Translate
people embracing in a row in front of houses

£150,000 awarded to local projects in Barking and Dagenham through 13th round of NCIL Neighbourhood Fund

Barking and Dagenham Council has awarded £150,000 in funding to local community groups as part of the 13th round of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Neighbourhood Fund.

The funding gives residents and local groups the opportunity to make a real difference in the community. From health and wellbeing initiatives and enhancing community facilities to combatting isolation, the NCIL fund has helped bring meaningful change to the borough.

The latest round has seen funding awarded to a diverse range of local organisations delivering impactful projects that will help improve spaces, facilities, and opportunities for residents. Successful applicants include:

  • The Proper Blokes Club: a peer-to-peer community project to support men's mental health
  • Creative Wellness Wonder: advocating for and offering support to women fleeing domestic abuse
  • Urban Promise: an after-school programme providing a safe space for primary school aged children in Chadwell Heath.

These projects are part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support grassroots initiatives that make a real difference in local neighbourhoods. The funding for the initiative comes from NCIL, requiring developers in the borough to pay a fee as part of their legal agreement. To date, a total of 177 projects have received funding, with £1,639,044 distributed across the borough to support community-driven improvements so far.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: "We are incredibly proud to support so many passionate local groups through NCIL developer contributions. These projects are about local people coming together to improve their neighbourhoods, and that’s exactly what Barking and Dagenham is all about - community spirit, collaboration, and creating better places to live.

“I’d encourage any local group with a good idea to apply for the next round of funding - it’s your chance to make a real impact."

The next round of the NCIL Neighbourhood Fund is now open, with a further £150,000 available. Local groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support projects that benefit their communities.

The application deadline is Sunday 12 October.

To find out more about the fund, check eligibility and apply online, visit: Neighbourhood Fund (NCIL) Autumn 2025 Application | One Borough Voice