Clarion Futures – the charitable arm of social landlord Clarion Housing Group – is offering £125,000 in grants as part of the organisation’s 125^th anniversary celebrations.

The Making a Difference Fund will be awarding grants of up to £5,000 to partner organisations delivering projects that will draw people together, sharing hopes, skills and passions for the places Clarion residents call home.

This first phase of the fund will award £50,000 in grants, with a second phase to follow later in the year with an additional £75,000 available, bringing the total to £125,000. The second phase will fund projects that encourage physical activity and sport, helping to improve wellbeing in Clarion communities.

Clarion says applications that show meaningful and engaging ideas to connect and celebrate communities will be prioritised, such as murals and art projects, gardening clubs and social inclusion initiatives.  To ensure community voices are at the heart of the decision-making process, residents will play a key role on the judging panel and help choose the projects to receive funding.

The grant programme forms part of celebrations to mark Clarion’s 125^th anniversary, with the organisation drawing on its heritage dating back to 1900 when entrepreneur William Sutton left his fortune to build some of the first social housing in London.

Phil Miles, Director of Clarion Futures, said: “As we mark Clarion’s 125^th anniversary, we wanted to make sure our residents are at the heart of celebrations. That’s where the idea for the Making a Difference Fund came from, working with our fantastic network of partners to have a meaningful, long-term impact on our communities.

“It’s about reflecting with our residents on where they live and celebrating what makes their neighbourhoods unique, as well as exploring ways to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, and I’m excited to see what creative ideas are put forward.”

Applications for the first phase of the Making a Difference Fund close at midday on 25 June. To find out more or apply, visit https://clarion125.com/making-a-difference-fund.