Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), values the vital contribution of local and community groups in shaping a lively and welcoming town centre.

To champion this, we launched the Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund – designed to inspire and support ideas and projects that have a positive impact on the town centre, support local businesses and promote positive community engagement.

After two successful years (find out what we funded last year here ), we are pleased to open another window of funding on Monday 3rd November 2025 and close on Friday 30th January 2026.

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The funding available this year will be £30,000. Organisations can bid for any amount from £500 up to £10,000, as long as they can outline how they meet the criteria.

We want to help local and community focused organisations develop and grow with a fund primarily for not for profit, charity or voluntary organisations (however, other types of organisations are welcome to apply, including businesses or individuals, as long as they can demonstrate they meet the criteria) and we will be as flexible as we can be to accommodate different needs.

We will offer successful applicants access to our training and learning opportunities until the end of 2027 and support with promoting and marketing the project.

How to apply

To apply, please complete an application form by 30/01/2026 demonstrating how you meet the criteria. Please ensure you read the application guidelines before applying. Applications opened on 3/11/2025.

In a nutshell we’re open to projects and activities that can be delivered in the town centre by the end of 2027 that fit the criteria.

This could be an event, a trail, artwork, performances, community project, a service or operational support or something else (the only limit is your imagination).

We welcome diverse and creative ideas and are happy to have an informal conversation with you before you apply, just get in touch with us on funding@kingstonfirst.co.uk or 020 8547 1221.

READ THE APPLICATION GUIDELINES
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“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.”

– Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications & Corporate Development, Kingston First

What We’ve Funded So Far…

2025

£6,750 to celebrate the nature and heritage of Kingston upon Thames

The funding went towards the successful first Kingston Nature & History Festival that took place between May 30th 2025 and June 1st 2025, celebrating Kingston’s nature and history.

Nature Conservation Manager of Habitats & Heritage, Charlotte Harris, said:

“We had a lovely sunny weekend in Kingston town centre running activities for all ages for the Kingston First funded ‘Kingston Nature and History Festival’! Highlights included a fascinating talk on the history of Kingston Power Station and power generation in London, a family bug hotel and wildflower planter making workshop, and the chance to learn about bats and listen to them with bat detectors on our bat walk. Many local businesses kindly offered discounts for festival attendees, and we launched the Kingston Wildlife QR Code Trail which is running until June 30th.”

£11,250 funding towards connecting refugees and individuals seeking asylum with valuable employment

The funding went towards Refugee Action Kingston’s Employment Hub connecting refugees and individuals seeking asylum with valuable employment and volunteering opportunities within Kingston town centre.

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, that will ultimately support our efforts in helping individuals secure employment in Kingston and build brighter futures in the UK.”

£10,000 funding towards the inaugural Kingston Mural Festival

The funding went towards Kingston Street Art Festival showcasing a diversity of local, national and international street artists. The festival took place on 23rd & 24th August in the Town Centre featuring live mural painting, an art market and workshops.

Tom, Artist & Festival Organiser, Sky High, 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.”

£500 funding towards supporting local artists

The funding went towards Kingston Artists Open Studios (KAOS) annual exhibition held at Fusebox between 7th – 15th June 2025.

£1,500 funding towards increasing accessibility and inclusivity of the town centre

The funding went towards creating a pool of trained volunteers who will guide and support blind and partially sighted residents and visitors to access and enjoy the town centre.

2024

£2950 to support night-time economy and community safety

The funding went towards training new Street Pastors and the provision of additional volunteers every Saturday night.

Co-ordinator of the Street Pastors, Charles Bamford, said:

“We are delighted to have been chosen to receive support from the Town Centre Community Fund. Thank you to all at Kingston First and all your members for supporting our work through this grant which will enable us to increase the number of nights that we can deploy volunteers in Kingston’s night time economy to care, listen and help, providing support to all users of the town centre and particularly those who are vulnerable.”

£2550 funding towards celebrating Kingston’s rich heritage

The Seven Saxon Kings Embroidery Project features seven newly commissioned embroidery panels depicting the kings believed to have been crowned in Kingston set to be installed in the historic All Saints Church by Summer 2025, commemorating the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan’s coronation. The funding will contribute to raising awareness of Kingston’s historical significance helping to position the town as a premier destination for history and heritage.

Kate Shrimpton, Communications Manager at All Saints Church, said,

“We are thrilled to be receiving this grant.  It will help us make a promotional video for our prestigious Saxon Kings Embroidery project.  We hope this will generate lots of interest and provide yet another reason to visit our amazing town.”

£9500 funding towards activating Kingston Riverside in July

Organised by local arts charity Creative Youth, RIVERFEST, a new festival transformed the riverside with theatre performances, workshops, music, and visual art installations over 10 days.

Dan Cartlidge, Co-Director of Creative Youth, said:

“Creative Youth are excited to begin working on RIVERFEST, having been recipients of the first Kingston First Community Fund. Together with local businesses, creative practitioners and young people, we will enliven Kingston’s riverside this summer, as part of the annual FUSE International festival. RIVERFEST will feature visual art, music, performance and more, offering people a range of free arts activities to get involved with. Situated outside our new multiarts space, FUSEBOX, these activities will engage the local community, whilst simultaneously celebrating the breadth of businesses along Kingston’s riverside. We are delighted to accept Kingston First’s generous support and use this to animate our riverside in a way which benefits the whole community. “

Any questions?

READ THE APPLICATION GUIDELINES

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