Local Investment
Building Communities Fund
The Building Communities Fund (previously named the Small Grants Fund) is delivered via the Team London Bridge BID levy, part of our wider Local Investment streams. The funding allocation has been in existence for over 18 years and recognises the important need to invest in community infrastructure in the borough of Southwark.
The grant consists of a limited annual pot dedicated to supporting projects focused on enhancing communities local to London Bridge or neighbouring areas.
Funding Criteria
Funding criteria in a nutshell:
The beneficiaries can belong to any age groups, and they should be Southwark residents. Priority will be given to projects or activities that are taking place locally to London Bridge or in neighbouring areas.
Funded projects must work in accordance with Team London Bridge’s aim of supporting sustainable and thriving community places, while focusing on at least one of these areas of priority:
- creativity, arts & physical wellbeing
- nature & sustainability
- employment, learning & upskilling
As part of our efforts to reflect the diversity of our Southwark community, we particularly encourage applications from black and minority ethnic groups.
Not just a grant
Our commitment:
- Connections to our business network
- One day free use of our events and meeting room, London Bridge Hive
- Access to staff upskilling, training and events
- A flexible approach to your needs (we stand with the sector pledge and IVAR Flexible Funder)
Your commitment:
- Ongoing communication with TLB
- Proactive and keen to forge long term relationships with businesses
- Once a year meeting with the TLB Task Group
Applications
CLOSED – applications for this fund will re-open early 2025.
Grants between £500 and £3000.
Click here for the new application guidelines.
Click here to download the new application form.
If successful, you will have to submit a project evaluation form at the end of the grant period, and you can request a copy in advance by emailing Sofia.
Building Communities Fund current recipients (2024/25)
CAD-HR
Building Resilience Through Childminding; They support uneducated and unemployed migrant communities to become Ofsted registered childminders through training and ongoing support.
Edible Rotherhithe
Food Growing & Forest School at Surrey Square School; Over three terms, 132 children will learn to grow their own food and care for nature through the Forest School approach. This hands-on outdoor learning boosts self-esteem, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Elmington Community Gardens
Elmington Community Food Growing; Free workshops and gardening sessions help maintain food-growing sites across the estate. Residents can freely harvest fresh fruits and vegetables anytime.
The Psychosynthesis Trust
Exploring Anxiety Project; This project helps individuals understand and manage anxiety through a relational approach, connecting with nature and community. Participants benefit from time in local gardens and social farms across SE1.
CAD-HR
Creating Future Digital Whizzes in Southwark; Inspiring and equipping young people with coding and STEM skills to prepare them for digital careers.
Lung Theatre
Over 24 performances at Southwark Playhouse, 4,100+ people will experience The Children’s Inquiry, a new musical co-created by looked-after children. This bold project amplifies their stories in their own words.
Power2
This program empowers young people to mentor younger children, boosting their confidence and developing skills in education, communication, and employability. Participants gain work experience and a recognised qualification.
Sculpt
Power Up is an employment support program for young people aged 14-16 facing socio-economic disadvantage. Through a six-week placement and ongoing support, we build essential skills, confidence, and challenge stereotypes around what’s achievable.
PG Time Bank
Based on the Kingswood estate, Southwark, we bring people together to share time and skills, improving wellbeing through an asset-based approach. Our group activities foster creativity, build connections, and empower the community to co-produce services for themselves.
Camberwell After School Project
This program offers 12-week placements (3 days a week) for 10 unemployed Southwark residents aged 18+. Participants gain practical experience working with children aged 2 to 11 in a childcare setting, enhancing their employability prospects.
The Purple Ladies
This program offers weekly physical and creative activities to improve the wellbeing of residents on and around the Cossall estate. It’s followed by a social café with a healthy, home-cooked lunch and a skill exchange platform.
