The Fellowship Fund will award grants for activities running from May 2026 to March 2027

A cultural event in Fellowship Square, Credit: Waltham Forest Council

Voluntary and community groups in Waltham Forest are being invited to apply for funding to deliver cultural and creative programmes celebrating the borough’s diverse communities.

The Fellowship Fund will award grants for activities running from May 2026 to March 2027, with the aim of strengthening community cohesion and supporting groups to collaborate, share experiences and build local connections.

Two funding streams are available. These are collaboration grants of up to £9,500 for groups of four to six organisations working together on a cultural programme, and development grants of up to £2,000 to help organisations research and develop new collaborative ideas.

Programmes can mark a wide range of community‑led celebrations, including South Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month, Windrush Day, Pride, faith and interfaith festivals, and other cultural or intercultural events. Year‑round approaches are also encouraged.

This year’s fund has been co‑designed with seven local VCS representatives, who helped shape the programme model, funding criteria and selection process. Successful applicants will also be paired with cultural or community venues as part of a new residency scheme, and will receive mentoring to help build skills and capacity.

A community panel will select the funded projects.

Applications are open until 10th April at 11pm. Groups must be voluntary or community organisations, charities, CICs or faith‑based organisations, and must apply as part of a collaboration. Individuals and for‑profit businesses are not eligible.

Support is available through drop‑in sessions at libraries across the borough, grant‑writing workshops, and networking events to help groups find partners.

Applications can be submitted in writing, or via video or voice note, provided the required form sections are completed.

For full guidance and session details, visit the council’s website

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