Aldgate Connect Community Fund

Quick Stats

• Grant Range: £0 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: Aldgate area, London
• Total Impact: 17 projects funded with £51,940 total since 2022
• Application Method: Rolling basis (through ActionFunder platform)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed

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 (Company no. 09031410) 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 supported 17 projects with £51,940 total funding, benefiting communities across Aldgate and wider areas. 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 fund amount and priorities vary with each funding round.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Aldgate Connect Community Fund (Annual)

• Grant Range: Up to £5,000 per project
• Total Fund: Varies by year (£9,000 in 2022, £25,800 in 2024, £15,000 in 2025)
• Application Method: Rolling basis through ActionFunder platform until published deadline
• Project Delivery Timeline: Projects must be delivered within specified timeframe set for each funding round

Priority Areas

The fund's priority areas vary with each funding round. Previous rounds have addressed 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

Note: Individual funding rounds may focus on specific priority areas. For example, the 2025 fund focused exclusively on climate change and supporting a greener, more sustainable urban environment.

Beneficiary Groups

The fund has supported 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 the priority focus areas for that funding round

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team

• Zoe Barwick - BID Director
• Izabella Kasinska - Head of Marketing and Events

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 emphasised 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.”

How to Apply to Aldgate Connect Community Fund

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 emphasises 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 17 projects with £51,940 total funding:

• 2022: Initial launch with £9,000 fund, supporting up to £3,000 per project
• 2024: £25,800 fund supporting 6 projects
• 2025: £15,000 fund focused specifically on climate change projects

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 those relevant to the specific funding round's priorities
• Community benefit - clear impact on local Aldgate communities
• The priority focus areas outlined for that specific funding round

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
• Check current priorities: Fund priorities change with each round - review the current funding round details carefully before applying
• UN SDG alignment: Frame your project explicitly in terms of UN Sustainable Development Goals relevant to that round's priorities
• 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: Familiarise 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 relatively modest total funds distributed annually, 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

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• London Hq Community Fund
• Islington Giving
• London City Airport Community Fund
• Derwent London Community Fund
• Foundation For Future London
• Charity Of Sir Richard Whittington
• Derwent London Plc Community Fund
• The London Community Foundation
• Cripplegate Foundation
• Wakefield And Tetley Trust

References

• Aldgate Connect BID official website: https://aldgateconnect.london
• Aldgate Connect Community Fund, ActionFunder: https://app.actionfunder.org
• “Aldgate Connect BID funds new projects through Community Fund,” Petticoat Lane: https://petticoatlane.london/aldgate-connect-bid-funds-new-projects-through-community-fund/
• Primera Corporation news: https://news.primera-corp.co.uk
• LinkedIn posts by Zoe Barwick, BID Director, regarding Community Fund launches and priorities
• Companies House: ALDGATE CONNECT BID LIMITED (Company no. 09031410)