Our Church & Communities Programme has awarded 11 grants totalling £964,191 to organisations based in London and Tyne & Wear to strengthen communities and bring better outcomes for families. This funding, from Mercers’ Charitable Foundation and the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington, includes four grants, that will improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.  
 
Action Foundation: A £95,000 three-year grant from the Charity of Sir Richard Whittington will support Action Foundation to improve the advice and guidance for refugees and asylum seekers across Tyne & Wear. It will allow the organisation to work with smaller refugee charities, by either delivering advice and guidance directly at their drop-ins or support these organisations to develop capacity to provide their own advice and guidance to those who need it most.  
 
“With the support from The Mercer's Company and The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington we'll be able to support many more individuals to adjust to life in the UK. By building capacity and supporting our community partners across the Tyne and Wear region, the grant will allow us to do more and have a greater impact in improving people's lives - thank you.” – Duncan McAuley, Chief Executive Officer, Action Foundation 
 
Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA): A £90,000 two-year grant from the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation has been awarded to ACAA to support Women who are refugees in Hounslow, Ealing and Hillingdon to maintain or improve their wellbeing. Support includes access to language & digital skills, along with advice and guidance on training and employment.  
 
New Citizens Gateway (NCG): A £99,970 three-year grant from the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation will support NCA to continue to bring together refugees and British citizens as volunteers; collaboration on a variety of projects with NCG to benefit fellow refugees; and creating a positive impact for all involved.  
 
“The Mercers Company's continued support is not just a lifeline for NCG in this hostile environment where our cause is least popular, it is a beacon of hope for our community of refugees and asylum seekers. Their generosity empowers us to extend our reach, offer essential services, and create meaningful change in the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank the Mercers Company for their unwavering commitment and belief in our mission." – Dr Nazee Akbari, Chief Executive Officer, NCG 
 
Happy Baby Community: A £120,000 grant over two-years has been awarded from the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation. Funding will provide holistic support and community to women who are refugees and are pregnant or have a young child across the Happy Baby Community’s London Hubs.  
 
Read more about our Church & Communities programme and/or how to apply for funding here. 

New Citizens' Gateway - volunteers