Community organisations across Royal Greenwich are celebrating after securing vital funding, free building materials, and expert professional help through a special council scheme that connects local groups with businesses keen to give back to their neighbourhoods.
Platform Success
The Match My Project platform has already signed up 111 businesses to support 80 voluntary groups since its launch. This includes a brand new kitchen for a community hub in Woolwich alongside free laptops for hard-working volunteers. The scheme helps big companies meet their social goals while giving small groups a much-needed boost. Local groups can request everything from gardening gear to event funding through the simple website.
Community Impact
Amber Construction donated construction materials and completed a revamp of Eltham Sheds, allowing them to continue to support people in the community. Keegans donated funding to ABC Book Club, helping provide books for local primary school children. Other successful projects include portable toilets for summer events, free fire extinguishers for a community café, Easter eggs distributed to families, and 12 new chairs for a Parkinson's exercise group.
Official Support
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "The platform is creating meaningful partnerships that benefit our voluntary and community sector as well as the residents they support. We will continue to build relationships with businesses and organisations who share our values and believe in making a positive impact in the communities they serve."
Councillor Rachel Taggart Ryan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, added: "Every one of these projects tells a story about people working together to achieve real results. Our communities are better off when businesses put social value at the forefront, providing small but essential services for organisations that wouldn’t be able to get there without a little support."
Broader Context
The scheme fits with new national rules that require public contracts to bring real benefits to local areas. Both businesses and community groups are being urged to sign up to the free portal to make a difference. Any community group needing help or businesses wanting to support their neighbourhood can sign up online.
