We Make Camden Kit
The ‘We Make Camden Kit’ is now open for applications
Our Alumni conducted an evaluation of the fund over summer and have made some changes including redefining some of the core missions and restricting the types of organisations that can apply. More information on both below:
What are the core missions?
We're all about clear communication and understanding needs. So, after some insightful discussions with our past panel members, we've revamped our core missions. We've reworded 'diversity in positions of power' into 'representative leadership' and split 'sustainable neighbourhoods' into 'eco-friendly neighbourhoods' and ‘stronger communities’. We're committed to making our missions resonate even better with the community.
Access to food for all
Everyone deserves to eat well, and issues surrounding our food systems are becoming increasingly urgent. Our community panel want to give grants to experimental ideas, new partnerships, entrepreneurial activity and community-led activities responding to food poverty.
Opportunities for children and young people
Camden’s children and young people should have opportunities for education, happiness, health and to contribute to making Camden a better place. Our community panel want to fund projects that are designed with or by children and young people.
Representative leadership
Camden Giving is committed to deconstructing systems of oppression. If you are a resident or Camden rooted organisation whose leadership is usually under-represented in positions of power, this mission is for you. This mission has been developed to support aspiring leaders who otherwise may not have the opportunity to lead community projects within their own communities, whether this is through culturally competent support groups or disability-led social action, if you are applying for projects where relatable lived experience may be the key ingredient to make a difference, please apply under this mission.
Eco-friendly neighbourhoods
Projects that encourage local residents to be eco-friendly in their everyday lives, whether this is growing their own fruit and vegetables, using compost bins, litter picking groups, developing a community garden, recycling, upcycling or clean air initiatives. Projects applying under this mission will be thinking about Camden resident’s role in saving the planet.
Stronger communities
Ensuring no Camden resident is left behind, projects applying under this mission will be thinking about ways to connect Camden residents for the betterment of the community, whether this is through sports clubs, walking groups, arts projects or developing a communal space. This mission is about bringing the community together, be that for an event, to learn something new or continue doing something they enjoy.
What’s been funded so far?
We started funding projects in June 2021 and since then we’ve awarded £406,427.55 in grants to support 240 exceptional grantees right here in Camden. The We Make Camden Kit has been the beacon of our commitment, fostering remarkable projects that resonate with our mission. Curious about the cool projects we've funded? Check out the awesome initiatives we've supported below!
Access to food for all
Food for homelessness in Camden is a project run by Camden Resident Malihe Sadeghipour. The project received funding for making 40 hot meals each week (vegetarian and non vegetarian) and drink for homelessness people who live in the borough of Camden for 3 months.
Opportunities for children and young people
Khady’s Dream was founded by Kevin Koffi, the project educates young people in the community about the legal system by delivering workshops in schools. These workshops enable them to interact with students and individuals at risk of committing crimes, discussing the risks of offending. Since being awarded a grant Khady’s dream has gone on to become a registered social enterprise.
Representative leadership
Somalis in Tech is a social enterprise that was set up by Camden citizens to help empower the Somali community.They recently received funding for their upcoming mentorship programme. They aim to serve young people and career switchers by providing them with mentors that will support them with exploring career options.
Eco-friendly neighbourhoods
A group of 50 volunteers have helped to set up and maintain the Kilburn community garden. The garden was awarded a grant for the maintenance and expansion of the community garden, organisation of educational and community events, and provision of durable tools, seeds and seedlings for the next year.
Stronger Communities
Edith Neville Primary School were awarded a grant to continue a very successful Walk and Talk group in Somers Town. The funding paid for a Family Liaison Worker to lead the walking group and help support their wellbeing.
Tell me more
Camden Giving currently have £137,239.00 in the pot, which is approximately 68 grants or 3 per fortnight. (Please note: this figure is subject to change, we fundraise for this fund year-round and therefore will update this figure accordingly).
Decisions on who receives funding and support are made by a panel of Camden residents from across the borough, who have diverse experiences of Camden, with the panel of Camden residents supported by a partnership between Camden Council and Camden Giving. The community panel who award these grants value the experience of people who have faced inequalities in Camden because they have faced them themselves. The community panel encourage applications from those who have faced barriers to receiving funding elsewhere.
Residents can also receive support with insurance, safeguarding and connections to make their ideas a success.
I’m a Camden resident, and not part of a charity or social enterprise, how can I apply?
Camden Giving wants to help people like you – Camden residents to submit projects to our We Make Camden Kit. As part of this, we have a designated Grants Coordinator to help you achieve this.
Abukar in our team offers support for residents with things like safeguarding, insurance and finding connections they need to bring their projects to life. Abukar is an avid coffee drinker, so don’t be a stranger and opt to meet him in person!
Abukar Elmi, Grants Coordinator
abukar@camdengiving.org.uk
07585715575
Once you’ve read the guidance, click below to apply and tick the box saying you’re a Camden resident.
So what does the process look like for me?
Start with an idea to contribute a core Camden mission, it doesn’t have to be perfect!
Next you’ll fill out your application online by clicking the ‘apply here’ button above.
Your application is then reviewed by our panel, this happens every two weeks. The panel decide which applications they want to fund, and if you’re not successful the first time you can chat with Abukar and have another go.
If your application is successful, Abukar will help you prepare for your project. This includes sorting out things like public liability insurance for your project, any safeguarding training and DBS checks you might need and figuring out your project plan.
You’ll then be awarded your grant money and can start your project, making Camden a better place!
I work for a charity, school or social enterprise, how can I apply?
The fund is open to applications from constituted voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs) based in Camden with an annual income below £250,000’ (previously the fund was open to organisations based outside of Camden but delivering in Camden)
In order to receive a grant you’ll need to have a safeguarding policy if you are working with vulnerable people, a bank statement in the name of your organisation, public liability insurance and a governing document.
If you work or volunteer for an organisation who is applying and you’d like a chat or a bit of help, please reach out to our Grants Coordinator, Abukar - abukar@camdengiving.org.uk. He can do face-to-face coffee chats outside, zoom calls or invite you in to the Camden Collective!
You can submit an application by clicking below.
How long will it take to get funding?
The community panel review applications every 2 weeks, taking a break for Christmas and Ramadan. You can apply at any point and usually receive an outcome within 3 weeks. We encourage feedback on how people are finding the application by emailing admin@camdengiving.org.uk.
We know that a written application isn't best suited for everyone and Camden Giving are willing to be flexible for people who might want to apply in a different.
I hate forms, how else can I apply?
We hear you!
We need some information written down, but we can meet with you and do the typing. It's also great to see a recorded video so our panel can meet you, nothing fancy, just you talking to your phone will do.
If access to technology is an issue, do give us a shout, we’ve got some laptops you can borrow, or we can give you a paper application.
This work is funded by Camden Council, Landsec and Shaftesbury through their continued commitment to supporting the brilliant ideas of local residents. To ensure the longevity of the We Make Camden Kit, Camden Giving continues to seek additional funding from local businesses invested in making Camden a fairer place for everybody.
