Aldgate Connect Community Fund

Charity Number: CUSTOM_DE69D927

Annual Expenditure: £0.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £25,800 (2024 round)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis review (specific timeline not disclosed)
  • Grant Range: £0 - £5,000
  • Geographic Focus: Aldgate area, London
  • Total Impact: 11 projects funded since 2022, over 1,700 people supported

Contact Details

Website: https://aldgateconnect.london

Application Portal: ActionFunder platform (https://app.actionfunder.org)

BID Director: Zoe Barwick

Applications are managed through the ActionFunder online platform.

Overview

Aldgate Connect Community Fund was established in 2022 by the Aldgate Connect Business Improvement District (BID), a private company limited by guarantee that formally began operations in April 2020. The BID raises £3.9 million over its five-year term through a mandatory business levy on local businesses and voluntary contributions from supporters. Since launching the Community Fund in 2022, the BID has distributed over £26,000 to community groups, charities, and non-profit organisations, supporting 11 projects that have benefited more than 1,700 people across Aldgate and wider communities. The fund operates as part of a cross-programme initiative with other BIDs across the Primera Corporation Limited portfolio. The Community Fund allows the BID to directly support community-driven projects with flexibility, inspiring good growth from within communities, entrepreneurship and accountability. The 2024 fund allocated £25,800 to six new projects expected to support an additional 355 people.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Aldgate Connect Community Fund (Annual)

  • Grant Range: Up to £5,000 per project
  • Total Fund: £25,800 (2024 allocation)
  • Application Method: Rolling basis through ActionFunder platform until deadline
  • Project Delivery Timeline: Projects must be delivered within specified timeframe (August 31, 2024 for the 2024 round)

Priority Areas

The fund supports projects that address one or more of the following focus areas, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

  1. Climate Change and Urban Environment Adaptation - Projects addressing climate action and environmental sustainability
  2. Good Work and Education Opportunities - Supporting people to enter employment and access educational opportunities
  3. Skills Development and Upskilling - Training and capacity-building programmes that develop skills
  4. Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - Projects supporting community wellbeing and mental health

Beneficiary Groups

The fund supports projects benefiting a diverse range of communities, including:

  • Refugees and asylum seekers
  • LGBTQIA+ people
  • Older people and young people
  • Economically disadvantaged individuals
  • Disabled individuals
  • Women and men
  • Ex-offenders
  • Veterans

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but projects must:

  • Be delivered by non-profit organisations
  • Serve the Aldgate area
  • Align with at least one of the four priority focus areas
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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team

  • Zoe Barwick - BID Director/BID Manager
  • Izabella Kasinska - Head of Marketing and Events
  • Ellie Pearce - Head of Operations
  • Will Dyson - Placemaking Director
  • Lucy Booth - BID Coordinator

Board of Directors

  • Chair: Liam Hayes
  • Board Members: 15 members representing local businesses and community stakeholders
  • Board Observers: Representatives from City of London, Transport for London, and other partner organizations

Strategic Approach

The BID operates around four strategic pillars:

  1. Making the District More Appealing
  2. Shaping a Safer Aldgate
  3. Creating a Connected Community
  4. Welcoming People In

Zoe Barwick has emphasized that “Private investment through the Business Improvement District model is a critical catalyst for a collective voice to support essential grassroots projects and fundamental improvements for the local community alike.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Sign up on ActionFunder - Create an account on the ActionFunder platform
  2. Register your organisation - Complete your organisation profile
  3. Post your project - Describe your project and funding needs
  4. Automatic matching - Your project will automatically match with funds where you meet the criteria (grant amount, location, focus area)

Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the published deadline. The ActionFunder platform emphasizes efficiency: "ActionFunder's all about saving you time so that you can get on with what matters: community action."

Eligible Organisations

All non-profit organisations are eligible to apply, including:

  • Registered charities
  • Community groups (informal groups welcome)
  • Social enterprises
  • Residents associations
  • Religious groups
  • Schools
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs)

Unique Features

Unlike many funders, Aldgate Connect allows applications to include core costs alongside specific project items or services, providing valuable flexibility for applicants.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application period. Specific decision timeframes (from submission to notification) are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact the BID for more information on expected decision timelines.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply to the fund. Key rules:

  • Organisations may have only one 'live' application/project at a time
  • Applicants must await a decision on their current application before submitting a new one
  • Revised or new proposals are welcome after receiving a decision

Application Success Factors

Fund History and Competition

Since 2022, the fund has supported 11 projects total:

  • 2024: 6 projects funded from £25,800 allocation
  • 2022: Initial launch with £9,000 fund, supporting up to £3,000 per project

The specific number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, so precise success rates cannot be calculated.

Alignment with Strategic Goals

Projects should demonstrate clear alignment with:

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals - particularly around climate action, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities
  • Community benefit - clear impact on local Aldgate communities
  • One or more of the four priority focus areas outlined above

Portfolio Context

The Community Fund operates as part of a wider Primera Corporation BID portfolio initiative, suggesting cross-learning and shared best practices across multiple BID areas. Applicants may benefit from understanding the broader BID network's priorities.

Geographic Focus

Projects must serve the Aldgate area specifically. The BID's geographic boundaries are defined by the business district, and funded projects should demonstrate direct benefit to Aldgate communities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Core costs allowed: Unlike many funders, you can include core costs alongside project-specific items - take advantage of this flexibility
  • UN SDG alignment: Frame your project explicitly in terms of UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly climate, employment/education, skills development, or wellbeing
  • Rolling applications: Apply as soon as your project is ready rather than waiting for a deadline - rolling review means early applications may have better chances
  • ActionFunder platform: Familiarize yourself with the ActionFunder system, which automatically matches projects to funds - ensure your profile is complete and accurately tagged
  • Reapplication welcome: If unsuccessful, you can reapply with revised proposals - use feedback to strengthen future applications
  • Modest fund size: With only £25,800 distributed annually to 6 projects, competition may be significant - ensure your project demonstrates strong local impact
  • BID priorities: Understanding the broader BID strategic pillars (appealing district, safer Aldgate, connected community, welcoming people) may help frame your application

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