What is Waltham Forest Giving
Waltham Forest Giving is an independent place-based giving initiative that connects people, organisations and resources to strengthen communities and create positive change across the borough.
We believe everyone has something to give, whether that's time, skills, money, knowledge, ideas or space. By bringing together residents, businesses, funders, community organisations and local partners, we help turn these contributions into coordinated action that responds to local priorities.
We build on what's already working, help identify gaps, connect partners and create new opportunities for local giving and community action.
The challenges facing Waltham Forest cannot be solved by any one organisation alone. By investing locally and working together, we can support long-term change shaped by the people and communities of Waltham Forest.
ABOUT
Why Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest is one of London's fastest-changing boroughs, home to more than 275,000 people and over 100 languages.
While the borough has seen significant growth, many residents continue to experience poverty, poor health, financial insecurity and social isolation.
At the same time, Waltham Forest has an incredible network of residents, community groups, schools, faith organisations and businesses already making a difference.
Waltham Forest Giving exists to bring these people, resources and ideas together to create even greater impact.
Our values
Equity and Inclusion – We prioritise fairness, ensuring resources reach the people and communities who need them most.
Community-Led – Local people help shape our priorities and approach, informed by lived experience and local evidence.
Sustainability – We focus on long-term impact, supporting solutions that strengthen communities and create lasting positive change.
Collaboration – We work in partnership with local organisations, community groups, businesses and residents to maximise our collective impact.
Transparency and Trust – We are open and accountable, making it easy to give, collaborate and access support.
Building the foundations
Since 2023, Waltham Forest Giving has been building the partnerships, networks and local knowledge needed to establish a place-based giving scheme for the borough. Working with residents, community organisations, businesses, funders and public sector partners, we've built trusted relationships, identified local priorities and created new opportunities for people to contribute their time, skills, resources and ideas.
Together, we established a resident-led Steering Group to shape the vision, values and direction of Waltham Forest Giving, commissioned an independent Needs Assessment and carried out community engagement to ensure our work is rooted in local evidence and lived experience.
We've also developed partnerships across sectors, connected organisations with funding, expertise and resources, and, in partnership with Waltham Forest Council and Community Health Champions, launched the Wellbeing Fund to support grassroots projects that improve health and wellbeing.
Together, these foundations are helping to build a more connected borough where everyone has something to give.
Who we are
We would like to thank:
Steering Group members Gail, Natasha, Colin, Hamza, Akeem, Beverley, Talula, Emma and Susan for establishing Waltham Forest Giving.
City Bridge Foundation for funding our running costs.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest for providing the first round of Wellbeing Grants.
London’s Giving Network for their invaluable guidance and support.
Everyone has something to give
Whether you're a resident, business, community organisation or funder, there are lots of ways to Get Involved.