Our grant fund will comprise two awards for larger events, and several smaller awards of up to £5,000 for organisations to produce events around the theme ‘Our heritage: celebration and achievements’ as part of our 2020 Black History Month season, which also forms part of a wider programme called BHM365 celebrating Black history and culture across the year.

We are seeking applications from organisations who will make bringing the community together to mark and celebrate our shared history a central part of their bid. The overall aim is to create a programme of culturally engaging events and activities which will deepen understanding of how people from the African and Caribbean diaspora have shaped our borough and the UK as a whole, as well as helping everyone in the community to understand the experiences and histories of fellow residents. 

Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Equalities, said: “In a year which has seen racial inequality highlighted by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the contributions made to our borough by people from the African and Caribbean diaspora. We are delighted to be offering Black History Month grants this year to local organisations who we know have the creativity and experience needed to educate and inspire understanding across communities. We look forward to receiving their applications.”

Beginning in October, Black History Month 2020 will launch alongside the borough’s new Equality and Equity Charter, signalling the Council’s commitment to addressing racial inequality in partnership and consultation with local communities.  

Applications are welcomed from groups and organisations across all abilities and sections of the community and events should embrace the whole community. The deadline for applications is Monday 17 August.  

Find our more and apply for a grant