The Government’s 500k Windrush Day grant scheme has launched for 2021. The grant will support community groups to celebrate and host events around Windrush Day 2021 – Tuesday 22 June.
What is Windrush Day?
National Windrush Day is one the 22 June each year. It is a day to commemorate the arrival of Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948. In 2018 – the 70th anniversary of Empire Windrush’s arrival – Patrick Vernon won his campaign to make the day officially a nationally observed one and it has since led to celebratory and educational events hosted annually on Windrush Day.
What is the Windrush Day Grant?
The Windrush day grant is a 500k government fund which is part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The fund enables community-led groups to develop and host events. The government outlines their aim as ‘to support projects that celebrate, educated and foster pride in the Windrush generation and their contributions to British society.’
The grant is shared amongst local councils, community groups and charities. Offering up to £25,000 to create projects and events for Windrush Day 2021.
How do I apply?
Applications opened on 20 January. Find the official application form and guidelines on the Government website here.
Dates you need to know:
- Applications open – Wednesday 20 January 2021
- Online bidder workshops on Tuesday 2 February and Wednesday 11 February – online bidder workshop
- Deadline for applications – Wednesday 10 March at 23:59
- Confirmation of successful bids – expected May 2021
- Funding released – From May 2021
- Evaluation and monitoring reports – September – December 2021
What Does the Grant Support?
The Windrush day Grant Scheme supported nearly 100 projects over recent years. Projects include a wide range of events from educational programmes, music workshops, events for the empowerment of young women, hackney councils Windrush festival, oral history projects and more.
MHCLG emphasised, ‘Projects seeking funding need to demonstrate that they will bring communities together, create a lasting impact and improve education and learning through building a deeper understanding of the Windrush Generation and their contributions to British society.’
‘Never forget their story’
Communities Minister, Lord Greenhalgh, stated, ‘Following two hugely successful national Windrush Days, I am delighted to confirm that applications for funding Windrush Day 2021 are now open.
‘The story of the Windrush Generation and their descendants is one of fortitude. This government is committed to ensuring that we never forget their story.
‘We want to hear original and inspiring proposals to record the memories and testimonies of the Windrush Generation this year as well as plans to work with schools – so that generations to come remember the huge contribution they made and continue to make to this country.’
The deadline for application is Wednesday 10 March 2021 at 23.59. Find the official application form and guidelines on the Government website here.
You can check out our Windrush: The Years After educational pack. Click Here