North Meets South Big Local (NMS) is one of the 150 communities across England chosen to be part of the Local Trust’s innovative programme that aims to achieve lasting change by providing a mixture of funding, finance, and support. NMS was established in 2014 with £1 Million allocated from the Big Local Lottery Fund, through the Local Trust, which could be spent in any way local people chose over the following 10 years. NMS is now a partnership governed by residents, with activities organised by residents and for residents in Marks Gate and North Chadwell Heath. As NMS enters the final stages of its funding support from the Local Trust, the partnership’s vision is to supporting sustainable projects which will exist beyond the lifespan of the organisation. 

Purpose of the grant opportunity

The Dragons Den grant scheme exists to encourage residents to explore new life skills and for partner organizations to create opportunities within our catchment area. The aim is to offer grants to activities which support the key areas of focus in the NMS Local plan. Dragon's Den projects are amazing because they're often run by local volunteers who want to make a difference for the community. This we are accepting applications for small and large grants. 

Small Dragon's Den Grants are targeted are residents looking to pilot an new ideas. These can be anything from a music project, coach trips, breakfast club and 'yarn-bombing'.

Applications are accepted for up to: 

1. £500 (Individual)                                                       
2. £3000 (Organisations, registered charitable groups with bank accounts or NMS Volunteers)

All applications must be supported by an appropriate budget click on the documents below to apply: 

Small Grants Application Form

Large Dragon's Den Grants are targeted are established organisations looking to expand their reach to the NMS catchment area. These can be targeted interventions to tackle key issues experience by residents. For example, loneliness, financial problems, or youth violence. The NMS partnership are looking to fund projects for up to three years. Applications are accepted for up to £30.000. All applications must be supported by an appropriate budget click on the documents below to apply.

Large Grants Application Form

The deadline for applications is on the 4th November 202 at 5pm. 

Projects funded in the 2021

• Marks Gate Boxing Club 
• HVPA Music Concerts 
• Summer Coach Trips: Woburn Safari and Natural History Museum 
• Police Cadets 

Projects funded in the 2019

• Eastside Community Heritage - collecting and sharing memories
• Sports & Life Skills CIC - holiday sports activities
• Studio 3 Arts - performing arts 
• Chadwell Heath Residents Association - knitting, bowls, chair-based exercise
• Independent Karate Clubs - self-defence, fitness, karate skills 

Projects funded in the 2018 

• CARPET BOWLS: social activity for both men & women to help reduce isolation
• CHAIR BASED EXERCISE TO MUSIC: improving mobility, coordination & strength
• COACH TRIPS FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY: Colchester Zoo, Brighton, Margate
• COMMUNITY DANCE PROGRAMME (STREET DANCE): dance workshops for 8-18s
• COMMUNITY SPIRIT: bouncy castle & animal fun, especially for young families 
• FOOD FOR THOUGHT: baking workshops - Christmas (adults) & Easter (families) 
• HOMEWORK CLUB: family engagement in children's primary school homework
• NIMBLE FINGERS & BOARD GAMES: adults sharing skills & donating knitted items
• PADNALL COURT SPORTS ACADEMY: fortnightly Sunday football for girls & boys
• PLAYTIME FOOTBALL CLUB: exploring skills & techniques for children aged 8-14
  
• PROTECT YOURSELF - AWESOME: Karate & basic self-defence - ages 6-11 & 12-18 
• TWIST KIDS CREATIVITY: family arts & crafts workshops during schools holidays 
• WELLGATE COMMUNITY ALLOTMENTS: food-growing workshops for all ages

Projects funded in the 2017

• Brain Food: free breakfasts for children and young people
•  Carpet Bowls: social activity for men and women to help reduce isolation
• Circus Skills for All: equipment for scouts plus community workshops
• Cultural Festival: community event with diverse food, music, dance and dress
•  Pop-up Creative Cafe: arts & crafts workshops in the holidays
• IT Fun Cafe: basic computing and social networking skills for adults
• Let's Explore: play and learn together for 0-5 year olds with their parents, grandparents or carers
• Money & Debt Management Training: money advice sessions, information events plus confidential telephone debt support
• Nimble Fingers & Board Games: knitting, crochet, embroidery and board games for adults
• Parent Gym - Parenting Programme with creche: support around behaviour and setting children boundaries 
• Project BMX Barking & Dagenham: BMX cycling coaching for children and young people

Projects funded in 2016 our first ever Dragon's Den

• Sustrans - Money towards a bike track
• Wednesday Workshop - Goodies for the kids to enjoy sports and get creative
• St Marks Health & Fitness - Zumba for different ages
• The Childrens Food Trust - Healthy eating workshops
• Marks Gate Infants PTA - A childrens vegetable garden
• Lioness 1 O'Clock Club - Day trips out 
• Stav's Street Fit - Dance fitness classes 

For more examples of our Dragon's Den projects check out this blog post.