Community Seedling Fund

We understand that sometimes, small grassroots organisations, often run by volunteers, may not have the resources or expertise to compete for funding with larger, more well-resourced organisations. We also recognise that its these micro-organisations who often deliver the most impactful projects for our communities.

We have established the Community Seedling Fund specifically for small, under-resourced grassroots organisations with an annual turnover of less than £20,000.

To make the process as accessible as possible, we have streamlined the application form and reporting requirements. This targeted approach ensures that smaller community groups can secure vital funding without having to compete against much larger, well-resourced organisations.

We welcome applications for projects where this is either central to the activity or where there is a significant element of public engagement. We support projects across any art form or theme important to the North Kensington communities.  

The maximum grant awarded is £2,000 for any one project regardless of collaborations or partnerships between organisations. 

Who we Fund 

This fund is specifically designed for local community-centred organisations with an annual turnover of less than £20,000.

If your organisation’s turnover is between £20,000 and £100,000, you are invited to apply for our Community Impact Fund.

If your organisation’s turnover exceeds £100,000, you are invited to apply for our Transformation Grants.

We fund community organisations, registered charities, registered Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), or registered Community Interest Companies (CIC), or a community group with a written constitution or governing document (i.e. articles of association). Organisations should operate within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC), with a particular focus on the communities living in North Kensington.  

We expect this grant programme is extremely competitive. Last year, in a similar grants programme, we received 98 applications, to a total value of approximately £228,000. We distributed £90,000 to 38 local organisations, meaning that 60 applicants were regrettably unsuccessful. You can view the list of successful recipients from 2025/26 here.

How to Apply 

You apply directly via our online Application Form. Please make sure you have also read the Application Guidelines and FAQs.   

You must also provide evidence that you are a non-profit organisation with a presence within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), with a particular focus on delivering projects or work that will benefit the North Kensington communities.  

Deadline

We are now accepting applications to this fund.

Applications will close at 5pm sharp on Friday 8 May 2026.

Events and Projects on the Westway Estate  

If you are applying for funding to host an event on the Westway Estate, you will be asked to apply for a license for the space before your funding is released.  

Please see the Application Guidelines for full details.  

Apply Now Application Guidelines FAQs