CDA Social & Community Fund

Following a six-week application period, we are delighted to announce the successful completion of the fourth round of our Social & Community Fund 2026/27, awarding £32,922 to 12 outstanding charities and community organisations delivering vital support across Camden and Islington.  During the application process, we received an unprecedented 98 applications, highlighting both the strength of the voluntary and community sector and the growing demand for funding to sustain essential frontline services across central London communities.

In order to review the applications, we had a funding panel who carefully considered the application against our ESG and social value priorities, with a particular focus on initiatives supporting skills development, youth engagement, employment opportunities, food insecurity, women and girls, and mental health and wellbeing.

The judging panel comprised:

• Mary-Anne Cooper, Local Economies Manager, Bunhill-Clerkenwell and Programme Manager UKSPF, London Borough of Islington – Inclusive Economy & Jobs, Community Wealth Building.
• Tebraiz Shahzad, Inclusive Economy Project Officer, Camden Council
• Debbie Akehurst, Chief Executive Officer, Central District Alliance

The discussion and assessment process were facilitated by Wayne Lewis, our ESG Project Manager.

“The response to this year’s Social & Community Fund has been both inspiring and humbling. Receiving 98 applications demonstrates the incredible work being delivered by charities and community organisations across our area, but it also highlights the increasing pressure these organisations face in securing funding. We are proud to support projects that create meaningful social impact and contribute to stronger, more inclusive and resilient communities.”

Tebraiz Shahzad said: “It was fantastic to see so many organisations putting forward ideas to improve the lives of local people. The standard of applications made the decisions incredibly difficult, but it’s reassuring to know there’s such a strong network of people committed to making Camden and Islington even better places.”

Facilitator Wayne Lewis, ESG Project Manager, commented: “As we complete our fourth round of funding, it is clear that demand for community investment has never been greater. The 98 applications received demonstrate how many charities are actively seeking funding to deliver crucial frontline services. In reaching our recommendations, the panel was keen to support as many deserving organisations as possible, particularly those working across our priority areas of skills development, youth engagement, employment, food insecurity, women and girls, and mental health and wellbeing. These projects embody the ESG principles that sit at the heart of Central District Alliance’s commitment to creating positive social impact.”

The following organisations have been selected to receive funding through the Central District Alliance Social & Community Fund:

• Rise Academy
• VR Knife Crime Prevention Workshops (Go Full STEAM)
• HvH Arts – Digital Creative Futures Programme
• Building Strong Foundations for Camden’s Young People
• The Peel Core Funding
• Grow, Cook, Save: Practical Food Skills for a Sustainable Future
• Dress for Success Greater London – Women into Work
• Coram’s Fields: Project 10/10 on Bourne Estate
• Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship: Empowering Central London Women to Build with AI
• LBA SEND Basketball Programme
• Building Connections, Growing Wellbeing at The Phoenix Garden
• Creating Positive Change in Schoolchildren through Jewish Discovery Workshops

Stay tuned for upcoming charity spotlights as we celebrate the inspiring organisations supported through our Social & Community Fund 2026/27. We look forward to sharing their stories, highlighting the positive social impact they are delivering across our communities, and showcasing how our funding is helping to strengthen local resilience, create opportunities, improve wellbeing, and deliver meaningful ESG outcomes for residents across Camden and Islington.

The Social & Community Fund forms part of our wider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitment to creating inclusive economic growth and supporting the wellbeing of residents, workers and communities across the district.

By investing directly in grassroots organisations, the programme helps build community resilience, promotes social mobility, strengthens local skills and employment opportunities, and supports vulnerable groups who may otherwise face barriers to accessing services and opportunities.

As funding recipients begin delivering their programmes throughout 2026/27, we look forward to sharing stories of impact and celebrating the positive outcomes achieved across the communities it serves.