Kerslake Awards open for new round of community project funding 

We're welcoming applications for the new round of funding of the Kerslake Awards, a fund dedicated to supporting community-led projects that bring people together, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. 

Published: 31/10/2025

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The Kerslake Awards were launched in 2024 to support community projects and activities, in memory of Peabody’s late Chair, Lord Bob Kerslake.  

Lord Kerslake had a distinguished career as a senior civil servant in central and local government. He worked tirelessly to improve people's lives. The fund helps to honour his passion to help people in our communities realise their potential. 

The details: 

• The fund is open to Peabody residents, as well as charities and community organisations working in areas where we have homes and deliver services
• Each year, £40,000 is available to fund local projects. Applicants can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to fund activities that help residents live healthier, happier, and more connected lives
• The current round of funding is open now, with applications closing on Friday 5 December 2025
• Funding rounds take place twice a year, in spring and autumn
• Grants can support regular activities, clubs, or one-off events. They might bring the community together, reduce loneliness, support children and young people, get people active or help prevent people from becoming homeless.  

Last round's winners 

11 projects from across Peabody’s neighbourhoods were awarded funding earlier this year, out of a total of 67 applications.

The projects include mental health and wellbeing workshops for mothers, peer support groups, and community events in Ealing, as well as cultural programmes celebrating African-Caribbean heritage in Waltham Forest.

In Hackney, winners include a project providing free musical theatre workshops for children, while in Hammersmith and Fulham funding was awarded for a digital skills workshop to empower women. Further recipients are making a difference to communities in Southwark.

Activities that have been awarded funding range from sewing classes and coffee mornings to health sessions to reduce diabetes risk, financial education for parents, affordable meals from a community food truck and intergenerational cooking sessions that bring residents together. 

How to apply

We’re holding online sessions to help with applications: 

• Thursday 6 November, 2pm to 3pm — register on Zoom
• Tuesday 18 November, 6pm to 7pm — register on Zoom 

Apply for a Kerslake Award