Kingston First, the town centre's Business Improvement District (BID), has opened a £15,000 Community Fund to support local businesses and promote positive community engagement. 

The Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund, open for applications from today until 31 December 2023 is primarily aimed at not for profit, charity or voluntary organisations although anyone who can demonstrate they meet the criteria can apply. 

Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First said: "We believe Kingston's local community plays a pivotal role in creating a vibrant and diverse town centre that residents and visitors want to spend time in.  

"We have launched the Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund today to support local and community focused causes that bring something positive to Kingston town centre and promotes even better partnership working between businesses and the community." 

The fund consists of £15,000 and organisations can bid for all, or some of, this amount as long as the idea or project is delivered by the end of 2024. 

As well as funding being available, successful applicants will also be able to access Kingston First's professional training opportunities to help build their capabilities and achieve long-term success. 

Funding will be decided through a competitive process, seeking applications from eligible individuals and organisations.  

Merzi added: "The funding could be used for an event, a trail, public artwork, a service for businesses or something completely different. We're looking to receive new and innovative ideas that can make a difference to Kingston and the businesses that operate here. We hope to continue to provide funding and support to local community and voluntary organisations in future years."  

The year's fund is a pilot scheme, and it is hoped the fund will grow in years to come.  

In a nutshell, Kingston First is open to projects and activities that can be delivered in the town centre by the end of 2024 that encourage people to visit the town and raise the profile of Kingston.  

To find out more about the fund and the application process please visit: https://www.kingstonfirst.co.uk/community-fund/ Deadline for applications is 31 December 2023. 

 We will be announcing the successful applicants by early Spring 2024.