Black History Month

Black History Month small grants scheme

October is Black History Month - the annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black British, African and Caribbean people in the UK through a range of exciting and inspiring events and activities taking place between 1st to 31st October each year. Shining a light on their contributions to our history and culture that are often not widely known, we celebrate the contribution of Black Britons to our vibrant and diverse society; contributions of those who travelled here to build new lives in the UK, as well as the achievements and contributions of their descendants.

Application Guidance Notes

Please read this information carefully and in full before completing an application form to the Black History Month Grants scheme. These notes also provide details on how applications will be assessed and the processing of successful grants.

Sections

1. Introduction to the Black History Month Grants Scheme
2. Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic
3. Eligibility
4. Completing the application form
5. Application process

Introduction to the Black History Month Grants Scheme

• Championing the culture and achievements of Black British, African and Caribbean people, Black History Month celebrates these contributions through a range of exciting and inspiring events and activities taking place from 1st to 31st October each year.
• Kensington and Chelsea Council is offering small grants of up to £1,000 to support community contributions to this year’s Black History Month, with a total of £15,000 available funds.
• These grants can be used for engaging and inspiring activities already planned, or to fund a new activity, but all events or activities must be open and welcoming to all members of the local community, who might want to attend.

Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic

• Given the past challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, both online and in-person activities are welcome, but in-person applications are required to demonstrate understanding of the impacts of potential ongoing Covid-19 concerns and outline measures to ensure the safety of all those attending or participating in the proposed activities.
• Applicants intending to base their activities in public spaces (eg streets, council parks or squares) are required to contact the Events Team prior to submitting an application at [email protected].

Eligibility

Who can apply

• We welcome applications from local organisations (or individuals over 21 years old and partnered with organisations) that support those who live, work or learn in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea that are constituted, limited, a registered charity or under any other legal structure for an organisation e.g. family centres, Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), Community Interest Companies (CIC).
• Applicants with demonstrable event management experience are particularly welcome.

Who cannot apply 

• We welcome applications from any of the following as partners of projects but not as an applicant:
  • Schools or educational establishments
  • Any local authority-maintained organisation or departments within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea local authority
  • Commercial companies or profit-making organisations with projects for the purpose of making a profit.

What we will fund

• All activities and events must take place within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and be of demonstrable benefit to residents
• In-person events and activities must take place in accessible venues and demonstrate that they are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 and not discriminating on grounds of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief (or lack of belief), Sex, Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership.

What we will not fund

• Projects that are for private gain, or result in a profit
• Projects that have no public benefit for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• Existing website maintenance
• Promotional material, videos and online marketing for the applicant in general, rather than the specific activity in the application
• Study or training fees
• Activities that promote a particular political or religious view
• Framing or exhibition mounting costs 
• Refreshments or meals
• Capital costs
• Core running costs or overheads, for example utilities, stationery or rent (although up to 10% of your budget can include costs for overheads specific to your application).
• Budget deficits and loan repayments
• VAT
• Endowments
• Activities that have already taken place
• Activities placed in a formal education setting as part of the core curriculum.

How much you can apply for

• Organisations can apply for a grant up to a maximum of £1,000.

Completing the application form

About Your Organisation

• Basic information about your registered organisation and your organisation type
• More information on the nature of your organisation’s work, and any recent professional experience that demonstrates your organisation’s ability to deliver your project.

The Project

• Details on what you are proposing, what you hope to achieve, how it relates to Black History Month and any other local organisations you have approached or identified as project partner(s).
• Detail of how you intend to promote the project
• Detail on how you intend to monitor and evaluate the success of the project, such as audience feedback, participant surveys, case studies etc. 
• Detail on your intended audience or participants, and if your project is targeted at any specific community, age or gender group.
• The full venue or location address of your project and how you will manage any Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing measures where applicable.
• Clear timeline for your project.

Budget 

• Your budget needs to be separated into two sections: income and expenditure, and both must balance, so your income matches your expenditure. 
• You must show how you have arrived at your figures, for example the number of days you will be employing an artist; or the number of tickets you expect to sell and at what price.
• Please include the value of any in-kind support, showing this in both the income and expenditure columns to ensure that your budget balances.
• Income from other sources can take the form of:
  • A grant from another public funding body
  • A grant from a trust or foundation.
  • Sponsorship or donations from a business
  • Your own or another private individual’s contributions.
  • Earned income, for instance sales of tickets, merchandise, refreshments or advertising.
  • In-kind support such as materials, equipment, work or rehearsal space, transport and professional time given free to the project (both artistic and administrative). 

Declaration – Supporting Information

If you feel that your application will benefit from supporting information, such as visuals of your work that cannot be accessed on a website, you can provide this as a PDF, the equivalent of two sides of A4.

Application process 

• The deadline for applications is 12 midnight on Sunday 31 July 2022. 
• Applications received after this time will not be assessed.
• Applications will be assessed against the following five criteria:
  • Relevant link to Black History Month
  • Clear benefits to the residents of Kensington and Chelsea
  • Demonstrating assurances in planning and organisation
  • A viable budget, offering value for money.

If your application is successful

• The Culture Service advises successful applicants by email, comprising: 
  • an offer letter confirming the level of funding awarded
  • whether there are conditions on this allocation
  • the grant scheme terms and conditions
  • marketing guidelines.
• Once we receive a signed copy of the offer letter confirming agreement to the award and the scheme terms and conditions, along with a copy of your organisation’s constitution, we will arrange a BACS payment of the award. 
• The grant is paid in full in advance, but we require a completed project evaluation form, including final accounts, at the completion of the project or within six weeks of completion.
• Failure to return the evaluation form within six weeks of the project completion date may result in ineligibility for future funding through the scheme.
• Projects must be completed as part of this year’s Black History Month, running 1 to 31 October 2022.
• It is a condition of funding that successful applicants comply with any statutory requirements relating to working with children and vulnerable adults, including valid DBS licenses.

Acknowledging the grant

• Successful applicants are required to acknowledge the Black History Month Grant by using the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea logo on all project publicity materials, including printed and online media. 
• Successful applicants are also asked to connect with the Culture Service social media platforms and ensure cross posting of promotional media.
• A copy of the logo, guidance on its use and Culture Service social media channels are forwarded as part of the confirmation of funding. 

Repayment of a grant

• Under certain circumstances, we may ask for a grant to be repaid, either whole or in part. These circumstances will vary but may include the following:
  • The applicant ceases to operate, is declared bankrupt, or placed into liquidation or receivership.
  • The applicant fails to use the grant for the purpose for which it was obtained or fails to complete the project in the timeframe agreed.
  • The applicant fails to comply with the conditions of the grant.
  • The application form was completed fraudulently, incorrectly or misleadingly.
  • The applicant acts in a manner that is fraudulent or negligent at any time during the period of the grant.

Black History Month Grants Scheme Terms and Conditions

Overall

• The Grant must be used for the purpose it is awarded, as described in the offer letter.
• Please keep the Culture Service up to date with information about the progress of your project, including, marketing, publicity and the start and completion dates, or if the proposed outcome of the project is likely to change in any way.
• If the grant is used to purchase equipment, you are required to produce a copy of an invoice or receipt at the completion of the project.
• The grant will be paid in full upon receipt of your signed letter of acceptance to the terms and conditions, and the following documentation:
  • as an Organisation: a copy of your constitution or memorandum and articles of association
  • as an Individual: confirmation letter with bank details from an organisation that can receive the grant award on your behalf, as we cannot pay a grant into a personal bank account.
  • Completed Marketing Information document.
• You are required to complete an evaluation of the project within six weeks of the project completion date. Failure to do so may mean that you are ineligible for future funding from the Culture Service.
• All projects must be completed within the month of October as part of Black History Month 2022. 
• It is a condition of this grant that you comply with any statutory requirements relating to working with children and vulnerable adults and carry out the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before appointing staff to work with children under the age of 18 years and vulnerable adults.
• The Arts Service recommends that any volunteers involved in your project are recruited and managed in accordance with guidance from the Kensington and Chelsea Volunteer Centre.

Covid-19 Considerations and outdoor activity

• You are required to work in compliance with current Government guidance, and to liaise with the Events Team at [email protected] in advance of holding any activity in an outdoor public space, and to contact the Film Office at [email protected] if you are filming in any public space with a crew of five or more. 

Grant repayment

The Council reserves the right to require that the grant is repaid, in part or in full, where:

• you cease to operate, are declared bankrupt, or are placed into liquidation or receivership.
• you fail to use the grant for the purpose for which it was obtained or fail to complete the project within the month of October 2022.
• you fail to comply with the conditions of the grant.
• you completed the application form fraudulently or negligently.

Acknowledging the grant

• You are required to acknowledge the grant by using the Council’s logo on promotional and publicity materials for your Project – the logo and guidelines on its use are available from the Culture Service – or in writing by using the phrase Support by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Black History Month Grants Scheme within any written information about your Project, including press articles and event programmes.

Promotion of your Project and the Black History Month Grant Scheme

• The Culture Service will promote your project as part of wider promotion of Black History Month 2022, so recommends your engaging with our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter by following and tagging on Twitter @RBKCculture and on Facebook/RBKCCulture.
• The Culture Service requires between three and five high quality images of your Project, along with the following confirmations:
  • photographer credit 
  • confirmation of consent and permission of people featured in the images (see GDPR statement)
  • permission to allow the Council to make use of your project details for internal and external promotion (see GDPR statement)

GDPR statement

To comply with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s commitments under the GDPR and UK Data Protection Act 2018, we require you to ensure the following in relation to any data captured as part of your Project:

• processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner.
• collected for a specific and legitimate purpose. It will not be used for anything other than this stated purpose.
• relevant and limited to whatever the requirements are for which they are processed.
• accurate, and where necessary, kept up to date.  Any identified inaccuracies will be amended or removed without undue delay.
• stored for as long as required, as specified on our records retention policy.
• secured with appropriate solutions, which protect the data against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage.

For more information you can read the Council's fair processing notice.

Project Evaluation

• Once you have completed your project, please complete the Evaluation Form, and return to the Culture Service within six weeks of its completion. 
• We particularly ask that you demonstrate the numbers of Kensington and Chelsea residents as audience of or participants in your project. This can most simply be done through the capture of postcodes.

If  you have any questions about Black History Month small grants scheme please email the Culture Service at [email protected].

Black History Month Awards 2021

This year 22 projects were awarded funding to support their Black History Month activities. A wide range of creative and informative events will be happening across the borough throughout October with something for all ages. 

Afrikan Heritage DJs - Pavilion HIVE

Two online DJ sessions will be delivered by four DJs of Afrikan heritage in celebration of the history and impact of contributions to diversifying the UK music scene. Each session will include a 30min conversation with two of the DJs about their influences and the impact of the music from the 70s to the present day. The DJs include Lynda Rosenior-Patten, co-founder of Nzinga sound, Eclectic Goddess, Junior Tomlin and JC Kamau.

Visit the Portobello Pavilion website for more information.

The Art and Journey of Mas - Genesis Carnival Enterprise

A photographic exhibition covering the 40 years of history will take place at The Tabernacle detailing the journey of the creators, designers, and pioneers of Genesis.  As part of a vibrant “mas Camp experience” aimed at all the community and young people in particular, participants will hear about Carnival Pioneers, see, and practice Carnival arts & craft, view videos of Notting Hill Carnival over the years and listen to the musical melodies and lyrics of Calypso.

Black History Month Feast - Lancaster West Resident Association (LWRA)

Following a successful project last year, where LWRA provided refreshments and an Afro-Caribbean feast cooked by one of their residents, with Afro-Caribbean musicians performing, LWRA aim on repeating the same event this year. They aim on educating residents about how important immigration has been to the betterment of our society and to stand by fellow neighbours and friends of black heritage.

Visit the Lancaster West Estate Residents' Association website for more information.

Black History Month Activities - Look Ahead care and support

Look Ahead provide care and support to adults in the community with complex needs.  This October they will bring together staff and service users from across the borough for an exciting evening celebrating black cinema.

Visit the Look Ahead Care Support and Housing website for more information.

Blenheim Crescent Blue Plaque Project by Charlie Phillips Archive

As part of a wide-ranging heritage project focussing on the local social history of Notting Hill as narrated through Charlie Phillips’ photography archive, a Nubian Jak Blue Plaque will be installed at 9 Blenheim Crescent to commemorate Hubert ‘BARON’ Baker and Leopold 'TOTOBAGS' William. The blue plaque will celebrate and raise awareness about these two important figures.  The project brings to life their fascinating stories and contributions to North Kensington.  Charlie Phillips will also deliver a talk about his journey as a child from Jamaica to England and his experiences of living in the local area “in one room”.

Visit the Charlie Phillips Archive website for more information.

Black women in the Health Sector: Achievements and Challenges – WAND

The Women’s Association for Networking and Development present an online event celebrating and learning about the achievements of black women in the health sector. Participants are invited to hear testimony from a panel of black women GPs, nurses and scientists providing an inspiring opportunity to learn about the importance of the health service and the people who work within it.  Participants will also be giving an opportunity to share their experiences of managing their health and wellbeing throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Visit the Women’s Association for Networking and Development website for more information.

Celebrate Black-owned businesses and time to look after your mental health by Bella Rareworld Bipolar

An online Zoom event Q&A with a Black-led Panel of Experts in Accounting, Marketing and Business Coaching.  Also streamed live on LinkedIn, the event will recognise and celebrate black business owners.  Attendees will also be given the opportunity to make time for their mental health by providing awareness and education led by a Mental Health First Aider and Therapist as part of celebrations coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

Visit the Bella Rareworld Bipolar website for more information.

Connect to Inspire through Art and the Sacred Drum – Behind the Groove

With sounds of the Sacred Drum encouraging mindful meditation and creative direction throughout the session, this creative workshop will offer participants a fun and relaxing experience while they build their confidence as they explore creativity and wellbeing through art. 

Conservation and Renewal at Moravian Close by Fetter Lane Moravian Congregation

This project will tell the rarely told story of how a small congregation established in the 1700s and bombed out of the City of London during the Blitz, found a new home, and renewal at a historic site off the Kings Road in Chelsea under the leadership of Windrush Generation Caribbean settlers. The congregation has ongoing projects for heritage such as the conservation of unique artworks and the built environment at the site as well as the preservation of the property’s very special ecological environment.

Visit the Fetter Lane Moravian Congregation website for more information.

Cultural Integration Tea Party by Life Skills & Positive Adjustments Ltd

Bay 20 Community Centre W10 6JG

Participants will take part in creating a learning environment which includes an exhibition and offering children and adults the opportunity to be dressed up in cultural costumes, dine and socialise.

Discover Your Local Black History – Urbanwise London

Building on the success of the 2020 Portobello Road Black History Month film project, Urbanwise London will organize two walks as they share the film within the local community including schools and youth clubs. Working with a professional designer and a media specialist participants will assist in producing promotional artwork for the project as well as a podcast which will feature interviews with inspirational members of the local community.

Visit the Urban Wise website for more information.

Ecumenism Working in RBKC: Black History Month 2021 Photographic Display in Chelsea Methodist Church Narthex - Chelsea Methodist Church

A free photographic art display in the Chelsea Methodist Church Narthex, showing Ecumenism Working in RBKC as a picture of the borough’s local multiculturalism and diversity. The exhibition will be curated by Leonie Dean Joseph, a recent graduate of West London College and will include colour and black and white photographs reflecting the interdenominational culture of those living and worshiping in RBKC.

Visit the Chelsea and Fulham Methodist Church website for more information.

Eritrean History - The Gheez Rite Chaplaincy Community Association (GRCCA) -Supplementary School

This project will explore the history of Eritrea with a focus on the legacy of Idris Awate who is associated with the beginning of the Eritrean Struggle for independence. The project will reflect on how Eritreans overcame 30 years of war leading to peace and settlement.  Participants will also have to opportunity to learn about the journey of late Rev Kidane Lebasi whose struggles and community work eventually led to him establishing the Gheez Rite Saturday school three decades ago.

The History of the Kanag - Message Through Music Ltd

An event exploring the importance of the history of the Kanag, an artifact of the Swahili culture which dates back to 1876-1886 East Africa.  This talk and supporting exhibition will track its history and cultural significance, derived from the slave trade through to the freedom of the Swahili women.

Visit the Tandi fashion website for more information.

A Journey Through Kemet - Kamitan Arts CIC

Aiming to bring communities together from the South and the North of the Borough Kamitan Arts presents a free online Cultural Day.  Participants will be able to observe and take part a virtual cultural experience journeying through Ancient Egypt.  They will be given the opportunity to experience traditional music, African Yoga, Ma’at’ian Movement and will have a chance to learn to speak in the ancient languages of Ancient Egypt.  A prominent Egyptian Professor Physician and Mummy expert who has scanned over 100 mummies will share a revealing presentation on the ‘Hidden Beauty of the Pharaohs’.

Visit the Kamitan Arts website for more information.

Manhood Academy: Black History Superheroes – Manhood Academy

A project taking young people through a journey of great leaders throughout the African diaspora while teaching Black history and self-development and encouraging them to explore the Superhero within.  The project will take place via online interactive zoom sessions using popular music, historical video clips and engaging esteem-building group exercises.

Visit the Manhood Academy website for more information.

Nubian Arts Education - North Kensington Hearts and Minds CIC

Four workshops will be delivered with guest speakers exploring the history of Afro-Caribbean music and poetry and its effects and influence on today’s society. Participants will explore music and poetry timelines in Black Culture to educate, inform and empower them to develop their own skills and build their confidence levels. There will be a focus on artists who have had a significant impact on the current generation. The project will end with a small event where attendees will have the chance to share their talents with the local community.

Visit the Bay20 website for more information.

Recipe for a Happy Mind Soundbites - Lin Kam Art

Notting Hill Carnival sound system lead and artist, Linett Kamala will create a pop-up Caribbean take-away installation where participants place ‘an order’ from a menu relating to the history of sound system culture. Participants will be served their order in the form of a live conversation with the artist and/or guest and music whilst enjoying Caribbean themed refreshments. This welcoming intergenerational space will provide the opportunity to meet new people and share stories. The artist will also gather audio recordings from sound system pioneers and innovators based on happy memories evoked by songs and artefacts.

Visit the Linett Kamala website for more information.

Reviving Plant Food Medicine to Manage Blood Sugar - Venture Community Association Golborne Community Champions

A pilot workshop working with Golborne GPs and in partnership with organisation Living Medicine aimed at all cultures in North Kensington with, or at risk of diabetes. The aim is to understand foods, spices, and herbs more widely and learn about their impact on managing/preventing high blood sugar safely alongside medication.

Visit the Venture Community Association Golborne Community Champions website for more information.

The Music Matters programme - David Asante Music

The Music Matters program will invite aspiring musicians from BAME communities to a professional recording studio where they will be given the chance to record their own music.  Once completed, participants will have a greater understanding of the music industry and be given the opportunity to share their music and stories on BBC Radio London.

8th International Carnival Arts Conference: The Transformational Power of Carnival Arts - Rebounding from the Covid 19 Pandemic - Nostalgia Steelband and Carnival Club

This year Nostalgia Steelband and Carnival Club is hosting the 8th International Carnival Arts Conference in partnership with the International Journal for Carnival Arts (IJCA).  This rare platform for academics and community arts practitioners aims to facilitate new explorations on carnival arts practice from a local, national, and international perspective with a focus on development, co-production, and collaborative partnerships. Based at The Tabernacle the conference will be presented as four sessions and two concerts taking place between the 1st- 3rd October and two youth workshops scheduled for the 9th and 16th October.

Visit the Steelplan website for more information