Milton Keynes Community Foundation awards grants to projects that help bring people together
The Milton Keynes Community Foundation has awarded 40 grants of £1,000 to projects across the city which help bring people together.
As part of its Community Roots project, groups were invited to submit ideas for projects that could help neighbourhoods across Milton Keynes thrive.
Projects were assessed on a rolling basis until all the money set aside was allocated, and in total £42,000 was awarded.
Projects supported health and wellbeing, reducing isolation, improving access to food, creating opportunities for young people and helping residents build stronger longer connections.
The full list of groups to have received grants are:
Scot Bowls Club - new bowls, mats and kit for a growing membership
Mindfulness Inspired Art CIC - Autumn Light, a community festival of art, food, music and Diwali
Two Mile Ash Community Council - a community Christmas lunch for 60 residents
MGB Community Service - community breakfasts and get-togethers to bring neighbours out of isolation
Men in Sheds MK - tools and training to bring unused bikes back to life
Ujhasuma Africa CIC - balafons and traditional instruments for African music workshops
South Asian Artists Community - helping local artists show and sell their work, with a festive showcase alongside YMCA MK
Milton Keynes and Broughton Village Hall - keeping the Tuesday afternoon tea and warm hub running
Hoda Community Bridge CIC - cooking clubs bringing Afghan women and neighbours together
Little Miracles Charity - sledging and karting days for children with additional needs and their families
Tread the Boards Theatre Group - free pantomime tickets for families who couldn't otherwise go
Harry’s Rainbow - bereavement training for community groups supporting children
One Love Luncheon Club - hot meals and crafts for elders who'd otherwise eat alone
Ailsa’s Aim - skincare packs for people going through cancer treatment
Trubys Garden Tea Room - a youth-led magazine written, designed and photographed by local young people
SieveMK Gateway - a calm sensory space where students with additional needs can relax and reset
Drug Alcohol Family Support MK - one-to-one holistic support to help people find calm, balance and resilience
MK Money Lifeline - portable printers and scanners so advisers can help people complete vital forms where they are
MK Community Choir - a free gospel music workshop, free and open to everyone
The MoneyHeave Community Project - deliver financial wellbeing workshops for at least 40 residents covering budgeting, debt, and saving, partnering with MK Melting Pot and the MK Tanzanian Community
MK Play Association - create and distribute 150 "Craft and Grow Boxes" for children and families, containing recycled craft materials, soil, and seeds to promote creativity and wellbeing
Conniburrow Community Fridge - fund quarterly Sofea food deliveries and annual Food Connect deliveries for the community fridge
Headway Milton Keynes - enhance a new Wellbeing Workshop for people with acquired brain injuries, providing therapeutic, mindfulness, and creative activity resources
Milton Keynes Rowing Club - purchase a branded club gazebo for summer events and regattas to raise their community profile and attract new members
Lionhearts Cruising Club - purchase a branded club gazebo for summer events and regattas to raise their community profile and attract new members
MOTUS - collaborate with Drum United and Breakdance MK to deliver youth music and dance workshops in Fishermead, culminating in a free public performance at their autumn festival at centre:mk
Olney Men’s Shed CIC - run "Come and Try" taster sessions ahead of their official 2027 opening, covering hall hire and a starter set of hand tools and materials
Jumping Beans - provide a Christmas party and community outing for an under-5s stay-and-play group, and replace worn toys and equipment
All Bradville Residents Association - replace a temporary noticeboard with a permanent weatherproof one, and run a first aid course for 24 residents
Offset Projects - purchase a portable PA system for their new Central MK youth hub, enabling workshops, events, performances, and screenings
Castlethorpe Cricket Club - replace a ten-year-old temporary scoreboard with a new permanent one
Zainabiya Islamic Centre - train children to perform interfaith activities promoting community cohesion, covering hall hire, uniforms, and training
Milton Keynes Warriors Cricket Club - purchase cricket equipment for weekly women's and junior sessions, and help subsidise membership/match fees for players who cannot afford them
Newport Pagnell Bowling Club - purchase a glass washer to improve their volunteer-run bar
Stantonbury Judo Club - purchase new safety mats for their judo club in Wolverton
MK Hospital Charity - create Comfort Boxes containing practical items, memory-making activities and personal mementos for end-of-life patients and their families
Emily’s Star - bring in a professional to capture handprints and fingerprints from children and young adults with complex needs
Ukraine Appeal - produce an original community comedy performance created by Ukrainian volunteers in Milton Keynes, drawing on their real-life volunteering experiences to bring the wider community together through laughter and shared storytelling
MK Park Rangers FC - purchase coaching equipment, training resources and secure storage to support the launch of new under-seven and ender-eight teams
The foundation’s chief executive Ian Revell said: “We couldn’t have imagined the breadth of creativity, commitment, and community spirit exhibited in the applications we received.
“Every day, local people across Milton Keynes give their time, energy and expertise to make life better for others.
“The Community Roots Project has given us the opportunity to hear directly from the people behind these ideas and see the passion driving their work.
“These projects and the people behind them are truly the roots that connect communities across our city.”
Established 40 years ago, the Milton Keynes Community Foundation is a grant-giving charity that aims to support community initiatives through strategic funding, grants and partnerships.