Roehampton Community Week Fund

Written by Aisha Jalloh

Roehampton Community Week Fund (RCWF) is a concept created by the Roehampton Community Week (RCW) steering committee under the guidance of Jonathan Palma (Citizens Advice Wandsworth) in the summer of 2021, after the success of the first ever RCW. The RCW raised approximately £50,000 in funding with half going towards the delivery of over 30 events and legacy projects and the other half going towards a local community fund and RCW 2022. This fund would ensure sustainability of RCW’s objectives and address the following:

• The accessibility to high demand services in the area
• Increasing the community’s interest of the wellbeing of the area
• Ensuring engagement and unity within Roehampton.

To sought and fund these projects the Roehampton Community Week Fund was created.

RCWF incorporates a participatory grant making process

“A funding application process which was built on trust, local expertise and offered close support to overcome barriers and building confidence and skills within the community”

• Roehampton Community Week Report (2021) Citizens Advice Wandsworth

The PGMP makes the grant application process more accessible for those who do not have experience in conventional funding applications.

RCWF offers up to £1000 in funding for grassroots community groups. A simplified application is sent to candidates, and assistance is provided if needed. The candidates are given the opportunity to present their projects to the RCW Steering committee if they chose to, however this is not necessary, but it aids any unanswered questions or feedback the committee have.

The committee then feedback their votes and comments anonymously to decide whether the projects will be approved funding.

RCWF has been highly successful, and is contributing to a thriving voluntary sector in Roehampton, allowing for the committee to continue meeting RCW intended long term objectives:

• To integrate delivery and co-ordination with local community groups, organisations, Council departments and Councillors.
• To develop communal areas and shared office space to address social isolation
• To improve health and wellbeing of local residents.
• To build lasting capacity and community strength.

The first round of the RCWF ended on November 12th and a total of 15 applications were received which is a great number for an area with little history of community groups applying for funding.

To find out more about the fund and all the great community projects please contact jonathan.palma@cawandsworth.org