, as long as you are helping people to access food. Food provision does not need to be your core activity.
When do I need to apply by?
Applications for grants of up to £7,500 will close on the 28th January 2022 at midnight. We expect applicants to have an outcome by the 18th February 2022.
Applications to the main We Make Camden fund, for grants of up to £1,500 will remain open after this date on a rolling basis.
How much funding is available?
In total, the pot contains £52,500.
What help can I get with my application?
You can pick-up the phone to Daniel, our Head of Grant Programmes and he’ll help you make an application or answer any questions.
Daniel Jourdan, Head of Grant Programmes
daniel@camdengiving.org.uk
07570844389
We can provide support to help people who’d prefer to apply in a different language or who are unable to access the online form.
