I AM Brent provides grants of up to £5,000 and capacity building support for all applicants.
I AM Brent is a consortium funded by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to support young people and their families to stay safe from violence. Its members are Step Up Hub (lead), Connect Stars, PLIAS Resettlement, Sport at the Heart, United Borders and Hilltop Circle.
What can be funded?
I AM Brent will fund projects designed to benefit young people aged 25 and under, their families or associated community members who live, work, study or spend substantial time in at least one of the following areas:
- Chalkhill Estate
- Church Road Estate
- Harlesden Town Centre
- St Raphael’s Estate
- Stonebridge Estate.
The projects must aim to deliver prevention or diversionary work at a local level to reduce violence in the community.
Each project may aim to achieve one or more of the following:
- improve community relations
- develop the confidence and social skills of beneficiaries
- amplify community voice to reduce violence involving young people
- improve mental health
- have a positive impact on educational outcomes
- enhance employment prospects
- reduce the risk of gender-based violence.
The grant must be for a new project and be enough to cover the project’s full cost.
As well as grant funding, I AM Brent will provide capacity building. Workshops and customised 1-2-1 consultancy support will be provided to each successful organisation to help them deliver the project. I AM Brent will also offer capacity building support to all applicants who are unsuccessful to help them strengthen future project applications.
Who can apply
Individuals and organisations may apply.
One or more individuals may apply but must do so in partnership with an organisation that meets the eligibility criteria below. Individuals must be aged 18 or over.
To be eligible for a grant, an organisation must:
- be a charity, not-for profit organisation or unincorporated association based in Brent
- have at least 25% of the organisation’s senior team and/or trustees from a minority ethnic background
- have a total annual turnover of less than £200,000
- have a bank account in the name of the organisation and which requires two different people to authorise payments
- confirm that it will deliver all of the project and spend the grant by 28 February 2027.
How to apply
To apply, please visit the Step Up website to read the guidance and assessment criteria, and access the application form.
Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm on Sunday 27 September 2026.
Decisions will be made in four stages:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting using the information given in the application form
- Stage 2: Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 45-minute online or face-to-face interview. This will be a further opportunity to describe the project and how it will be delivered.
- Stage 3: Panel
A panel of local community members will review information from the application form and interview, and assess it against local data, then decide on the projects to put forward for due diligence checks.
- Stage 4: Due diligence
Applicants put forward will be required to provide within two weeks: proof of public liability insurance, latest annual accounts, and policies for safeguarding, data protection, and equality, diversity and inclusion. The two referees will be contacted for references.
Launch event details
Join us for an information evening about how to apply, the support available to strengthen and deliver projects, and the awards panel made up of local people.
Date and time: Tuesday, 1 September 2026 between 6pm - 8.30pm
Location: The Base, Brent Civic Centre, HA9 0FJ
View further details and secure your spot.
Previous grant awards
Projects funded include:
- employment skill development with mentoring, particularly for young Black African and Caribbean men, also encouraging intergenerational relationship building
- support for Somali children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families through workshops, mentoring and links with schools, faith groups and local businesses
- youth forums and a rap competition to raise awareness of knife crime and establish safeguarding tips
- an after-school programme for 8-12-year-olds to create a safe space where they can make friends, build skills through new play and creative activities, and thereby increase their confidence
- a confidence and personal development programme that helps young people to explore their identity, strengths and aspirations through workshops, discussions and self-reflection activities
- a youth club for girls and young women providing a safe space for them to connect, focusing on building resilience and confidence through workshops, creative activities and mentorship.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email abu@stepuphub.org