The SE16 Community Fund uses the platform to give out funds by asking for proof of address. Normally the Open Collective platform is set up to reimburse receipts/invoices via bank transfer or PayPal, so we are using the platform slightly differently.

What is the SE16 Community Fund ?

The SE16 Community Fund offers financial help to people located in the SE16 postcode, who may be struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other circumstances. This fund can be used for any purpose. There is no judgement, nor is there any obligation to pay back the money. We are a group of SE16 based neighbours who believe in helping our community when they are in need - on the basis of solidarity, not charity. 

This fund is available to any current resident of the SE16 postcode. You must upload proof of address, confirming that you live within the SE16 postcode. We do not ask you to upload an invoice, bill or receipt from what the grant is spent on, but ask that you use it in good faith. We do not require any more personal details - feel free to just upload the initials of your name when making an Open Collective personal profile in order to remain anonymous. For those with no fixed address, please get in contact at [email protected] as we will direct you to available services if we cannot help.

Please look at our User Guide for full instructions on how to claim from the fund via Open Collective. You can access this here.

SE16 residents can apply for up to £50 at a time. Take only what you need, so that others can also get help. Each resident can receive funds once per month - this limit is intended to ensure that as many people as possible get the help they need. We are always looking to increase the size and frequency of grants, but can only do so in line with the donations we receive.

The current administrators of the fund are four SE16 residents, 3 of whom met at secondary school and grew up in the local area. They later met the 4th member when they moved into SE16. The fund is run in accordance with our constitution, which can be read here.

We are in touch with local community groups to increase awareness of the fund's existence, so that those that need to are able to access it. We want everyone to be able to access the fund and are keen to work with others regarding emerging issues. If you have any feedback about your experience, or can help us understand the needs and experiences of users, please get in touch at [email protected]