Revamped community fund opens for waste prevention projects

Organisations running waste prevention projects will be able to apply for grants of up to a total value of £250,000 thanks to the revamped North London Community Fund. 

For the first time, the fund will be split into two stages providing small, medium and large sized awards benefitting organisations across the seven north London boroughs - Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest. North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has made a total of £250,000 available for 2024/25 to help non-profit organisations develop new approaches to reduce waste or extend the reach and impact of existing projects. 

Of this, £150,000 will be allocated to small awards of up to £5,000 and for medium sized projects of for up to £15,000 each. 

Applications open on Monday 16 October and close at 1pm on 15 December 2023. 

The second round, which is due to launch in the new year, will enable two organisations to benefit from a large award from the remaining fund of £100,000 for projects delivered over two years.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, Chair of NLWA, said: “Our aim is to preserve resources and the environment for future generations, but that can only happen if we all work together to reduce waste and support the circular economy. 

“That’s why we’re passionate about helping organisations to deliver lasting change on the ground by making our North London Community Fund even better next year. 

“I strongly encourage all not-for-profit organisations - whether big, medium or small - with innovative ideas on promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste generation or minimising climate impacts to apply for funding.” 

NLWA has been giving grants since 2017 to support waste prevention initiatives in the north London area. 

The fund was increased to £250,000 in 2023/24, and successful applicants include: 

• 2econd Chance refurbishing unwanted laptops and donating them to people in need, while providing valuable training and employment opportunities.  

• Bounds Green Food Bank is working towards becoming zero-waste by installing a thermos compost bin, using biodegradable packaging and turning old bedding into tote bags.  

• Nappy Ever After purchased a new e-cargo bike to expand its reusable nappy laundry service, including to nurseries.  

• Octopus Community Network is forming a network of three neighbourhood-based Compost Hubs in Islington to reduce food waste.  

• Eco Show and Tell have been hosting sustainability fairs across Barnet to share practical waste reduction tips. 

• The Inconvenient Store have been running a series of workshops aimed normalising a climate-conscious lifestyle and empowering people to do something at a local level.

To be eligible for funding, an organisation must be non-profit. The project must take place in at least one of the seven north London boroughs and help north London residents reduce waste.  

Organisations that have previously submitted funding requests and/or received support from NLWA’s North London Community Fund may also apply. 

For more information, visit: www.nlwa.gov.uk/campaigns-and-projects/north-london-community-fund-0