We are seeking applications for up to £50,000 from organisations to deliver infrastructure, capacity building, voice and representation projects for:
- Lewisham’s Black-led VCS
- Digital inclusion: we are looking for projects that can deliver capacity building for Lewisham organisations to become more digitally able as well as helping residents access and use digital tools
- Organisations supporting Adults with learning disabilities *
- Organisations supporting LGBTQ+ residents
- Organisations supporting Sanctuary seekers
- Sports organisations
* we are prioritising adults with learning disabilities as we recognise this has historically been a significant priority of the Main Grants programme, funding a number of organisation over time. As such we want to ensure that the sector is supported through specific capacity building to remain resilient and embedded in our developing place-based approach.
The roles could include elements of the following:
- Delivering programmes that showcase the strengths of organisations delivering within the cultural and/or voluntary and community sector in Lewisham
- Organisational advocacy at a local, London-wide or national level
- Representation of service users and those with lived experience in forums
- Supporting networking across the sector
- Sharing good practice to support capacity building within the sectors in Lewisham
- Representation in forums and in strategy development within Lewisham (including the Stronger Communities Partnership Board)
All funded borough-wide infrastructure projects will work closely with Council and health partners to ensure alignment with corporate and health priorities, to provide voice and representation for the communities they serve and to influence the strategic direction of our work.
The infrastructure organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities will work closely with our policy team to ensure alignment with the outcomes of the Disabled People’s Commission; primarily to build social capital and capacity in the disabled community, and to co-produce a new disabled-led organisation.
Additionally grants supporting Lewisham’s arts and culture sector will include:
- One grant of up to £80,000 for arts infrastructure and capacity building
- A small number of grants of up to £30,000 each to support Lewisham’s Cultural Strategy
For both Neighbourhood and Borough-wide Main grants, you will need to show:
- Understanding of Local Needs and Strategic Fit: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the neighbourhood or priority area you’re working in — including current issues, gaps in provision, and community needs — and explain how your proposed activities are designed to address these effectively.
- Collaboration and partnership working: Outline how you will engage with other organisations to share knowledge, avoid duplication, and strengthen outcomes. Show how your organisation works collaboratively with others to empower the communities you serve. If you are applying as the lead partner in a formal partnership, show us your track record of leading on and working in partnership with delivery organisations, including managing budgets, delivery milestones and monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Expertise and track record: Provide examples of your organisation’s experience and achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver similar work successfully.
All Main Grant Applicants will need to show:
- Capacity to Deliver: Show that your organisation has the resources, experience, and systems in place to manage the grant and deliver the proposed activities effectively.
- Impact: Describe how your work aligns with the programme’s goals and provide evidence of the positive outcomes it delivers.
- Commitment to Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion: Show how your organisation embeds inclusive practices and actively works to advance equality — including how you engage diverse communities, remove barriers to participation, and reflect the lived experiences of the people you serve.