Borough of Sanctuary Community Fund

Fund priorities

Applicants should select the main priority area that best reflects the primary purpose of their project. If the project addresses a new or unmet need that does not fall within Priorities 1 to 3, they may select from the list “New or Unmet Needs.”  

Priority 1: Education, English language, employment and training

• English language learning and practical communication
• Education, digital skills, qualifications and progression
• Volunteering, employability, job readiness and routes into work
• Confidence-building and access to further opportunities
• Additional activity that complements rather than duplicates existing services

Priority 2: Wellbeing, connection and belonging

• Mental wellbeing and trauma-informed community support
• Reduced isolation and stronger social connection
• Physical activity, peer support and safe community spaces
• Confidence, belonging and participation
• Targeted support for groups facing additional barriers

Priority 3: Advice, advocacy and transition support

• Clear information, signposting and rights-based support
• Service navigation, referrals and joined-up pathways
• Housing, welfare, education, employment and health pathways following an asylum decision
• Advocacy that helps people access appropriate services
• Regulated immigration advice only where the provider is appropriately authorised, accredited or supervised

New or unmet needs not listed in Priorities 1 to 3 above

• Recent and compelling evidence, normally from the last 12-18 months
• Evidence of a gap in existing provision and why current services cannot meet the need
• Insights from sanctuary seekers, Ealing Sanctuary Forum (ESF) members, VCSE partners, service demand, referral data or local intelligence
• Clear, measurable outcomes and direct benefit for sanctuary seekers in the borough

Celebration, cultural connection, community integration and community cohesion may be included as secondary or cross-cutting outcomes where they contribute to the project’s primary purpose and intended outcomes. Funding is not allocated by priority area. The assessment panel will seek to support a balanced portfolio of projects that reflects the identified needs across the borough.

Project duration and key dates

Small-grant projects may run for up to 3 months. Standard grant projects and the exceptional strategic grant should normally be delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months, subject to the final delivery deadline. All funded activity must be completed by 30 September 2027.

Awards and grant agreements must be approved in accordance with the council’s 2026-27 financial management and governance arrangements. Projects may continue beyond 31 March 2027 where this is permitted under the approved funding and payment arrangements, provided all funded activity is completed by 30 September 2027.