Make It Happen 2024

Make It Happen is our flagship grants programme offering seed funding for new cultural and creative projects in Waltham Forest. The funding celebrates the diversity of local communities and shines a light on creative talent across the borough in the process.

The scheme has been designed to support cultural and creative activities taking place in Waltham Forest between May 2024 and January 2025. The refreshed focus of Make It Happen is to get new and sustainable creative ideas off the ground across the borough. The projects need to demonstrate that they can continue to grow after receiving Make It Happen investment, so we can continue to support more innovative ideas.

What we want to see in your application:

• Legacy: your project has a long-lasting legacy (a pilot project which continues, a tour or further presentation of new work, the beginning of a new creative venture, etc.)
• Social Impact: your project benefits local communities across Waltham Forest
• Diversity & Inclusion: your project platforms different perspectives and backgrounds. We are committed to invest in projects from applicants from diverse backgrounds (see below)
• Local Economic Impact: your project supports other local businesses, creatives and residents (local suppliers, work opportunities, etc.)

You can see some previous Make It Happen projects at the bottom of this page.

The Make It Happen application process will open on 15 January 2024.

We recommend that you read the Make It Happen 2024 guidance pack in full before making a submission: this outlines our funding aims for the grants programme, alongside questions you will be asked to address in your application.

To apply you will need to complete an application form discussing your proposal in full.

You will also need to complete a budget spreadsheet and a project timeline to indicate key milestones outlining how you will spend the grant – please see the attachments section for templates.