Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), has announced the return of its Town Centre Community Fund for a third consecutive year – offering £30,000 to support projects and initiatives that have a positive impact to Kingston’s businesses, community, and visitors.
The Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund aims to encourage ideas that make Kingston town centre a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected place and which support local businesses – whether through arts and culture, wellbeing initiatives, environmental projects, or community engagement activities.
Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First, said:
“We’re so proud of what the Community Fund has achieved over the past two years – empowering local groups to deliver meaningful projects that celebrate our community, culture and creativity while supporting local businesses and the town centre. This year, we can’t wait to see even more bold and brilliant ideas that bring people together and make Kingston an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Alistair Kingsley, CEO of Refugee Action Kingston, said:
“We are grateful for the support from this fund, which has been instrumental in connecting our clients with local job opportunities. It also helped us to explore partnerships with organisations like John Lewis and Cardo, that will ultimately support our efforts in helping individuals secure employment in Kingston and build brighter futures in the UK.”
SKY HIGH, artist and festival organiser, said:
“We’re thrilled to see the community fund continuing to support projects that bring creativity, connection and pride to Kingston. Thanks to this funding, the mural festival has grown into something that truly celebrates both local and national artists, and transforms everyday spaces into inspiring works of art for everyone to enjoy.”
Since its launch in 2023, Kingston First’s Town Centre Community Fund has invested in a diverse range of projects – from Refugee Action Kingston’s Employment Hub, helping local refugees access job and volunteering opportunities, to the Royal Borough of Street Art’s Mural Festival, which transformed Kingston’s streets into an open-air gallery. Other initiatives have included the Habitats & Heritage Festival, Kingston Association for the Blind’s accessibility programme, and Kingston Artists Open Studios’ annual exhibition.
Together, these projects have supported hundreds of residents, driven footfall to local businesses, and strengthened Kingston’s reputation as a creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking town.
Eligibility and application process
In a nutshell, we’re open to projects and activities that can be delivered in the town centre that encourage people to visit the town and raise the profile of Kingston.
Funding will be decided through a competitive process. The idea or project should be delivered in the town centre by the end of December 2027, 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 30 January 2026.
We will be announcing the successful applicants by early Spring 2026.
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
Facebook: In Kingston UK Twitter: @inkingstonuk Instagram: @inkingstonuk
For more information or to arrange any interviews with Kingston First please contact – shareena.merzi@kingstonfirst.co.uk
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