A record number of grassroots organisations have applied for grants to deliver waste prevention and circular economy projects in north London communities. The 147 applications are for the first round of a new four-year, £1 million programme agreed by North London Waste Authority, which has grown to be the biggest fund of its kind in the UK.
These applications were for grants of up to £20,000 each – the fund also supports larger projects which last year included the UK’s first electrical repair voucher scheme. NLWA has also just published its 2024/25 impact report – which shows how the projects delivered last year are supporting north London residents to repair, reuse and reduce waste.
Chair of North London Waste Authority, Cllr Clyde Loakes MBE, said:
“The estimated value of the proposed projects is more than £2 million – that shows just how big the demand is for community-led action to preserve resources and the environment for future generations. We received more than double the number of applications as previous years – that fully justifies our commitment to a four-year funding programme, which was co-designed with community groups.
The social value created by these projects is as important as their environmental outcomes, providing safe and inclusive spaces for people to connect, learn, and live more sustainably. Beyond grant giving, we strengthened support through collaborative initiatives enabling partnerships between current and past recipients.”
Applications are now being assessed, and successful projects will be announced within the next month.
Published date:
3 March 2026