We Make Chalcots Kit

The We Make Chalcots Kit is a community fund that celebrates the creativity, talent and knowledge of the Chalcots community. It gives money and additional support to Chalcots residents who have great ideas for their communities.

The funding will aim to increase the diversity of community leaders and people in positions of power by giving grants (money) of up to £2,000 to individual residents from Chalcots to deliver activities that build individual and/or community power. This could include running a series of cultural cooking clubs in the TRA hall with families, young people leading football tournaments for the community at Swiss Cottage pitches, community events that bring different groups from across Chalcots together such as BBQs, cinema screenings or respite trips to the seaside.

Decisions on who receives funding and support are made by an independent community panel formed of 6 Chalcots residents who have diverse experiences of Camden and their local community.

The panel value the experience of people who have faced inequalities in Camden because they have faced them themselves. They encourage applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in positions of power and leadership and who will face barriers to receiving funding elsewhere.

The fund is an opportunity for you as Chalcots residents to organise as a community for whatever revolution you want to see, turning bold ideas into change for your community!

Tell me more

Some Projects We’ve Seen

I’m a Chalcots resident, 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 Chalcots Kit. As part of this, we have a designated Grants Coordinator to help you achieve this.

Abukar offers support for residents with things like 121 advice on your ideas and support to write your application, to providing safeguarding, insurance cover and finding connections needed to bring projects to life such as space and volunteers.

Also, if you have any concerns about receiving a grant into your bank might affect welfare benefits, we can provide flexibility to ensure that you can go ahead with your project with ease - for example, we can hold the grant on your behalf and purchase what you need to deliver activities.

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

So what does the process look like for me?

1. Start with an idea to contribute a core Camden mission, it doesn’t have to be perfect!

2. Next you’ll fill out your application online by clicking the ‘apply here’ button above.

3. Your application is then reviewed by our panel, this happens every month. The panel decide which applications they want to fund, and if you’re not successful the first time you can chat with Yasmin and have another go.

4. If your application is successful, Abukar will help you prepare for your project. This includes sort out things like public liability insurance for your project, any safeguarding training and DBS checks you might need and figuring out your project plan.

5. 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 only open to applications from Chalcots residents and we will not fund voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs), schools or other citizens outside of this community. However if you know great residents with ideas to make their community thrive, you can support them to submit an application, alongside other support they might need. For example access to space, creating promotion materials, offering expertise to help deliver their activities.

If you’d like a chat about the fund or have any other questions, please reach out to Abukar - abukar@camdengiving.org.uk.

How long will it take to get funding?

This is a rolling fund so you can apply at anytime for the duration of the fund. The panel will meet from June 2023 - September 2023 to review applications every month. You can apply at any point and usually receive an outcome within 2-3 weeks of appyling. We encourage feedback on how people are finding the application by emailing admin@camdengiving.org.uk.

I hate forms, how else can I apply?

We hear you! 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 way.

We need some information written down, but we can meet with you and do the typing or translating. 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.