Projects we’ve funded

Over 2024, we shaped our organisation, learning how to work with one another and developing our grant funding approach.

We were delighted to launch our pilot funding round in 2024 to issue an initial £80k in grants.

  • In total, we had 64 applications 🎉

  • The committee assessed these based on the criteria shared here.

  • The committee shortlisted 5 applicants at this stage 

  • Each shortlisted applicant was invited to submit a full proposal.

  • We received 4 full proposals at that stage.

  • The committee issued a total of 3 grants* worth £46,455 (£33,545 less than budgeted)**.


*Note: One proposal was not funded in its current form. The committee invited that group to explore a new core-funding grant instead, which resulted in us issuing a fourth grant.

**Note: All EOIs and full grant proposals were reviewed by the committee without visibility of the amount requested. This resulted in an underspend during this pilot round of funding. This will roll into the remaining pot of £403,545 to issue from next year. 

…

The grants we issued so far have gone to: 

Fermenting Cultures, led by Virginia Nimarkoh. £20k (13 months)

Virginia will be exploring the health benefits and potential market for fermented African and Caribbean foods. This grant will support the delivery of a research project into this space. 

Lime Hut Helps, led by Afiya and Saul Titus. £18,455 (12 months)

Afiya and Saul will be running an interactive food programme for Black SEND families, attending a decolonised food pilgrimage (at the Zimbali retreat) and delivering a decolonised cuisine e-booklet for the wider community. 

Spring Community Hub, led by Felicia Boshorin and Tijani Hamilton. £18,000 (12 months)

Spring Community Hub will run a 12-month volunteer-led culturally sensitive food education programme and Food Festival, celebrating Southwark’s diverse Black food cultures. 

Share the Cost Global, led by Norrisa Gayle. £10,000 (12 months)

Norrisa will be investing in future sustainability and stability of the communiTea Cafe, creating safe spaces for social interactions that address food insecurity with culturally appropriate, nutritious meals.