Richmond Council is calling on local groups and organisations working on projects improving health and wellbeing of residents to apply for the Active Richmond Fund.

Unique to Richmond upon Thames, the Active Richmond Fund is available all year round to support individuals, groups and organisations with funding to go towards running both social and physical activities. These activities must help support an active, healthy lifestyle for residents which can include sports, fitness, arts as well as social groups.

Similarly, if individuals are involved with a project that promotes healthy eating choices and improves people's nutrition, whether that be through cooking classes or providing information and assistance on how to cook well on a budget, then the fund could also apply.

Grant schemes

Funding is available in two different forms. The Active Richmond fund offers two grant levels to apply for:

• Micro Grants - up to £1,000
• Main Grants - up to £5,000

Micro Grants

The Micro Grants provide short-term and quick funding and are particularly suited for smaller projects. These grants might be used to purchase extra equipment to offer additional places for popular activities, or to kickstart a new social group on a limited budget.

Main Grants

The Main Grants are for groups in need of funding to support and achieve longer-term activities, such as launching a new project or expanding existing activities to more areas of the borough. For example, in November 2022, Twickenham Cygnets FC were awarded a main grant of £5,000 towards establishing a new women's football club called Twickenham Swans FC giving local women of all abilities the opportunity to play the game in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Richmond Council have already awarded funding to support a wide range of local activities. If residents are in need of some inspiration or some reassurance that they are eligible, examples of previous Active Richmond Fund awards are provided.

Cllr Piers Allen, Lead member for Adult Social Care and Health and Chair of the Richmond Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "The Active Richmond Fund has been extremely successful over the last year or so in awarding funding to projects across the borough working to improve the lives of our residents.

Whether it be a fitness group that's looking to expand, or a healthy cooking class in need of new utensils, we want to continue and reinvigorate this support and enable even more groups and projects to thrive. Please get in touch if you think you may be eligible for funding."

For more guidance on eligibility and how to apply to the Active Richmond Fund.

To discuss your project please contact the Grants Team on 020 8487 5112 or 020 8487 5259, or email [email protected].