Kingston First’s Community Fund opens for a fourth year, inviting local people and organisations to pitch projects that bring the town together and support local businesses.
From arts and culture to community events, wellbeing and environmental projects, £30,000 is available to help bring new ideas to life in Kingston town centre as Kingston First opens applications for its Town Centre Community Fund for a fourth year.
The fund backs projects that make Kingston a more vibrant, inclusive and connected place to live, work and visit, while supporting local businesses and encouraging people to spend time in the town centre. Individuals, community groups, creatives and organisations are invited to put forward ideas that will make a positive difference to Kingston.
Over the past three years, the fund has helped bring a diverse range of projects to life, including Pride in Kingston, and the borough’s second Street Art Festival, which transformed parts of Kingston into an open-air gallery, and Youth Anthems, opening up live music and the gig experience to a younger generation.
With £30,000 available this year and up to £10,000 per project, the fund offers an opportunity for fresh ideas to become reality, creating experiences that bring people together, celebrate Kingston’s character and generate benefits for the town’s businesses and communities.
Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First, said:
““We know that some of the best ideas for Kingston come from the people who live, work and spend time here. Our Community Fund is about helping those ideas become reality, whether that means bringing people together through arts and culture, creating new experiences in the town centre or making Kingston more accessible and welcoming to everyone.”
“We’ve seen the difference that local creativity and community spirit can make over the past three years, and we’re excited to see what people come forward with next. If you have an idea that could make Kingston a better place and support our local businesses, we want to hear from you.”
MJ McGibbon, organiser of Pride event, said:
“Kingston First funding gave us the time, space and resources to connect with local LGBTQIA+ communities, artists, facilitators and creatives in a meaningful way. The workshops brought together an incredible range of people, creating opportunities for learning, creativity, collaboration and community-building. The impact extended far beyond the individual sessions, helping to strengthen relationships and build momentum in the lead-up to Pride.”
The Town Centre Community Fund is open to projects that demonstrate a positive impact on Kingston, support local businesses and promote community engagement.
Eligibility and application process
Funding will be decided through a competitive process. The idea or project should be delivered in the town centre by the end of December 2028, however longer term projects will be considered on a case by case basis.
To find out more about the fund and the application process please visit: www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/community-fund
Deadline for applications is 29 January 2027.
We will be announcing the successful applicants by early Spring 2027.
About Kingston First
As the UK’s first Business Improvement District (BID), Kingston First has been driving initiatives to support the commercial success of the business community in Kingston since 2005. They deliver exceptional services that ensure Kingston is a thriving and attractive environment to do business in, as well as a vibrant and exciting destination for people to visit, shop, learn, live and work in. For more information visit: www.kingstonfirst.co.uk
Check out our website for Kingston upon Thames, showcasing the best of our town with insider guides, events, news, offers and more: www.kingstonuponthames.info.
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For more information or to arrange any interviews with Kingston First please contact shareena.merzi@kingstonfirst.co.uk.
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