Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of social housing and new homes organisation Clarion Housing Group, has launched a new funding programme to mark its 125th anniversary.

On offer are £5,000 to charities that improve communities, such as art projects, murals, gardening clubs and social inclusion initiatives.

The organisation launched in 1900 when its first social housing was built in London.

For the first round of grants through its Make a Difference Fund, a total of £50,000 is being made available. The deadline for applications is 25 June.

A second phase offering grants totalling £75,000 being made available next year, focus on projects to promote physical activity and sport.

“To ensure community voices are at the heart of the decision-making process, residents will play a key role on the judging panel and help choose the projects to receive funding,” said the Housing Association.

Clarion Futures director Phil Miles added: “As we mark Clarion’s 125th anniversary, we wanted to make sure our residents are at the heart of celebrations.

“That’s where the idea for the Making a Difference Fund came from, working with our fantastic network of partners to have a meaningful, long-term impact on our communities.

“It’s about reflecting with our residents on where they live and celebrating what makes their neighbourhoods unique, as well as exploring ways to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, and I’m excited to see what creative ideas are put forward.”

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