Ten days left to apply: £2,000 available for grassroots projects that bring communities together 

With just 10 days to go until the deadline, Peabody is calling on individuals, groups and small organisations to apply for the second round of its Kerslake Awards – which provide funding and support for local, community-led projects that bring people together, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.

Published: 21/05/2025

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The awards were created in memory of Lord Bob Kerslake - Peabody’s former chair and a dedicated champion of social housing and strong communities - to honour his legacy by supporting grassroots ideas that make a positive local impact.  
  
Applications are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Friday 30 May. The awards run twice a year - in spring and autumn - with £20,000 available in each round. Each project can receive up to £2,000.   
  
This year, Peabody plans to support around 20 local projects that reflect Lord Kerslake’s values of kindness, collaboration and community spirit.  
  
Individuals, informal groups and small organisations working in areas where Peabody has homes and services are encouraged to apply.  

Apply now 

In the first round, 11 projects across Peabody’s communities - from London to Oxford, Reading, and Cambridge - received funding for a diverse range of initiatives. These included adult football sessions, literacy workshops, community art projects, activities for older people, empowerment workshops for women, support for young people with autism and their families, and seasonal events celebrating nature. Many are set to launch in the coming months.  
  
“This is really about backing people who care about where they live and want to make things better for those around them,” said Sahil Khan, Peabody’s Director of Community Strategy. “It’s often the local, everyday projects - the ones shaped by the community itself - that have the biggest impact on people’s wellbeing.  
  
“We were really pleased to support so many worthwhile projects last year, and we’re keen to do the same again this time. So, if you’ve got an idea that could make a difference in your community, we’d really encourage you to apply.”  
  
Peabody will be sharing more about the stories and people behind these projects as they develop in the months ahead.