Guidance

Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2027: Guidance for applicants

Published 1 October 2026

Applies to England

1. Introduction 

The MV Empire Windrush arrived at the Port of Tilbury on 21 June 1948 and its passengers disembarked a day later. The ship carried several hundred Caribbean migrants, many of them veterans of the Second World War. Since then, Windrush has come to symbolise the mass migration of people from the Caribbean to the UK in the post-war era, as well as their descendants. This generation, subsequent migrants and their descendants have made a significant and lasting contribution to the UK’s cultural, social and economic life.  

The Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2027 will focus on bringing communities together, across different ages and ethnic backgrounds, to Raise Awareness, Foster Pride, and Encourage & Inspire Young People, about the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants across the United Kingdom.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is offering up to £500,000 in grant funding to support a new cohort of impactful and ambitious projects across England.

As of today, HM Government has dedicated £5.25 million in funding toward honouring the Windrush legacy. This includes £4.25 million across eight years of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, and £1 million allocated to the National Windrush Monument, which stands as a fitting tribute to the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants to the UK. 

2. Aims 

We are looking for projects asking for £5,000 to £25,000 to focus on one of the following overarching celebratory aims of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme:

• Raise awareness: To raise awareness of the historical facts and experiences of the Windrush story. This includes the pioneers who arrived on the MV Empire Windrush in 1948, and those who came on vessels and aircraft in the decades after WW2.
• Foster pride: To foster a greater sense of pride and recognition of the historic and ongoing contributions made by the Windrush generation and their descendants to UK society. To proactively support and encourage people from different backgrounds to embrace, celebrate and commemorate this aspect of our shared history.
• Encourage and inspire: To encourage and inspire the descendants of the Windrush Generation to become young leaders, pursue their aspirations and contribute to the shared values of UK society.

For the purposes of the application we ask that you focus on a single core aim. Any additional incidental aims will not be viewed more or less favourably by the panel.

In addition, all proposals should: 

• be designed with or by the Windrush community and have a positive social impact, whilst also demonstrating a genuine commitment to encouraging engagement and participation from people of diverse backgrounds, including those beyond Windrush communities

Local councils in England are eligible to apply.

Where proposals are led by local authorities, applicants must provide clear evidence that the proposal has been developed in partnership with the Windrush Generation and/or their descendants, and relevant local community organisations have been included in the planning and execution of the project.

In addition, in order to be eligible all local authorities must apply as part of a consortium rather than as sole applicants, to ensure stronger collaboration and wider community benefit

3. Outcomes 

We will be looking for projects that achieve all the following outcomes of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme: 

• Greater community cohesion: Projects should encourage communities to work together across generational and social divides. The Windrush generation and their descendants live and work in communities around the UK, and events and activities should engage with them, as well as with those from different age groups and ethnic backgrounds.
• Have a lasting impact beyond the funding period: Projects should be designed so that they continue to have an impact after the funding period has ended. This could be achieved through forming new local partnerships, upskilling volunteers or producing assets that can continue to be shared in the future, such as videos and stories from elders.
• Increased acknowledgement of the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants: Projects should better enable education about the Windrush generation’s contributions to the society in the UK, as well as wider contributions made by their descendants to UK communities.

4. Activities 

The 22 of June marks National Windrush Day and whilst we strongly encourage projects to hold their lead event or activity on National Windrush Day itself we do recognise that this may not be suitable for all groups, projects may therefore hold their lead event or activity between Saturday 19 and Sunday 27 June provided there is a clear justification for the date selected.

All further events and activities must take place between 8 of June and 31 July 2027. However, there is no requirement to spread delivery across the entire project period unless this is necessary to meet the project’s objectives.

We are looking for innovative and exciting, culturally resonate proposals that engage with the Windrush story, enabling Windrush and wider communities to connect with it in powerful, enterprising, and thoughtful ways.

Projects need to be realistic about what is achievable within the scheme’s timeframe (outlined below in section 11, ‘Timeline’).

Applicants will need to provide assurance in their application that their organisations have the capacity to keep to their proposed delivery timetable and are able to commit to the grantee roles and responsibilities (as outlined in section 10).

We also ask that proposals clearly demonstrate how their project will work with local community partners. These might include but are not limited to organisations such as museums, libraries and schools.

5. Funding 

For the 2027 iteration of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, MHCLG is providing a total of £500,000 to fund activities across England.

The minimum amount available for each project is £5,000 and the maximum is £25,000. 

Some bidders may be seeking funding below £5,000, or more than 50% of their annual turnover, and in such cases, bidders should contact their local authority or council voluntary service (CVS), to explore the possibility of being included as part of a larger bid. Local authorities may wish to bid for funding to enable them to support several community groups in their area.  

Consortium bids will also be accepted, provided that the lead partner meets one of the eligibility criteria outlined in section 6. If applying as a consortium, organisations must have agreed a lead partner and project lead (individual) from one of the organisations to manage the programme.  

Section 9 of this guidance sets out the criteria that we will be assessing proposals against. We reserve the right to request further information relating to project applications before successful applicants are selected and announced. This could include an invitation to a phone call or virtual meeting.  

We will assess bids in partnership with a board of community stakeholders, whose expertise in the Windrush community will guide decisions on project effectiveness and recommended funding levels.

The selection process considers several factors, in addition to the criteria laid out in section 9, which includes and is not limited to, seeking a good geographic spread and a diverse mix of events, activities, organisations, and ideas.

These decisions must be made in accordance with HMG’s Code of Conduct for Recipients of Government General Grants.

MHCLG reserves the right to only fund projects that meet the eligibility criteria. In addition, we reserve the right to only award part of the grant, or not award any funding.  

6. Eligibility 

Organisations are eligible to apply if: 

They are registered: 

• charities
• exempt charities
• community interest companies/community interest organisations
• social enterprises 
• community benefit societies 

OR:  

They meet all the following criteria as demonstrated by submitting additional supporting documents: 

• they are established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes
• they have a governing body with at least 3 members
• they have a governing document which they can produce
• they can provide accounts demonstrating good financial health across both of the last 2 financial years

OR:  

• They are a local authority as defined (see ‘Definitions’ in section 13 applying as part of a consortium bid.)

Your project bid must: 

• demonstrate how it contributes to the aims and outcomes of the Windrush Day Grant Scheme as set out in this Guidance for Applicants
• have a clear timeline, with funded events and activities taking place between 8 June and 31 July 2027. (Any activities scheduled beyond this date will not be eligible for funding, and there is no requirement to spread delivery across the entire project period unless this is necessary to meet the project’s objectives.)
• whilst we strongly encourage projects to hold their lead event or activity on National Windrush Day, 22 June 2027, we recognise that this may not be possible for all groups. Projects may therefore hold their lead event or activity between Saturday 19 and Sunday 27 June provided there is a clear justification for the date selected
• seek no less than £5,000 and no more than £25,000, and provide details of any other funding secured, if depending on additional funding or in-kind support
• be based in England
• meet all relevant criteria as set out in the guidance for applicants
• not be applying for more than 50% of their annual turnover
• not make a profit from activities. Organisations should be mindful of the staffing costs associated with their project and make efforts to limit how much of their allocated grant funding is used for this purpose
• Grant funds cannot be used for work that has already taken place. Funding can only be used for items/work that take place after funding award and subject to due diligence checks. Windrush Day Grant Scheme funding can be spent on upcoming costs for projects that the bidding organisation has already begun to deliver, however it cannot be used to recoup costs that have already been incurred as part of these projects

7. Desirable criteria 

We encourage applications from outside Greater London, so that Windrush Day builds a good profile throughout all regions in England.

8. Further information 

Financial due diligence checks will be undertaken on shortlisted organisations to determine whether they are suitable for funding through the scheme. This will include, but is not limited to, reviewing financial documents submitted to Companies House/the Charity Commission. These checks will also seek to confirm that proposed projects align with the stated aims of the scheme.

Bidders seeking more than 50% of their annual turnover are not eligible. 

Furthermore, MHCLG will undertake due diligence checks on shortlisted organisations to ensure that funding is not being provided to groups intending to use it for extremist purposes, or to engage in political activity.

‘Political activity’ is defined as using a grant to fund lobbying in order to undertake activities intended to influence or attempt to influence Parliament, government or political activity; or attempting to influence legislative or regulatory action. 

Extremism’ is defined as the promotion or advancement of an ideology, based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:

• negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
• undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
• intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in 1 or 2

Projects promoting or providing assistance with applications to the Windrush Compensation Scheme are not eligible for funding under the Windrush Day Grant Scheme. The funding is for National Windrush Day celebrations.

The Windrush Generation and their descendants live and work in communities across the UK alongside people from diverse backgrounds, it is therefore expected that events and activities will be inclusive and encourage engagement and participation from people from a variety of different backgrounds, including those beyond Windrush communities.

Individuals are not eligible for funding through the scheme. 

Previous applicants that were unsuccessful in securing funding are eligible to reapply.  

In order to be eligible, neither the applying organisation nor any member of your consortium may have received funding from the Windrush Day Grant Scheme more than once since 2022.

Proposals from organisations that have previously been funded by the scheme must submit new proposals or clearly demonstrate how they are building on their past projects in a meaningful and creative, exciting and culturally resonant way.

Organisations that received funding through this scheme between 2022- 2026 must have completed all final project reporting to be eligible for funding under the 2027 scheme.

9. Selection criteria  

Project Plan and Project Concept (25%)

• projects should have a clear and realistic idea of the number of events and activities they are hoping to run and the number of people they are hoping to have attend/engage with
• projects must include a clear project plan with realistic milestones. For consortium bids, proposals should clearly list each partner’s role in delivering the project
• applicants must include a lead event or activity on National Windrush Day, 22 June 2027 (or between Saturday 19 and Sunday 27 June provided there is a clear justification for the date selected.)
• projects should outline how they will meet one of the headline aims of the scheme, as well as the outcomes of the scheme
• we are looking for creative, exciting and culturally resonant projects. We encourage applicants to think outside the box about their proposed activities

Evaluating & Measuring Impact (20%)

• project impact is clearly aligned with the projects selected aims and all outcomes of the scheme
• the proposal demonstrates a clear approach to measuring impact, including relevant metrics
• the proposal clearly defines what success will look like and how the intended outcomes and impacts will be evaluated, using realistic and appropriate methods

Local authorities will be encouraged to monitor organisations and activities that they choose to co-deliver with in their area. We expect close collaboration between successful local authorities and their partners throughout the process.

Organisation Suitability Skills & Experience (20%)

• demonstrate that the project lead possesses the suitable knowledge and skills to deliver the stated aims of their project to a high standard. This could be shown through examples of previous work undertaken. If a project lead does not have experience in delivering events that meet the headline aims and outcomes, please set out how the project lead will aim to do so
• demonstrate that the project team possesses the suitable knowledge and skills to deliver the stated aims and deliverables of their project to a high standard by the deadline of 31st July 2027. This could be shown through examples of previous work undertaken by core project members. Where possible, this experience should also align with the required headline aims and outcomes of the scheme
• where projects seek to use volunteers as a component of delivery, the project lead should display previous experience in training and mobilising individuals in this capacity.
• the organisation should be able to demonstrate existing work with the Windrush community, or, where such work is not yet established, present a clear and actionable plan for meaningful engagement

Community Led & Longevity (20%)

• the Windrush Day Grant Scheme prioritises projects that actively strengthen community cohesion. Proposals must clearly show how planned events and activities will be inclusive, outlining specific target groups (not broad or generic audiences) and demonstrating a genuine commitment to encouraging engagement and participation from people of diverse backgrounds, including those beyond Windrush communities
• projects should also be designed with or by the Windrush community, work with named community partners, and have a positive social impact
• projects should be designed so that they continue to have an impact after the funding period has ended. This could be achieved by forming new local partnerships, upskilling volunteers or producing assets that can continue to be shared in the future, such as videos and stories from elders

Budget (15%)

• projects will need to demonstrate value for money
• costs should be reasonable and proportionate to the nature of the project outputs/activities, taking into consideration the expected levels of engagement.
• where staff costs are included, provide a clear breakdown of reasonable hourly rates. As a rough guide, staff costs should be less than 25% of the total project costs. However, the panel will consider this in the context of the overall proposal
• we are looking to see a clear breakdown of the costs of the project provided and evidence that you are trying to get the best value from the funding by making it go further, such as by sharing of premises, people and equipment, recruiting volunteers, sourcing match funding, etc
• please note, while we do encourage you to be ambitious on sourcing match funding contributions for your project, match funding is not a pre-requisite in order to be eligible for the scheme. Match funding can include in-kind support

10. Grantee roles and responsibilities   

If your application is successful, you will be expected to fulfil the following responsibilities as a grant recipient:

Project delivery

• in accepting a grant, you agree that the funds will be spent only on the items, services or activities as laid out in your application and grant offer letter
• where stated, MHCLG funding may not be used on specified elements of your application, although you may proceed in the event that additional funding is sourced elsewhere to cover the cost
• if circumstances change, and you wish to vary the use of the funds or a proportion of the funds in another way, you must contact Near Neighbours to discuss the situation and seek a variation

Communication and contact

• provide a minimum of two named contacts for the project, including telephone numbers and email addresses
• ensure that project mailboxes and telephone lines are actively monitored throughout the duration of the grant
• if a staff member is absent for longer than 7 days, you must notify Near Neighbours and provide alternative contact details

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• provide infrequent (verbal) project updates when requested
• notify Near Neighbours promptly of any issues, risks, or circumstances that may affect the successful delivery of the project
• provide key details of the project activity, including the date, time, venue, and other relevant information
• collect and submit participant feedback as requested
• complete an impact report (template provided) at the end of the grant funded project.
• provide a record of expenditure and supporting evidence (receipts, invoices, or other financial documentation) at the end of the grant funded project
• repay any grant funds that have not been spent in accordance with the approved project budget or grant conditions
• organisations are required to share copies of project assets (resources) created using funding from the Windrush Day Grant Scheme with MHCLG and Near Neighbours. These materials will form part of a shared archive, including the National Windrush Museum’s Digital Heritage Collection, to help preserve, evidence and showcase the legacy of funded projects

Publicity and promotion

• provide us with a post award project summary for use in the Near Neighbours and MHCLG press release, and where appropriate, provide brief event descriptions for inclusion in free-of-charge third-party promotional materials
• any publicity material for the funded activities must refer to the Windrush Day Grant Scheme under which the Grant was awarded and must feature the MHCLG logo
• it is expected you would tag Near Neighbours and MHCLG on social media when sharing content about the funded project
• when providing us (MHCLG, Church Urban Fund, Near Neighbours and partners) with any photographs you would ensure that the necessary consents have been provided and that we are granted permission to make use of the images

Compliance

• operate in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies, and safeguarding requirements
• grant-funded projects must refrain from engaging in political activity
• all grant recipients are required to ensure that all aspects of their project benefiting from grant funding maintain a politically impartial stance throughout. Projects must not espouse or imply any partisan political views

11. Timeline  

• Application window opens: 1 October 2026
• Bidder’s workshops: 9 to 20 October 2026
• Application window closes: 23:59 29 October 2026
• Panel meetings: January 2027
• Departmental checks and sign off: February 2027
• Applicants notified of application outcome: March 2027
• Subject to the return of signed grant agreements from successful applicants, funding distributed to projects: April 2027
• National Windrush Day: 22 June 2027
• Funding period ends (all projects must complete activity by this date): 31 July 2027
• Reporting due date: 31 August 27

Near Neighbours will be hosting bidder workshops to provide an overview of the scheme and offer bidders a chance to ask questions.

The workshops will be held virtually on:

Friday 9 October                         11:00am to 12:00pm

Tuesday 13 October                  11:00am to 12:00pm

Wednesday 14 October          06:00pm to 07:00pm

Tuesday 20 October                  06:00pm to 07:00pm

Please register here to attend

12. How to apply 

This grants programme is administered by Church Urban Fund, through its Near Neighbours programme, on behalf of MHCLG.

You can apply to the scheme via the application form on our administrator Church Urban Fund, website.

Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 29 October 2026.

Please direct any queries relating to the grant scheme and the application process to our external administrator Near Neighbours at windrush@cuf.org.uk

You can access MHCLG’s privacy notice which sets out the standards you can expect us to meet when we ask for, do something with or continue to hold, your personal information. It also covers what we ask of you, to help us keep information up to date. 

13. Definitions  

Charity – a registered charity with a UK charity number or a registered CIC (community interest company).  

Community group – a group that meets all the following criteria:  

• established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes
• has a governing body with at least three members
• has a governing document which they are able to produce
• can provide accounts for the last 2 financial years

NB: Individuals are not eligible to apply but should work with groups as set out above. 

Community interest company/Community interest organisation – a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders.  

Consortium – a group of bidders, with a designated lead partner, who must meet one of the criteria set out in the relevant section to manage the programme, and a system for dividing the work and funds appropriately and effectively. The lead partner must be a charity, a community group with a charitable purpose, or a local authority.  

Extremism – Extremism is defined as the promotion or advancement of an ideology [based on violence, hatred or intolerance] that aims to:

1. negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
2. undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy [and democratic rights; or
3. intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in 1 or 2

Local authority  –  a county council; a district council; a parish council; a combined authority; a London borough council; or any other organisation set out in Section 33(1) of the Local Government Act 2003. We encourage schools, libraries and other local authority organisations to submit bids in conjunction with their local authority.

Windrush generation – Relating to or denoting the people who emigrated from the Caribbean to the United Kingdom from the end of WW2, including the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948 until the Immigration Act 1971, their descendants and the wider UK Caribbean community. 

Innovation/Innovative – doing something in a new or different way: a novel method, format, or idea. (How original the approach is.)

Uniqueness/distinctiveness – standing apart from what else exists: rarity, a distinctive element, or something you don’t often see in this portfolio or place. (How far it stands apart from everything around it.)

Culturally resonant (in this context) – meaningful and authentic to the Windrush story and community, so that audiences “learn something a little different” each year. (The aim is not novelty, but work that is both fresh and resonant.)

These overlap, but they are not the same thing. A project can be:

• innovative but not unique – a new method several applicants happen to propose;
• unique but not especially innovative – a one-of-a-kind subject delivered through entirely conventional formats;
• innovative, unique and culturally resonant – these tend to be the most “stand-out” bids.