This year’s first round of grants from London City Airport’s £75,000 (US$94,170) Community Fund has been awarded to 15 local groups covering 11 London boroughs.
This round has seen the distribution of £35,834 (US$44,980) in grants, providing a financial boost for local charities and non-profit organizations tackling issues and causes ranging from mental health to the environment.
Groups benefiting in this round include: Salmagundi Films, a participatory arts organization using film, stop frame animation and digital art as a platform for creative expression to give people a voice; The River Roding Trust, which is revitalizing a stretch of the river near Barking; Cardboard Citizens, which harnesses the arts to give those affected by homelessness a voice and bring about change in their lives; and Irish Community Services, which runs activities for the elderly in the boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham.
Each grant of up to £3,000 (US$3,760) supports initiatives that enable positive and significant change within the community. The common themes across all the recipients, who were selected by a judging panel, are that they: build stronger, safer and healthier communities; create more sustainable and greener communities; raise the aspirations of East Londoners, or; create pathways into employment.
Elise John-Lewis, head of sustainability and community engagement at London City and a member of the Community Fund’s board of trustees, said, “London City Airport has been a part of the community for more than 30 years and, during this time, we’ve worked hard to make a positive contribution. Now in its second year, our Community Fund is one of our most powerful tools for making that positive difference for local people. Our hope is that this latest round of grants can boost these organisations’ efforts to empower people, bring the community together and make a positive difference to the area.”
More than 60 applications were received for this round of funding. Later this year, a second round of funding will be awarded in the same way. Applications for the second round are open until June 19. Grants will be awarded in August.
“Age is not Beige”, an example of Salmagundi Films’ work.