Introducing our 1 Broadgate Strong Foundations Grant recipients

At the end of last year, we launched our 1 Broadgate Strong Foundations Grant, encouraging local charities and community groups to apply for a share of the £25,000 fund via ActionFunder.

This is one of eight Strong Foundations Grants launched in 2023 near our projects across the UK, to support grassroot initiatives that align with our inclusive values. Together, the grants total £145,000.

Following a three-week application window, the shortlisted submissions were judged by a panel including colleagues from our 1 Broadgate project and the commercial sector.  

We are pleased to announce that we will be supporting the following 11 local projects:  

• Age UK City of London have been working with older people for ten years, providing health and wellbeing services such as walks, online support and trips. The funding will go towards providing a warm space and hot lunch twice a week during the winter months for older city residents.  
  
  
• Crohn’s and Colitis Relief is specifically aimed at youth with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), helping them to overcome stigma and barriers. The “Swin for strength” project aims to offer youths with IBD the chance to participate in weekly swimming sessions, with the goal of enhancing physical and mental well-being of participants. The funding will cover the costs of 30 swimming memberships for 12 weeks and contribute to travel expenses.  
  
  
• Fat Macy’s Foundation work with young people living in temporary accommodation, helping them to secure qualifications and training within their restaurant. The funding will enable 40 individuals in acquiring a Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification and offer additional training in the restaurant for 20 people. Additionally, the funds will support mental health therapy sessions for 15 trainees. 

• Food for All is an award-winning charity, supporting homeless people and those facing financial hardship who are unable to regularly access fresh, hot, and healthy meals. The funding will provide approximately 3,000 hot meals for some of the most vulnerable and socially isolated people in the city.  

• Food for Aldgate is a community initiative by EastendHomes which aims to address the issue of food insecurity and cost of living pressures in the community. The funding will go towards providing food and non-food items such as sanitaryware and toiletries.
  
• Incommon offers a service to help connect a retirement scheme and school for a year of friendship and mutual learning. The funding will support staff costs, programme equipment, materials and refreshments.  

• London Jaguars Community Association aims to reconnect disengaged young people and reintroduce community members to sports. The funding will provide free fitness and football sessions for 35 young people for 30 weeks and cover the costs of pitch hire, coaches and refreshments.  

• Love North Southwark offers a free baby bank to support families in challenging circumstances, offering free essential items for babies and toddlers. Funding will contribute to supporting families by providing nappies, toiletries, baby food, blankets, and bedding.
  
• The Food Chain delivers a quarterly educational “Eating Positively”, designed for 12 individuals living with HIV in London. The programme covers a range of topics including budget and symptoms, healthy heart, and diabetes and sugar risks. Funding will provide ingredients, a hardship fund, and staff, including specialist HIV dietitians. 
• The Garden Classroom connects urban communities with nature by designing and delivering nature activities. Funding will provide much needed gardening tools and plants for volunteer gardening sessions, bringing the community together. 

• The Suited & Booted, London helps unemployed men prepare for job interviews, providing them with fitted suits and instilling confidence. In addition to providing the smart attire, the centre offers interview training conducted by professional HR volunteers. The funding will be used to provide suits and boots for 50 men, ensuring they are well-prepared for their upcoming interview.

Congratulations to all the recipients!