Share:
News / October 28, 2025
Help Shape the Future of Spaces+Places
Request For Proposals
As we move into the next exciting phase of the Spaces+Places community asset investment project, we’re inviting Requests for Proposals to help develop two business cases.
The resident-led ideas were endorsed by local people and approved by our board in September. Now we’re looking for experienced individuals to work with the Neighbourhood Stewards – who came up with the ideas – over the next month to create detailed business cases for the two shortlisted ideas.
The business cases will be presented to the BD Giving Board in December 2025 to inform where a significant investment will go.
About Spaces+Places
In 2024, we recruited a group of local people to build their understanding of local needs and learn about community spaces so they can recommend how to invest £1 million in community assets.
That group, known as Neighbourhood Stewards, have mapped what’s already on offer in the borough, analysed local data, surveyed local people and shortlisted two ideas for investment.
The investment ideas:
- Barking & Dagenham Run Festival: A community running event that celebrates health, inclusion, and local pride.
- BD Innovation & Creative Hub: A multi-purpose, community-led space designed to nurture creativity, enterprise, and opportunity, particularly for young people.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking business-minded collaborators who can work alongside residents to turn these ideas into viable, fundable proposals. You’ll need to translate local ambition into a business case complete with clear costings, projections, and investment asks.
This is a short, focused commission through November and early December with regular check-ins (online or in person) and collaborative working sessions with the Neighbourhood Stewards.
How to Apply
If you have the skills, experience, and passion to help bring these community-led ideas to life, we’d love to hear from you.
The Requests For Proposals include all the information you need to apply:
More News
28 Oct 2026
A Night of Hope and Aspiration in Barking & Dagenham
An exciting partnership event, a £1.8million investment, and a new £50k commissioning
Read more
06 Oct 2026
Funding now open: the Nourish & Thrive Fund
A new fund for Barking and Dagenham Local residents have designed a…
Read more
28 Jul 2026
Residents’ vision for a community-owned Creative Youth Hub made real with initial £1.8 million investment in Barking
Young people will shape a community-led, community-owned creative hub in Barking A…
Read more