Imagine Fund 2022

In 2020/21, we delivered the Imagine Fund – an opportunity for 10 people to get seed funding for ideas they were interested in for the local community. The grants were allocated by a panel of community members who worked together to design the process and make decisions.

We learnt a huge amount from this process and, building on this, we are excited to launch the Imagine Fund for 2022, with two different grants available to apply for.

Applications via the Good Grants platform are now closed. If you have any queries about your submitted application, please contact community@barbican.org.uk.

Seed Funds

£500 to test an idea in your community. Always wanted to start a book group? Or have a go at a gardening club? This is the fund for you! There are no set outcomes here, this is all about trying something.

Please click here to download application guidelines for the Seed Funds. The application deadline is Tuesday 3rd May at 23:59.

Project Grants

These are bigger grants of £2000, available to deliver a community or cultural project in the local area which needs more time and support to make happen.

Please click here to download application guidelines for the Project Grants. The application deadline is Tuesday 3rd May at 23:59.

What kind of projects might we fund?

A knitting group for neighbours / plant projects / creative workspace / community events / film screenings / talks series / listening parties / oral history project / mural painting / creating an archive / recording a podcast / photography / dancing / poetry / performances / training & skills development / cooking classes / languages / art walks / family events / storytelling / research about the area – anything you’re interested in!

We won't fund...

• Large scale projects that already have funding
• Projects taking place outside of the City of London or more than a 10 minute walk from the borough boundary
• General appeals for funding
• Registered charities, CICs, CIOs, Businesses, Trusts, educational establishments or churches. For the Project Grant, individuals and Unincorporated Associations (with a maximum turnover of £10,000/year) can apply.
• Activities that promote a political party or religion, or groups seeking to alter decisions made by political parties
• Retrospectively, or to reimburse expenditure already made or committed, or to clear debts or loans

Who can apply?

Anyone! Individuals are welcome to apply, and priority will be given to those who cannot access funding via other routes.

The only people exempt from applying are those community members who are on the decision-making panel or who took part in the funding redesign process.

Applications are now closed.

FAQs