Car Free Day 2024 event grant

To mark World Car Free Day on 22 September 2024, we’re providing £50,000 funding in total for local businesses, residents groups, and community organisations to host events and activities on and around the day that encourage people to walk, cycle, and wheel around. It’s all part of our efforts to create a greener, healthier borough for everyone.

We are offering small grants of up to £5,000 for local businesses and community groups to put on an event to celebrate World Car Free Day on 22 September 2024.

Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, the grants are aimed at enhancing community cohesion, boosting local spending, and showcasing the physical and mental health benefits of active travel. By doing so, we can transform Islington’s streets into vibrant, people-friendly spaces.

Events will cater to diverse communities, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also emphasises our commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive economy. The funding will also help businesses and community groups apply for pavement licenses, making outdoor dining and events more accessible.

Apply for a grant

To apply, read the eligibility criteria and fill in the application form below. Use the eligibility and guidance below to complete the form. We recommend that you write your answers on a Word doc or similar before pasting it into the form.

We will award grants based on the information in applications we receive. When our funding (£50,000) has run out, we will not accept any more applications.

Apply now

If your application is successful, we will contact you to request documentation to process your application. This may include but is not limited to bank details, a bank statement, and evidence that you've paid business rates.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria. You must:

• be a business, resident or community group based in Islington. 
• have an annual turnover of less than £2 million
• have a UK-based bank or building society account in the name of the organisation or person making the application
• not have received a grant from Islington Council for a similar project in the past year.

Charities

A charitable organisation applicant must have a

• management committee of at least three unrelated members
• governing document (e.g., constitution, articles of association).

Businesses

A business applicant must be registered on Companies House or the Charity Register or have a Unique Tax Reference (UTR). 

A food business applicant must:

• be licensed by Islington Council and have a food hygiene rating of 3 or above 
• have no unresolved enforcement action taken by Islington Council in the last 12 months.

Businesses and organisation must let us know if you no longer meet the eligibility criteria - for example, if the business becomes insolvent or has already maximised subsidy allowances.

Your event

The event must be:

• held on or around Car Free Day (22 September) 
• deliverable within the specified grant timeframe 
• compliant with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.   
• monitored and evaluated as specified by Islington Council
• open to all the community, accessible and inclusive.
• non-political and non-religious. 
• ensure appropriate Safeguarding measures are in place. 
• have adequate insurance for the proposed event e.g., public liability insurance.

The event doesn't have to take place on World Car Free Day but should be around the same time.

After applying and receiving a grant

• You may be contacted for research and evaluation purposes. 
• Islington Council will not accept deliberate manipulation and fraud. Any business caught falsifying their records to gain additional grant money will face prosecution and any funding issued will be recovered, as may any grants paid in error.

Guidance

About your proposed approach 

A strong approach would be an event located in or near a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) area, with specific benefit to businesses and a clear description of how it will be delivered. We would expect a description of:

• key people involved
• description of activities 
• timings of the event 
• potential risks 
• meeting the projects objectives
• re-use and recycling of materials.

How your proposed event will benefit or promote local businesses in Islington

A strong answer will be an event that will significantly benefit and promote local businesses in Islington through the following means.

Increased foot traffic and visitor numbers

• Describe the number of people attending and how they will travel to the event. 
  

Local spend

• Describe how the event will boost local spending by inviting local businesses to set up stalls providing them with direct access to potential customers. 
• Collaborate with local caterers, performers, and service providers to ensure that the funding circulates within the community, boosting the local economy.

Describe methods to promote and the event

• Advertising: Highlight local business sponsors in promotional materials and social media campaigns to enhance their visibility and brand recognition within the community.
• Networking opportunities: Ensure the event serves as a platform for local businesses to network with each other and with potential customers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. 

Long-term engagement

• Customer loyalty: Create positive experiences at the event leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business for local vendors. 
• Community spirit: Demonstrate a commitment to community events to ensure businesses can strengthen their relationships with residents, positioning themselves as integral parts of the community fabric. 

Volunteers, expected attendees and engaging with local people to promote and attend the event

A strong proposal will describe recruitment of volunteers and attendees including:

• numbers of volunteers and attendees
• descriptions of types of volunteers (eg. residents, students, members of community groups).

Describe the engagement strategy, ensuring broad and inclusive engagement, and outline the measures you will take: 

• Community outreach: Partner with local community groups to spread the word and encourage participation. 
• Social media campaign: Use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter / X, and Instagram, target local community pages and use hashtags relevant to Islington and Car Free Day. 
  
• Flyers and posters: Distribute multilingual flyers and posters in high foot-traffic areas such as libraries, supermarkets, and schools. 
• Collaborations: Collaborate with local schools, businesses, and non-profits and the council to promote the event through their networks.
• Inclusive activities: Designing activities that celebrate and include various cultural traditions, ensuring everyone feels represented and welcomed.

Contact us

If you have any problems filling in the application or want to ask a question about the scheme, email us on CFD@islington.gov.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.