After a break caused by the pandemic, the Lambeth Community Fund is once again offering grants, with a focus on improving the wellbeing and quality of life of Lambeth residents.
And organisations, which must be Lambeth-based, can now apply for 2-year funding of up to £10,000 per year.
The fund will provide grants to organisations or projects that bring together people from diverse parts of the community, focus on the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of residents of all ages and backgrounds, or help residents to reach their full potential through the development of skills, knowledge, and experience.
It is aimed at new or existing work led by small, grassroots organisations, with an annual income of £250,000 or less. The fund is particularly interested in projects that are led and delivered by the communities who will benefit.
Word from the cabinet
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sports, said: “We’re proud of the way people from all of Lambeth’s diverse communities have always banded together to help each other and make everyone’s lives that little bit better.
“But, at a time when we are still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, and our residents are dealing with a deepening cost-of-living crisis, that work to improve wellbeing is even more important.
“I’m delighted that, after a break during the pandemic, the Lambeth Community Fund is there to provide the financial support that could be the difference that allows this vital wellbeing work to go ahead across our borough.”
The Lambeth Community Fund launched in 2008, but this will be the first round of grants since the start of the pandemic. In 2020/21, London Community Foundation and the Council supported the London Covid Response Fund, from which Lambeth VCS groups were particularly successful in securing grants.
The Fund is inviting applications for work that addresses at least one of three themes:
- Stronger Together– bringing together people from diverse parts of the community to celebrate what it is to be a Lambeth resident. This theme encourages local organisations to share, learn and grow together to create a strong and vibrant voluntary and community sector.
- Feeling Fine– focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of residents of all ages and backgrounds, looking after the body, mind and soul. This theme is about health and happiness for all, including those who are particularly vulnerable or have specific needs.
- Learning for Life– helping residents to reach their full potential through the development of skills, knowledge, and experience. Whether this helps them to find a meaningful job in their chosen career or learn more about something they are passionate about, this theme is about keeping the mind active and challenged, whatever their age.
Applications should show how they:
- Work with the most disadvantaged members of the community, those who are not currently accessing services.
- Actively involve the communities who will benefit from the grant in planning projects and making it happen.
- Work in partnership or link with other Lambeth organisations.
Organisers have some additional, specific funding to support work that meets at least one of the three core themes, but also benefits the Portuguese-speaking community, or supports young people aged under 25 into positive activities.
Project activity can start from January 2023 onwards, and not before.
The next application deadline Is on Friday 7th October 2022, at 12 noon.
The Panel will meet in early December and decisions will be released by 16th December 2022.
If you would like to apply can download the fund guidelines and online application form guidance notes, and request the online application form* from the Lambeth Community Fund home page, at https://londoncf.org.uk/grants/lambeth-community-fund
*Organisations request the online application form by e-mail and then they receive their own unique link.
Organisations with any queries about the Fund, can contact the Grants and Impact team at The London Community Foundation: applications@londoncf.org.uk or 020 7582 5117.
