We're delighted that our first funding opportunity and participatory grant making round is in partnership with The London Community Foundation. See here for what participatory grant-making means: What We Do | Redbridge Giving as well as full information about these opportunities on the relevant pages.
The Ilford Fund has been created to support community-led activity that strengthens neighbourhoods, brings people together and helps local people thrive. We know there are brilliant ideas and inspiring organisations already working across Ilford and Redbridge, and this funding is an opportunity to help those ideas grow and reach more residents.
Whether you are a small community group, charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation, we encourage you to explore the fund and consider applying. We are interested in projects that respond to the local priorities identified in the listening project that shaped the development of this scheme: Cost of living, food insecurity, loneliness and community safety and belonging.
The closing date for applications is 30th September 2026.
Become a Community Panellist
Alongside the funding programme, we are looking for local residents to join the Community Panel and help decide which projects receive support.
This is a unique opportunity to influence investment in your local area. Community Panellists will review applications, hear about the ideas being proposed and work alongside fellow residents to make recommendations about funding. No previous grant-making experience is required. We are simply looking for people who care about Ilford and want to contribute their perspective. We also particularly welcome those who have lived experience of some of the challenges people face locally.
Being part of the panel is a chance to learn new skills, meet people from different backgrounds and play an active role in shaping the future of your community. It's also an opportunity to see first-hand the incredible work taking place across the borough.
The closing date for applications is 4th October 2026.
Local People, Local Decisions
At the heart of the Ilford Fund is a simple idea: the people closest to local challenges and opportunities are best placed to help decide where funding can make the greatest impact. By bringing together community organisations and local residents, the fund aims to ensure that investment is fair, transparent and rooted in what matters most to the community.
If you are interested in applying for funding or becoming a Community Panellist, visit the relevant pages on the Redbridge Giving website for full details and application information. Together, we can make sure that local people continue to shape a stronger, more connected Redbridge.
