Forest, London’s homegrown e-bike operator, has today launched the ‘Forest Fund’, a new £200,000 annual investment dedicated to supporting projects that deliver lasting social, environmental and economic benefits across the capital.
As the only shared e-bike operator founded in London, Forest has always believed that the success of the business should create value beyond transport. The Forest Fund formalises that commitment, bringing together the company’s community partnerships, environmental programmes and accessibility initiatives under a single long-term investment programme that will grow alongside the business.
The Fund will invest in organisations and projects that help make London greener, healthier and more inclusive, with funding focused across three pillars: Environmental, Social and Economic:
Environmental
Supporting projects that improve our natural environment, tackle air pollution and encourage biodiversity. Current and past initiatives include partnerships with charities and environmental initiatives such as Air Aware Labs and Root & Shoot who repurpose retired bike tyres into community playgrounds.
Social
Helping more Londoners access the benefits of cycling through cycle training and unlocking opportunities for local communities through funding grassroots sport and community partnerships. This includes Forest’s Homegrown Wins programme supporting girls’ and women’s football, headline sponsorship of the Bikeability Trust’s Lost Generation research, and investment in adult cycle training to help riders improve their cycling skills and confidence, so they feel safe on the roads.
Economic
Improving access to affordable transport and creating local opportunities through discounted riding schemes, such as our Friends of the Forest scheme, apprenticeships, free cycling minutes for charities, and partnerships with local suppliers across the boroughs Forest serves.
The Forest Fund is designed to support organisations making a tangible difference in London’s communities. Charities, community groups, social enterprises and other eligible organisations operating within the boroughs where Forest runs its service are encouraged to apply. You can find out more here.
Funding decisions will be made on an annual basis, with applications assessed according to their potential social, environmental or economic impact.
Forest intends to increase the value of the Fund in line with the company’s revenue growth, ensuring that as Forest grows, its investment in London’s communities grows too.
Laura Elms, VP Sustainability, said: “Businesses should be judged not only by how they grow, but by the value they create for the communities around them. The Forest Fund gives us a clear framework for investing where we believe we can have the greatest long-term impact – whether that’s helping more women and girls stay active, making cycling more accessible, improving London’s environment or supporting local communities. We’re proud to be launching the fund today as our long-term commitment to the city.”