Car free event fund 2025

Inspired by World Car Free Day on 22 September 2025, we have £20,000 funding for local businesses and community organisations to host events and activities that encourage people to walk, cycle, and wheel around. It’s all part of our efforts to create a greener, healthier borough for everyone.

We are offering small funds of up to £5,000 for local businesses and community groups to put on an event to celebrate World Car Free Day on 22 September 2025.

Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, the funds are to:

• bring people together in their community
• increase local spending
• show the physical and mental health benefits of active travel.

With these events, we can change Islington’s streets into lively, people-friendly spaces.

Events will be for Islington's diverse communities, so everyone is included and can take part. This will both support local businesses and show our commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive economy. The funding will also help businesses and community groups apply for pavement licenses, making outdoor dining and events more accessible.

Apply for funding

Use the eligibility criteria and guidance to fill in the application form. You can save your information in the form as you go.

We will award funds based on the information in applications we receive. When our funding (£20,000) has run out, we will not accept any more applications.

Apply now

If your application is successful, we will contact you for proof to process your application. This will include things like bank details, a bank statement and evidence that you've paid business rates.

Eligibility

Proof of delivery

Anyone who gets funding must prove that their event:

• included at least five volunteer opportunities - formal volunteering is those who have given unpaid help through a group, club, or organisation such as leading a group, administrative support or befriending or mentoring people and includes both one-off and regular volunteering
• increased visitor numbers by 100 or more - based on tickets or entry figures
• had interest from at least 100 people in the community - including both in-person and online engagements.

Who you are

You must:

• be a business or community group based in areas near recent traffic schemes or proposed Liveable Neighbourhoods (since 2020) 
• have an annual turnover of less than £2 million
• have a UK-based bank or building society account in the name of the organisation or person making the application
• agree to our need for monitoring and evaluation of the event. 

Charities

A charitable organisation applicant must have a

• management committee of at least three unrelated members
• governing document (for example, constitution or articles of association).

Your event

Your event must:

• not need to close a Transport for London (TfL) red route
• have appropriate safeguarding measures
• have the right insurance (for example, public liability)
• not be political or religious unless the project benefits everybody
• be put on in the given timeframe
• be open to all, and be inclusive and accessible. 

How to fill in the application

About your proposed approach 

A strong approach would be an event located in or near a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) area, with specific benefit to businesses and a clear description of how it will be delivered. We would expect a description of:

• key people involved
• description of activities 
• timings of the event 
• potential risks 
• meeting the projects objectives
• re-use and recycling of materials.

How your proposed event will benefit or promote local businesses in Islington

A strong answer will be an event that will significantly benefit and promote local businesses in Islington through these means.

Increased foot traffic and visitor numbers

• Describe the number of people attending and how they will travel to the event. 

Local spend

• Describe how the event will boost local spending by inviting local businesses to set up stalls providing them with direct access to potential customers. 
• Collaborate with local caterers, performers, and service providers to ensure that the funding circulates within the community, boosting the local economy.

Describe methods to promote the event

• Advertising: Highlight local business sponsors in promotional materials and social media campaigns to enhance their visibility and brand recognition within the community.
• Networking opportunities: Ensure the event serves as a platform for local businesses to network with each other and with potential customers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. 

Long-term engagement

• Customer loyalty: Create positive experiences at the event leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business for local vendors. 
• Community spirit: Demonstrate a commitment to community events to ensure businesses can strengthen their relationships with residents, positioning themselves as integral parts of the community fabric. 

Volunteers, expected attendees and engaging with local people to promote and attend the event

A strong answer will describe recruitment of volunteers and attendees including:

• numbers of volunteers and attendees
• descriptions of types of volunteers (such as residents, students, members of community groups).

Describe the engagement strategy, ensuring broad and inclusive engagement, and outline the measures you will take. 

• Community outreach: Partner with local community groups to spread the word and encourage participation. 
• Social media campaign: Use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter / X, and Instagram, target local community pages and use hashtags relevant to Islington and Car Free Day.
• Flyers and posters: Distribute multilingual flyers and posters in high foot-traffic areas such as libraries, supermarkets, and schools. 
• Collaborations: Collaborate with local schools, businesses, and non-profits and the council to promote the event through their networks.
• Inclusive activities: Designing activities that celebrate and include various cultural traditions, ensuring everyone feels represented and welcomed.

Amount of funding and how you will spend it

A strong answer will include a detailed description and breakdown of how it will be spent.

• Permissions: Including any road closures, traffic management orders (TMOs), temporary event notice (TEN) licenses.
• Venue hire: Renting a community hall or outdoor space that can accommodate 200 attendees, including necessary facilities for disabled access.
• Marketing and promotion:
  • print materials (flyers, posters)
  • social media advertising
  • local media advertising
• Equipment hire: Renting a basic sound system and a small stage to ensure quality presentations and performances.
• Catering: Providing a selection of snacks and beverages, including options for different dietary requirements and culturally appropriate dishes.
• Entertainment and activities: Hiring local performers and arranging materials for interactive workshops.

Contact us

If you have any problems filling in the application or want to ask a question about the scheme, email us on CFD@islington.gov.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.