Local charities and community groups in London are invited to apply for funding to support activities during the upcoming Mayor’s Community Weekend in September. Following the success of the event’s first year in 2023, this will be the second time it is hosted by The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder, in partnership with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
The Mayor’s Community Weekend will run from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14, and aims to bring people together through community-driven activities that create a positive impact.
This year, £385,000 in National Lottery funding will be available to support events and activities that foster community involvement, safety, trust, and belonging. The grants, ranging from £500 to £2,000, are open to groups from all 32 London boroughs and the City of London. The goal is to build relationships, improve local environments, and help young Londoners thrive.
The Weekend will highlight the power of communities when they are given the space to come together. Events might include volunteer activities, environmental projects, cultural celebrations, or even a simple picnic in the park to encourage neighborly connections.
In 2023, the inaugural Mayor’s Community Weekend saw almost 200 community events, funded by £250,000 from the National Lottery, that helped build stronger bonds across the city.
Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I’m thrilled to partner again with The National Lottery Community Fund to host the second Mayor’s Community Weekend. The first event was a huge success, and now, community groups across London can apply for funding to host diverse events that celebrate our city’s diversity and strengthen our sense of unity.”
John Mothersole, England Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “The Mayor’s Community Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for London’s communities to make something incredible happen in their own neighborhoods. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re able to fund projects that bring together people from all walks of life and celebrate London’s unique character.”
The National Lottery generates over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. In 2024, the Fund distributed £615.4 million to community projects, with over 80% of grants being under £20,000, supporting grassroots groups and local charities.
Applications for funding are open now until Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Groups wishing to hold an event during the Mayor’s Community Weekend can apply today.
