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 2026 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 £4.75 million in funding toward honouring the Windrush legacy. This includes £3.75 million across seven 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.

We are looking for projects asking for £5,000-£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 national 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 & 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 neither be viewed more nor 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.

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

The 22nd of June marks National Windrush Day and projects must include a lead event or activity on this date. This will ensure that the projects funded by the 2026 Windrush Day Grant Scheme celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush on National Windrush Day.  

All further events and activities must take place before the 31 July 2026.

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 10, ‘Timeline’).

Applicants will need to provide assurance in their application that their organisations have the capacity to keep to their proposed delivery timetable and that they are able to commit to providing regular updates on their progress, including (but not limited to) project monitoring, evaluation forms and participant feedback forms, as required by MHCLG to assess the impact of the scheme.

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.

For the 2026 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. 

All proposals must clearly demonstrate value for money. 

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 for 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 offer smaller grants that 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. MHCLG reserves 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.  

MHCLG 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

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.

Organisations are eligible to apply if: 

They are registered: 

a.      Charities 

b.      Exempt charities 

c.      Community Interest companies/Community Interest organisations 

Social enterprises 

Community benefit societies 

OR:  

b.     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 three members  

-      They have a governing document which they can produce 

-      They can provide accounts demonstrating good financial health across both of the last two financial years 

OR:  

·       They are a local authority as defined (see ‘Definitions’ in section 12 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.

·       Include a lead event or activity on National Windrush Day, 22 June 2026, other events and activities can take place before the 31 July 2026.

·       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 work/items 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.

In order to be eligible, neither your organisation nor any organisation within your consortium may have received Windrush Day Grant funding more than twice across the years 2021–2025.

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

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:

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

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 your organisation nor any organisation within your consortium may have received Windrush Day Grant funding more than twice across the years 2021–2025.

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 2021- 2025 must have completed all final project reporting to be eligible for funding under the 2026 scheme.

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 projects. 

-      Projects must include a lead event or activity on the 22nd June to mark National Windrush Day 2026.

-      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 stated aims.

-      The proposal demonstrates a clear approach to measuring impact, including relevant metrics

-      Success is well defined, with realistic and appropriate methods for evaluating outcomes.

Local authorities will be encouraged to monitor organisations and activities that they choose to fund 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 2026. 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 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.

Value for Money (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, with no more than 25% of the requested amount allocated to staff costs.

-      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.

Application window opens –  Tuesday 13th January2026

Bidder workshops: 19th – 22nd January 2026

-      Application window closes: 23:59 Tuesday 10th February 2026

-      Near Neighbours processing and panel reading week: February 2026

-      Panel meetings: March 2026

-      Departmental checks and sign off: March - April 2026

-      Applicants notified of application outcome: April - early May 2026

-      Subject to the return of signed grant agreements from successful applicants, funding distributed to projects: May 2026

-      National Windrush Day: 22nd June 2026

-      Funding period ends (all projects must complete activity by this date): 31/07/2026

-      Reporting due date: 31/08/26

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

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The workshops will be held virtually on:

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Monday 19th January 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Tuesday 20th January 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Wednesday 21st January 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Thursday 22nd January 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Please register here to attend:
https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/windrush-workshop-signup

You can apply to the scheme via the application form on our administrator Near Neighbours website here:

https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/windrush26-home

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Applications must be submitted by 23:59 Tuesday 10th February 2026.  

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

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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. 

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 two 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.