We held two engagement events in Autumn 2015. Our Advisory Panel of local experts have helped decide the way we will allocate funding and our priorities.
Projects will be expected to show:

• how their project will enable local residents to become more independent and resilient
• how their organisation and project, where appropriate, are working in partnership with others to avoid duplication and to share resources

Our priorities

1. Community links

Many residents consider Barnet a safe place to live, where people get on. However, population growth and significant regeneration schemes will bring changes to local communities. Many agencies and individuals are concerned about the high incidence and effects of social isolation. Budget cuts mean less access to statutory and community services. People are less able to build community-based projects or to use or create community, urban or green spaces.

Barnet Giving will provide grants for projects that

• improve links between people to make them feel more involved in their community
• increase or use existing urban and green spaces
• increase contacts and friendships between different communities
• help people develop new skills that to give them confidence and new abilities

2. Resilience and independence

Barnet is a diverse Borough with areas with differing socio-economic profiles and a relatively well-educated population. However, living in poverty or lacking education or employment – especially for young people – means that some residents experienced hardship. This affects their ability to develop, thrive or support themselves or their families day-to-day.

Barnet Giving will award grants for projects that

• support individuals and families to overcome challenges, develop resilience
• help people gains new skills and experience towards independent living
• enable people to access services, by creating awareness and beaking down barriers
• encourage people to develop their skills or experience.