London City Airport has announced the successful applicants for the latest round of grants from the airport’s £75,000 (US$84,000) Community Fund.
In total, £41,580 (US$46,600) of funding has been awarded to 15 local groups and community organizations covering six East London boroughs: Newham, Hackney, Lewisham, City of London, Tower Hamlets, and Barking and Dagenham. The successful applicants will receive grants of up to £3,000 (US$3,360) to enable change in their local communities.
Grantees that have secured funding in this latest round include Newham All Star Sports Academy, which is working with young girls in Newham and neighboring boroughs to support mental health and well-being through sport, plus Blind in Business, based in the City of London, which works with surrounding East London boroughs to support blind beneficiaries by raising their aspirations and getting them into employment. Another recipient, XLP, works with marginalized, excluded and disadvantaged young people to help them reach their potential in Newham, Greenwich and Lewisham. Made in Hackney, another recipient, will run cookery classes to help the local community eat healthier, affordable meals.
The grants are intended to provide a financial boost to these local organizations working to support people in the community, particularly those affected by the cost-of-living crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, covering areas such as employment; training for young people, women and the elderly; well-being, physical and mental health; food poverty; and biodiversity.
The 15 local community groups receiving this latest round of funding are based in or active in Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets. Blind in Business works with beneficiaries from Newham, Greenwich and Lewisham.
Tim Sledge, director of fundraising at XLP, said, “XLP is thrilled to have been awarded a grant from London City Airport’s Community Fund. We work with thousands of disadvantaged young Londoners who experience a lot of turbulence in their lives. This grant will help more young people take off and soar to the heights and reach their potential by providing them with experiences they have never had before.”
Fran Humber, development manager at Made in Hackney, commented, “London City Airport’s funding will be critical for us to provide 1:1 affordable and healthy eating advice and to those managing health issues. This is even more important during the cost-of-living crisis, where many people are struggling to feed themselves well.”
Jago Streete-Campbell, director of basketball operations at Team Elite Basketball Club, said, “We are thrilled to be successful in receiving funding for our project. The London City Airport Community Fund grant is going to make a significant impact on young people from disadvantaged communities. This grant will give us the opportunity to provide more accessible sessions in the community for boys and girls aged 11-15, as well as volunteer opportunities for young adults aged 16-24.”
Dan Mitchell, director of Blind in Business, said, “Blind in Business welcomes the kind donation from London City Airport to train blind children in career planning, giving them the confidence to think of their future careers.”