The fund pays for a wide variety of projects including work to improve children’s play spaces, refurbish community buildings, upgrade sports facilities, plant more trees and flowers, and other environmental projects.

Cllr Aidan Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “This fund gives us the opportunity to ensure that our residents see the benefits of local development, like new housing and commercial space. We’ve seen nearly 100 fantastic grassroots community projects funded through the scheme – from play equipment to planting and everything in between. I’d encourage all Royal Greenwich community groups to talk to their ward members about their ideas and apply.”

This is the fifth round of funding provided by the Council, using money collected through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Funding is divided between four neighbourhood groups within the borough, based on what CIL contributions have been collected in each area.

Lucie Murphy, General Manager at the Bridge East Greenwich CIC said: “The Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund is a lifeline to local organisations such as ours. We are a not-for-profit and are hugely grateful for the opportunities the fund has provided. We have been able to completely re-design and replace our playground and perimeter fencing which has greatly enhanced our outside space and therefore what we can offer our community – a safe, green space with engaging play equipment that provide physical and emotional wellbeing for children and their parents/carers.”

Tuan Pham, Director at the Samuel Montagu Youth Centre, said: “Receiving funding from the Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund has given our centre a new lease of life. Our facilities are now accessible to those with mobility issues, and we are able to confidently engage with a wider range of service users.”

Organisations interested in bidding for funding can find full details, helpful guidance and the online application form at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/gngf

Bids must be submitted by Sunday 11 December 2022 and will then be assessed by Royal Greenwich officers. Local residents will get the chance to say which shortlisted bids they want to see given funding in a public vote in early 2023. The results of the vote will be used to help make the final decisions on grants.