Key Points
- North London Waste Authority (NLWA) commits £1 million over four years to the North London Community Fund, supporting grassroots waste reduction projects across seven boroughs: Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest.
- This doubles the previous funding rate and marks NLWA’s largest commitment since the fund launched in 2017.
- Described as the UK’s largest community-based waste-reduction initiative.
- Grants range from microgrants of a few hundred pounds to £100,000 for large-scale projects.
- Applications for the first round of 2026-27 funding opened on 5 December 2025 and close on 16 February 2026.
- Since 2017, NLWA has awarded nearly £1 million to deserving recipients; the expansion allows the same amount in half the time.
- NLWA Chair Councillor Clyde Loakes stated: “Since 2017, NLWA has awarded nearly £1 million in funding to some really deserving recipients – and with this huge expansion we’re able to offer the same again in half the time.”
- The fund’s budget has grown every year since inception.
- In January 2025, NLWA awarded £200,000 to waste reduction initiatives, including an electrical repair voucher scheme and food waste prevention programme.
North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has pledged £1 million over four years to its North London Community Fund, doubling prior funding to bolster grassroots waste reduction across seven boroughs. Applications for 2026-27 opened on 5 December 2025, closing 16 February 2026, with grants up to £100,000 available. This expands the UK’s largest such initiative, launched in 2017, amid annual budget growth.
What Is the North London Community Fund?
The North London Community Fund aids community groups in reducing waste through targeted grants. As confirmed by NLWA, it operates across seven boroughs and has distributed nearly £1 million since 2017.
Grants vary from small microgrants of a few hundred pounds to £100,000 for major projects, enabling diverse efforts like repair schemes and education drives.
NLWA describes it as the UK’s largest community-based waste-reduction programme, with funding now accelerating via this four-year commitment.
Why Did NLWA Double the Funding?
This £1 million pledge over four years doubles the previous annual rate, responding to proven demand. NLWA Chair Councillor Clyde Loakes remarked, as reported on the authority’s site,
“Since 2017, NLWA has awarded nearly £1 million in funding to some really deserving recipients – and with this huge expansion we’re able to offer the same again in half the time.”
The budget has risen yearly since 2017, reflecting sustained growth. This multi-year approach provides stability for applicants and scales impact faster.
Which Boroughs Does the Fund Cover?
The initiative serves Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest. These areas benefit from local projects addressing waste at community levels.
Grassroots groups in these boroughs can access enhanced funding for reuse, repair, and prevention efforts.
When Are Applications Open?
The first 2026-27 round opened on 5 December 2025 via the NLWA portal at https://www.nlwa.gov.uk/article/north-london-community-fund. The deadline is 16 February 2026.
NLWA urges prompt submissions, given past high demand.
What Past Projects Received Funding?
In January 2025, NLWA allocated £200,000 to initiatives like an electrical repair voucher scheme and food waste prevention programme, as detailed by Resource.co.
Since 2017, nearly £1 million has supported various “deserving recipients,” per Councillor Loakes.
These examples highlight focus on practical, community-led waste cuts.
Who Announced the Commitment?
NLWA Chair Councillor Clyde Loakes led the announcement, emphasising expansion benefits. His full statement appears on the NLWA site:
“Since 2017, NLWA has awarded nearly £1 million in funding to some really deserving recipients – and with this huge expansion we’re able to offer the same again in half the time.”
Loakes, from Barnet Council, chairs the authority serving 2.6 million residents.
How Does This Compare to Previous Funding?
Prior allocations were annual and growing; the January 2025 £200,000 round set a recent benchmark via Resource.co coverage.
The new £1 million over four years halves the timeframe for equivalent past support.
Why Prioritise Grassroots Projects?
Such initiatives engage residents directly, driving effective waste reduction. NLWA’s fund targets this across boroughs, aligning with UK sustainability aims.
The doubling meets rising needs amid net-zero targets.
How to Apply for Grants?
Submit via https://www.nlwa.gov.uk/article/north-london-community-fund by 16 February 2026. Eligibility covers waste-reduction ideas from micro to large-scale.
