We are proud of our contribution to the community, whether that be through local initiatives (such as employee volunteering or fundraising activities) or through broader community, educational and STEM outreach programmes.

On the Cory Community Hub you can find a summary of our community activity, see more information and access resources

Cory Community Hub

Outreach programmes

These programmes include the Industrial Cadets, the Engineering for a Cleaner World programme with Crossness Power Station and Bexley Eco Fest with the London Borough of Bexley. 

We also welcome thousands of people from local schools and community groups to tour our facilities every year.

We conduct these tours to raise awareness of responsible waste management and the circular economy.

We sponsor the annual Bexley Eco Fest, which features expert talks from organisations, advice on health and wellbeing, information from local community groups, live entertainment and family-fun activities. 

The event provides tips and resources for living more sustainable lives, reducing environmental impact and getting more involved in the local community. Residents can show how they had put the tips into action by participating in Cory’s Community Eco Challenge, which offers prizes for the most engaging, innovative and inspiring eco-friendly upgrades people have made to their homes. 

Visit the Eco-Fest page on Cory Community hub

Working with Vattenfall, Cory is developing a district heat network to harness the heat produced by the existing Riverside 1 EfW facility and our future Riverside 2 EfW facility. The project presents a watershed moment in London’s decarbonisation journey by transforming how a large part of the city is supplied with heat. 

View our Riverside Heat Network plans

Community Fund

Our Community Fund supports groups and projects that play a role in strengthening the lives of those in the communities where we operate, with successful applicants receiving grants of up to £7,500. In 2025 we increased the available funding pot from £50,000 to £100,000.

When awarding the grants, we focus on organisations whose values are consistent with our own. This can include supporting the circular economy, protecting the environment, improving access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical skills (STEM), and promoting social and community inclusion.

In 2025, Cory’s Community Fund supported the following organisations:

  • The Crossness Engines Trust – a volunteer‑driven charity dedicated to restoring and preserving the historic Victorian Crossness Pumping Station and its beam engines.
  • Friends of City Gardens – a City of London community group that supports and enhances local green spaces.
  • One Newham – a partnership network supporting voluntary, community and faith groups across Newham to strengthen collaboration and build fairer, stronger local communities.
  • Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Archives – the borough’s local studies and archives service preserving and providing access to historic records, images, maps and documents relating to Kensington and Chelsea.
  • The Exchange Erith Ltd – a community‑led arts and crafts organisation using creativity and heritage to bring people together and empower local communities.
  • Thurrock Play Network – a charity that supports the wider community, encouraging affordable activities that are beneficial for mental, social, and physical wellbeing. This includes the Pyramid Resource Centre which receives donations from businesses and individuals that might otherwise go to landfill. 
  • Common Purpose Charitable Trust – a charity providing leadership development programmes that help people gain the skills, insight and connections to create positive change in their workplaces and communities.
  • A Fairer Chance – a social enterprise supporting people with convictions into sustainable employment by working closely with employers and the criminal justice system.
  • The Baytree Centre – a social‑inclusion charity in Brixton offering education, mentoring and personal development programmes for women and girls.
  • Isle of Dogs Sea Cadets – a youth organisation on the Isle of Dogs that provides young people with opportunities to participate in a variety of water-based activities, as well as other activities during the winter months.
  • Mama2Mama Baby Essentials – a baby bank in SE London providing donated essentials such as clothing, toiletries and equipment to families in urgent need.
  • Repair Cafe Lambeth – a volunteer‑run initiative where residents learn repair skills, reduce waste and revive broken items.
  • Groundwork London – an environmental and community charity taking practical action to help people, places and nature thrive through green, social and employment programmes.
  • Wellgate Community Farm – a community‑focused urban farm offering volunteering, education and therapeutic activities that promote social cohesion and personal growth.
  • KIT Theatre – a community‑interest theatre company creating immersive, educational theatre experiences with and for young people.
  • SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets – a community charity providing education, youth programmes and social‑support activities to empower residents and reduce disadvantage in Tower Hamlets.
  • Lambeth Living Streets – a volunteer group advocating for safer, more accessible and more enjoyable walking environments across Lambeth.
  • Upcycle Ldn – a Brixton‑based community‑interest group providing refurbished bikes, mentoring and cycle‑skills training to support young people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
  • Woodshop of Recycled Delights – a community wood‑recycling initiative teaching carpentry, reducing timber waste and improving green spaces through sustainable projects.
  • Letchworth Garden Shed – a “library of things” enabling residents to borrow useful household items, promoting sustainability, accessibility and community connection.
  • Nature Vibezzzz – a charity delivering Forest School, environmental education and nature‑based community programmes to help people connect with the outdoors.​​​​​

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Increase your impact today by applying to Cory’s Community Fund.

Read more

Rules and eligibility