Local voluntary and community groups are being given the chance by Enfield Council to win a share of £300,000

Community groups in Edmonton are being invited to apply for a share of a £300,000 funding pot as part of a second wave of support connected to the Meridian Water housing project.

The second round of the Meridian Water Community Chest Fund was launched by Enfield Council last week and gives local voluntary and community groups the opportunity to secure up to £60,000 each to “deliver projects for the benefit of Edmonton residents”.

The projects can cover a range of objectives, such as improving a physical area or offering opportunities to young people.

The deadline to apply is 27th May.

The council’s announcement has been long-awaited with the first round of the fund having ended three years ago.

The first round saw £317,000 given away to 19 different groups with projects supported including the provision of long-term bicycle loans and cycling lessons, the creation of a community mural, a new art club, weekly theatre classes for disabled people and the creation of new sensory rooms in primary schools.

The money for the fund comes from developers involved in construction at Meridian Water, where 268 homes have been built so far, with an ultimate target of 10,000 over 25 years.

Council leader Ergin Erbil, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local voluntary and community groups. We want the funds to go towards a range of exciting programmes that will create a real difference in Edmonton – be it through activities for young people, creating fun and safe spaces, or providing jobs and skills training. There are lots of possibilities and this fund can make them a reality.

“Meridian Water is about so much more than building 10,000 homes. The project is benefiting local people in Edmonton with new homes, job opportunities, skills academies, community spaces, and community funding.”

The long gap between the first and second rounds of the Meridian Water Community Chest Fund was recently criticised by campaign group Better Homes Enfield, which accused the council of a lack of transparency around the way the fund was being delivered.

The Meridian Water team will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, 1st May to answer any questions and help people with applications in the second round.

For more information about apply for the fund:
Email [email protected]
Visit meridianwater.co.uk/apply-now-to-community-chest-round-2

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