Windrush Microgrants 2025

Applications to the 2025 Windrush microgrant scheme are now open.

Hackney Council is offering microgrants of up to £2,000 for a cultural event or activity that celebrates the Windrush Generation and their descendants. These events will be part of the Hackney Windrush Generations Festival and must be delivered within the month of June 2025. We also allow you to use this funding towards bigger projects, where this funding might be the match support.  Read below for more information on who can apply and what kind of things we are looking for.

Application guidelines

What can I apply for?  

You can apply for up to £2,000 for an activity or event that celebrates the Windrush generation. We are looking for applications that look back and honour the legacy of the Windrush generation while acknowledging how embedded their contributions are in today’s culture and the issues they face today.

Your idea could involve (but is not limited to) theatre, poetry, literature, photography, film, dance, food, music, comedy, walks, podcasts, murals, talks or creative educational activities and resources. You may want to host an intergenerational gathering, artistic workshop or seminar but we welcome out of the box ideas!

Who can apply?

Applications are accepted from any constituted voluntary, community or recreational group, not-for-profit or charitable organisations (ideally linked to Black Caribbean and African communities), businesses (where the project is not for profit). Organisations who want to link their activity with raising awareness of the Windrush compensation scheme are also welcome. This year, individual artists and/or art producers may also apply. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as LGBTQI+, those who identify as D/deaf and/or are disabled. Your activity must happen within Hackney. Some pointers on finding a venue are here. Whilst you do not need to live in Hackney yourself, preference may be given to Hackney residents. 

To be eligible your activity must take place within Hackney and whilst you do not need to live in Hackney yourself, preference may be given to Hackney residents. To be eligible you MUST be able to supply the following documents if your bid is successful and where relevant:

• Constitution or other articles of association (if you are an organisation)

• Public Liability Insurance

• Bank statement. That matches the address of your submission

• Equality and diversity policy

• Safeguarding Children policies and procedures for project activities (if applicable)

• Safeguarding Adults policies and procedures for project activities (if applicable)

Who cannot apply?

You can not apply if your project is being delivered for commercial or money making purposes. Whilst we appreciate you may want to ticket events, we would expect tickets to be affordable or free to Hackney residents and that any income is used as match funding to support delivery of the project, which may include paying yourself or other partners. You do not need to be a Hackney resident to apply however preference may be given to Hackney residents.

How much can be applied for? 

Each submission can be up to £2,000. You do not need to apply for the full amount and you will need to provide a detailed and realistic breakdown of your budget if your submission is successful.  

Do I need to offer match funding? 

No but each bid will be scored to a value for money criteria. Therefore projects where cash or in-kind contributions are included in the budget will score higher.  

When does the activity have to take place? 

Events or activities must be delivered within the month of June 2025.

How will applications be judged?

A panel will assess the applications based on the following. However, don't feel you have to meet all of these points. If you can demonstrate how you can do a few really well - great!

• Does it expand the story of Windrush away from singular narratives or familiar tropes or stereotypes?

• Is the event accessible and affordable (ideally free) for a wide range of attendees/participants?

• Does the activity have longevity /create resources or provide support or education that can be made available beyond the event?

• Does the application primarily serve Hackney residents and organisations?

• Is the applicant a Black-led organisation or demonstrates that it is in conjunction with the Windrush community?

• Does the work encourage intergenerational activity?

• Does it offer a new and creative way of representing or interpreting the Windrush legacy?

• Is it realistic and good value for money? (i.e can it be delivered on time and in budget)

Desired outcomes

• Creation of new artwork, resources or activities that explore the diverse identities of the Windrush generation and their descendants for future generations.

• Intergenerational engagement and contribution from a diverse range of communities.

• Hackney residents have a greater understanding of the intersectional experiences of the Windrush generation.

When is the deadline?

Midday, Monday 17 March 2025. We will notify you of the decision on your application by the end of March 2025.

When will payment be received? 

Payment will be made in two stages, one payment (80%) for delivery of the event and one payment (20%) once the evaluation data has been confirmed, unless otherwise agreed. We aim to make payments as quickly as possible but this will depend on contracting processes.

How do I apply?

Applications will need to be made via the online Google form. For more information and to begin your application click on the apply now button below and submit before midday on Monday March 17th. If you would like to view the questions in advance of filling out the form please see the PDF here. We cannot accept applications via Word or PDF but you may wish to use these to read through all the questions in advance of filling in the form. If you have any further questions or have any access issues please email: culture@hackney.gov.uk using the subject title: WINDRUSH GRANTS.