North London Waste Authority (NLWA) announced today that it is reopening the North London Community Fund (NLCF) for another year, offering grants of up to £20,000.
The NLCF supports north London community groups to reduce waste, whether that's by making their existing operations more sustainable, or through brand new projects that prevent waste in the community. Food waste workshops, repair cafes and bike mending schemes have all received funding in recent years.
"Some of the best work in sustainability and waste reduction is already happening at the grassroots level," said NLWA Chair and Hackney Councillor Jacob Cable. "With the North London Community Fund we're excited to support innovative community ideas that drive waste reduction, reuse and recycling, and we're committed to funding as many projects as possible."
Community groups from Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest are eligible to apply.
A total grant pool of £250,000 is available for projects in the 2027-28 financial year. Community groups can choose what size grant to apply for, with categories including micro (up to £1,500) small (up to £5,000) and medium (up to £20,000).
"With the NLCF we’re putting funding directly in the hands of the community, where it has the most impact,” said Councillor Cable. “Whether it’s £20k or a few hundred pounds, our grants empower north Londoners by letting them decide the best way to make their neighbourhoods more sustainable.”
NLWA has worked with community groups across recent years to make the application process more accessible. Groups can apply online or by paper (on request), and watch a handy instructional video to guide them through the process.
Applications are open now until 16 February 2027.
2026-27 NLCF recipients from across the north London boroughs
Barnet
Four projects based in Barnet were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example the Clitterhouse Farm community hub is running low- and zero-waste cooking workshops (pictured). Elimination Change UK, also based in Barnet (as well as Camden), is preventing nappy waste with in-person and online support for parents to promote early toilet training.
Camden
Seven projects based in Camden were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example the Your Bike Project (pictured) is a reuse and repair programme aimed at extending the lifecycle of bikes and teaching bike maintenance skills. Meanwhile Eat Club, based in Camden and other boroughs, is delivering a food waste prevention programme with workshops led by professional chefs.
Enfield
Four projects based in Enfield were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example the Edmonton Community Partnership works with schools, young people and families to run upcycling workshops, transforming household waste into useful items. London DJ & MC Academy, also based in Enfield (as well as Haringey), is delivering pop-up repair sessions with a DJ van, helping residents to fix small electricals, textiles, bikes and furniture.
Hackney
Six projects based in Hackney were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example Fashion for Future offers a range of community-led clothes workshops (pictured), including sessions on mending, altering, stain removal and creative upcycling. Also based in Hackney is charity Up 'N Away, which is delivering a wood repair and upcycling programme for young people, including weekly practical workshops and monthly family repair days.
Haringey
Six projects based in Haringey were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example Bernie Grant Arts Centre is hosting a culturally-rooted intergenerational reuse programme, focusing on free repair and swap cafés. Pictured is one of the centre's embroidery workshops, giving participants the chance to upcycle pre-loved clothes. Meanwhile Creative Sensemaking, also based in Haringey (as well as Barnet) is creating circular economy-themed board and card games.
Islington
Five projects based in Islington were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example Islington Climate Centre is offering a programme of free community repair events (pictured), including skills training and 'super' mending sessions. Also based in Islington is The Parent House, a family support charity that will host a clothes swap for local parents.
A man uses electrical tools to fix a hoover
Waltham Forest
Two projects based in Waltham Forest were awarded NLCF grants for 2026-27. For example Age UK Waltham Forest is creating a repair and reuse hub (pictured), offering repair workshops and sustainable wardrobe events. Also based in Waltham Forest is the Natural Gardeners Club, offering free introductory sessions and ongoing workshop programmes at a local allotment.