Waltham Forest Giving
Supporting People Locally
Supporting People Locally
Waltham Forest Giving (WFG), in partnership with Waltham Forest Community Health Champions (CHC), is offering wellbeing grants to support impactful community led projects that help residents live healthier, happier lives.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects and activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing, support people in maintaining good health, prevent illness, and address health inequalities in the borough.
This funding opportunity is rooted in the belief that community-led solutions are key to improving local health outcomes by empowering residents and community groups to take-action on the health issues that matter most in their communities.
Key dates:
| Tuesday 24th June 2025 | Applications open |
| Monday 28th July 2025 –11.59pm | Applications close |
| Friday 22nd August 202 | Applicants notified of outcome |
| September 2025 – March2026 | Project delivery window |
Up to £750 is available for individuals, un-constituted/ informal groups and residents associations
Up to £2000 funding is available to:
- Community groups, charities and voluntary organisations
- Social enterprises and community interest companies (CICs)
- Faith based groups running health focused projects
This funding is to support all communities. However, we are particularly interested in funding projects which support the mental health of Black men and young boys – in line with local public health priorities.
We know that culturally relevant approaches are often underfunded and under-represented, and this fund aims to help address that gap.
We particularly welcome applications from and for:
- Black and South Asian men
- LGBTIQ+ communities
- Disabled residents
- People whose first language is not English
- Romanian residents
Your project should support one or more of the following local health priorities:
- Mental health of Black Men and Young People
- Healthy weight and eating
- Sexual health
- Vaccinations and immunisation awareness
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Stopping smoking
The application form is in Microsoft Word format and can be downloaded here. Please send your completed application form in .docx format via email to walthamforestgiving@groundwork.org.uk
Please ensure you read the Grant Guidance document carefully before applying. You can download the Grant Guidance here:
You can also see frequently asked questions here:
Waltham Forest Giving raises and distributes funds and resources to help local organisations support the people in our borough.
It is an independent initiative, hosted by Groundwork London, which connects and enthuses local people, businesses and organisations to address local needs.
We aim to provide a straightforward approach for individuals and businesses to contribute funds, time, knowledge, or skills to support grassroots community projects.
It is led by Charlie Blair who is supported by a steering group of Waltham Forest residents who have informed the strategy and design of the scheme. We have co-designed this giving scheme with stakeholders from the voluntary, statutory and private sectors.
Waltham Forest Giving is part of a wider network of 18 giving schemes in London.
Our Values
- Equity and Inclusion – ensuring resources reach those most in need
- Community Led – empowering local people to shape the scheme based on evidenced needs
- Sustainability – promoting long-term impact
- Collaboration – working with local charities, businesses and residents to maximise our impact
- Transparency and Trust – making it easy for people to give and receive support without unnecessary barriers
Waltham Forest Giving – Needs Assessment
In 2023, Groundwork London secured funding from the City Bridge Foundation to set up a place-based giving scheme in Waltham Forest – the first of its kind in the borough. Waltham Forest Giving is part of a wider network of 18 other giving schemes across London.
To ensure we understand local needs, complement existing initiatives, and avoid duplication, we commissioned ‘Public Voice’ to carry out a needs assessment. The key focus of the needs assessment was to explore how community groups in Waltham Forest can be best supported by funding, resources and/or time.
The needs assessment included:
- A review of current literature on place-based giving
- Desk research on Waltham Forest and the people who live and work here
- Interviews with community organisations and the local authority
- Surveys with residents and community groups
- Focus groups with residents and community groups
Steering Group Update
We have recruited 9 people to form our steering group, made up of residents, and representatives of local groups and businesses.
The steering group will guide and oversee Waltham Forest Giving to ensure it effectively meets community needs and thrives in the long term.
Expert Advice Sessions
Earlier this year, we teamed up with L&Q Housing and Equans, to empower local community groups and charities with expert guidance and practical support.
This initiative offered free, specialist advice to help organisations strengthen their operations and build long term sustainability.
Through this collaboration they’ve supported 6 community groups with 1:1 support on: fundraising, bid writing, income diversification, HR, recruitment and finance.
We’d like to thank our partners for their support, and we look forward to working with them again in the future to support local projects for local people.
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Interested? Got questions? Speak to Charlie!
Meet Charlie, Waltham Forest Giving’s Project Manager. Find out more about WFG and ask your questions.
Contact: charlie.blair@groundwork.org.uk or 07548 315 149