‘New Beginnings’ is a national fund to help refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome in UK communities by increasing community-based support. The fund began when a consortium of funders noticed that the increase in migrants to the UK was putting strain on community groups. They also noticed that more people in the UK wanted to support refugees and asylum seekers. The funders felt that the best way to help was to fund small community groups. 

The fund had a successful ‘pilot’ stage which funded 45 groups. These were either refugee-led groups or local residents working to welcome refugees and asylum seekers. 

Grants of £1000 to £10,000 are now available in the East of England for individual groups.

Grants of up to £20,000 are available for partnership projects. A lead organisation needs to make the application.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 12:00 noon on Monday 31st October. For more details go to New Beginnings Fund Page.