Barnet Community Innovation Fund
Barnet-based community groups can apply for a grant from the £240,000 Community Innovation Fund (CIF) from 31 October, to help fund projects that tackle food poverty and the cost-of-living crisis.
The fund, now in its third round of applications is particularly interested in seeing applications benefiting communities with poorer health outcomes.
Cllr Alison Moore, Chair of Barnet Council’s Health & Wellbeing Board, said: “We set up the Community Innovation Fund to help make a real and tangible difference to Barnet residents. So far, we have seen great engagement and have invested £580,000 in 40 local projects that will improve the health and well-being of people across the borough.
“This autumn we are making more funds available to local projects that mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, with a particular focus on targeted interventions that address food and fuel poverty challenges faced by our most vulnerable residents.”
Dr Tamara Djuretic, Joint Director of Public Health and Prevention for Barnet Council and The Royal Free Group, said: “This successful initiative is a testimony of us all working together to support Barnet residents through some challenging times post-pandemic and beyond.
“Barnet Together responded with a passion and enthusiasm to the needs of local communities. I am delighted that our next round of funding will continue helping many more residents who are now affected by the cost-of-living crisis.”
Barnet Council launched the CIF in Spring 2021. It comprises funding from health and social care partners as well as the council and is co-designed with Barnet Together – the borough’s voluntary sector partnership. It is majority funded by the Barnet Borough Partnership (Local NHS acute and community trusts, North Central London Integrated Care Board and Barnet Council) and aims to improve health and wellbeing in the borough.
If you are a voluntary or community organisation providing support to Barnet residents you can find out how to apply here: www.barnet.gov.uk/communityinnovationfund
You can also contact the council’s Community Innovations and Funding Manager Marta Montague: CommunityInnovationFund@Barnet.gov.uk
The deadline for applications 30 November at 5pm.