Our community

Listening to the community

Although by their nature BIDs are business led and business funded, many BIDs recognise the inherent value and importance of working closely with all parts of the local community. The Culture Mile area benefits from having a diverse mix of businesses and vibrant residential communities: the largest concentration in the whole of the Square Mile. Residents are important to us, and the Culture Mile BID is committed to working with residents, community groups and other local stakeholders, with a view to embracing the collective drive and ambition this sort of partnership working can deliver.

The legislation that governs BIDs does not give residents a formal vote in the ballot, nor do they pay into the BID, however this does not mean residents won’t have a voice or benefit from the existence of the BID – quite the opposite. The Culture Mile BID started the dialogue with residents, ward members and other community groups and we will continue to develop new ways of working, which will be implemented throughout the BIDs term.

Culture Mile Community Fund

The Culture Mile Community Fund was set up as part of our commitment to creating connections with the wider residential community, bringing business and community together to create meaningful local engagement.

Collaboration, diversity and community is a key foundation stone of our BID. In order to support local charities and grass roots organisations in the Culture Mile footprint and to support our member’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals – we focused on creating a new funding opportunity for projects relating to the following themes:

– Health & Wellbeing

– Community

– Arts & Culture

– Environment & Biodiversity

– Opportunity

Partnering with Action Funder, in June 2023 the Culture Mile Community Fund was launched. Charities and community organisations were invited to apply for grants of up to £6,500 per project and we received over 30 applications in support requests.

In September the ESG and Connected Communities Panel met to assess the applications and were impressed with the many projects that had applied.  After a thorough discussion on each project – 13 projects were chosen and awarded funding. With the help of the support team at Action Funder, we have been able to distribute the funds to a variety of local projects that include;  supporting  young people into work and boosting their confidence, reaching out to people experiencing loneliness, swim sessions for swimmers with disabilities, on-line and event based community networks, music and performance groups, wildlife gardens and creativity sessions.

The ESG Steering Group is formed of representatives from member businesses, with a particular skillset in social impact and sustainable goals. Also part of the Steering Group is a key resident representative. We were delighted to support the local community via this funding, and look forward to the interesting and worthwhile work they will be delivering on a local level.

Culture Mile BID will be proudly showcasing the work of the chosen projects regularly throughout the year  – so do look out for the updates!

There’s funding available again! Culture Mile Bid has launched a second round of funding for community projects. Up to £6,500 per project is available for community groups, charities and CICs. Applications are open until Friday the 24th of May 2024.

Find out more and apply now through ActionFunder.

Latest Projects

Barbican Association Community Group/ Tenants Group

The Barbican Association (BA) is the recognised Tenants Association for the Barbican.

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Golden Lane Estate Residents Association

The GLERA is a group that represents all residents on the Golden Lane Estate.

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XLP

XLP is creating positive futures for young people growing up in inner-city London.

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