The Community Roots Project from MK Community Foundation is inviting community groups and small charities to apply for one of 40 grants of £1,000 to do what they do best: turn Milton Keynes districts into neighbourhoods.
The grants could fund equipment, activities, events or new projects; a sewing machine for an upcycling group; musical instruments for an intergenerational music class; goal nets for a children’s football team; venue hire for an inter-faith theology gathering. Anything that creates opportunities for neighbours to meet, learn, support one another and belong.
Organisations will be asked to submit a short video explaining their idea and how it will benefit the community. The aim is to make funding accessible to grassroots groups that often have limited time and resources to devote to lengthy application processes.
Why now?
Milton Keynes was built differently. From the beginning, the people who designed the city believed that community had to be built, just like the bricks and mortar. They employed Community Mobilisers, local people whose only job was to help neighbours find each other and connect. Those don’t exist anymore but the need for connection has not disappeared. If anything, it has become more important.
Strong local relationships improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and help communities become more resilient during difficult times. Yet much of this work relies on volunteers, small charities and community groups operating with limited resources.
Across Milton Keynes, hundreds of people continue to carry the Community Mobiliser spirit forward. They organise activities, create opportunities for connection and provide support where it is needed most, often stretching the funds they have in impressive and creative ways.
How does it work?
Applications will be open to charities, community groups, Community Interest Companies, sports clubs and other eligible organisations with an annual income below £500,000. Applications will be assessed on a weekly rolling basis until all 40 grants have been awarded.
The assessment panel is looking for projects with a clear purpose and a strong sense of need. Who will benefit? What will change? Why does it matter to the people involved? They want to understand a little about the human story behind the application, and the motivation of the group as a whole.
Small charities and community groups form a network of roots beneath Milton Keynes, spreading far and wide to connect people and shape the city into a place where people belong. With the right support, each small idea can become a catalyst to create something that, over time, becomes an essential service to a community.
To find out more visit the Milton Keynes Community Foundation website.
