I recently met with Ella Mizon, Funding Manager at the National Lottery Community Fund, to discuss funding opportunities in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, as well as local projects that have received funding over the last few years.

There are many examples of local success stories. Between April 2004 and 2022, the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to over 157 projects across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, totalling over £1,667,507.

This year, the Harrow Over-50 Club has received a portion of the funding that will enable them to continue invaluable work in providing social meetings and events for older people, particularly those from ethnic minorities. This is really important, especially given feelings of isolation and loneliness that have increased as a result of the pandemic.

In July last year, community funding was also awarded to Friends of Pinner Village Gardens to a project aiming to work with teams of residents to co-design and construct improvements for parts of this wonderful outdoor space that were unused.

Looking forward, I had a useful discussion with Ella about the potential for many more opportunities to fund projects in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner and, in particular, making local organisations aware of the Reaching Communities programme which offers large amounts of funding (over £10,000) for groups that work within their community to help them thrive and make positive changes. Applications are ongoing and so I would encourage those eligible to visit the National Lottery Community Fund website for further information and details on how to apply.

Awards for All programme, supporting projects under £10k for one year: 

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england

Reaching Communities, for multi-year funding over £10k: 

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/reaching-communities-england

A list of projects that have been funded in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner: 

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/grants?westminsterConstituency=E14000906