FAQs will be posted here as we get them, so this will be a dynamic section. Last update 08/08/25
Where does fundraising support for arts and culture sit if fundraising is allocated to neighbourhoods?
Fundraisers will work collaboratively across neighbourhoods to triage and allocate bids which do not fall into the purely geographical remit – i.e. if they are thematic or equalities-based for example. These will be allocated based partly on expertise, and other criteria that the fundraisers agree will deliver the best outcomes in relation to fundraising. Additionally, a borough-wide arts capacity building organisation will provide specialist support.
Will neighbourhood fundraisers have specific expertise in arts and culture?
No specific recruitment for arts or sports fundraising expertise is planned. Instead, collaboration among fundraisers and support from the arts capacity building organisation will address this.
Can small organisations that failed to get main grants last round partner with neighbourhood organisations?
Yes, but only if they contribute to delivering one of the four core functions: fundraising, capacity building, key working, or signposting. Otherwise, they may benefit from small grants dispersed by neighbourhood leads.
What is the expected size of small grants for frontline services?
Typically between £500 and £2,000. These will be managed by neighbourhood leads and are intended to support local organisations.
Can borough-wide applicants apply as partnerships?
Yes, but it's not required. Single organisations are welcome to apply, especially given the targeted nature of the funding.
Will Lewisham offer less than the requested amount if budgets are tight?
Yes, Lewisham may negotiate lower funding offers if demand exceeds available funds. Applicants are encouraged to be realistic and strategic in their requests.
Are the equalities groups eligible for borough-wide grants limited to those listed?
Yes. The eligible groups are: Black-led organisations, adults with learning disabilities, sanctuary seekers, and LGBTQ+ residents.
Can frontline organisations apply for neighbourhood grants?
Only if they are delivering one of the four infrastructure functions. Otherwise, their role would be as recipients of capacity building support or small grants.
How are partnerships for neighbourhood grants expected to form?
Lead organisations are expected to initiate partnerships and coordinate with others. Networking sessions held by the Council in September will support this process.
What are the four key functions of neighbourhood grants?
- Signposting/front-door service
- Capacity building
- Key worker support with Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
- Fundraising
If we distribute grants as part of the neighbourhood model, will we then be excluded from making applications to other funders?
Some independent funders exclude organisations that distribute grants. We believe that the VCS as trusted partners are often in a better position to distribute grants to grassroots and small organisations because of their local knowledge and reach. Therefore, distributing funds is encouraged and supported by the Council and Health partners in Lewisham.
Are housing associations or primary care networks eligible to apply for neighbourhood funding?
No. Only voluntary and community sector organisations are eligible. Statutory bodies like housing associations and PCNs are not.
Can we apply for a transition grant to continue our current work?
Yes. Transition grants can be used to continue existing work. They are intended to support organisations through the funding model shift.
What does 'front door access' mean, and how does it align with not funding frontline services?
Front door access refers to signposting and key working. While it is a frontline service, it is a necessary exception and included in the neighbourhood model because it ensures that residents are able to find the VCS services they need.
How will the commissioned advice service interact with existing small advice services?
This is still being worked out. The Council is reviewing our advice model and balancing scale and reach with intensity of support. There may be opportunities for collaboration, but the advice specifications are still being developed.
Who can lead a neighbourhood partnership?
Lead partners must have the financial and operational capacity to manage large grants. Smaller organisations can join partnerships but will not be suitable as leads if their turnover does not meet the requirement for receiving a large grant.
Will the Council support small organisations to engage in the new model?
Yes. The Council is planning a dedicated session for small organisations to explore their role and expectations. Small organisations are often critical in the delivery of services at neighbourhood level and as such are intended to be supported through the capacity building being funded by Main Grants.
Can organisations based outside Lewisham apply?
Yes, as long as 90% of the beneficiaries are Lewisham residents.
Is the 50% turnover cap strict?
The 50% cap is a guideline. If your bid slightly exceeds it, contact the Council to discuss this. Flexibility may be possible.
Will transition grants be tapered over the three years?
No. The amount will remain the same each year.
Can organisations apply for more than one type of grant?
Yes, but if successful in receiving a capacity building grant, they will not be eligible for a transition grant.
Can small organisations lead neighbourhood partnerships?
It is unlikely that small organisations will be able to lead neighbourhood partnerships. Lead partners need significant financial and operational capacity. Small organisations can join partnerships so long as they are integral to delivering the primary functions of the partnerships i.e. front door service, capacity building, fundraising and key working with health and the Integrated Neighbourhood Teams.
Can the arts and culture grant be a percentage of core costs rather than a discrete project?
Yes, as long as the work aligns with Lewisham’s cultural strategy.
Will the criteria for applications change?
No. The criteria are now fixed and will not change further.
Will FAQs be updated?
Yes. FAQs will be dynamically updated on the website based on workshop discussions.
Can NCIL 2025–2027 grant recipients still apply?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the grant you're applying for. However, only those who are already funded by Main Grants up to 31st March 2026 can apply for Transition grants.
What is meant by a “front door service”?
A front door service is a point of contact where residents can reach you—by phone, email, or in person—to ask for help or information about local services. It’s about being accessible and signposting people to what they need.
Is applying for a neighbourhood grant more challenging than a borough-wide one?
The neighbourhood model is new and more complex, which is why it was covered in more detail during the workshop. However, it also offers more funding and the potential for stronger local outcomes.
Will one organisation or partnership lead each neighbourhood?
Yes. We expect partnerships to deliver on this model, as no single organisation is likely to deliver all the required functions. Local knowledge and collaboration are key, and applications should reflect both
For borough-wide grants, will only one organisation be selected per area?
Yes. We expect to award one organisation per borough-wide criteria apart from the cultural grants supporting our Cultural Strategy. Partnerships are not required at this level due to the smaller scale of funding and specific expertise required.
Will it be clear when FAQs information is updated?
Yes. Each time FAQs are updated will include the date content was added or updated.
We’re currently funded to support Black health outcomes with our GP—can we apply to build capacity under the neighbourhood model?
It depends on your proposal. This grant round focuses on infrastructure rather than frontline services. Review the guidance to see where your work fits. If you're unsure, you're encouraged to ask questions or attend future workshops. You should also seek out and work with others who are likely to apply for the neighbourhood grant in your area. You can use the grant workshops to assess who is likely to apply to either lead or be part of your neighbourhood model.
Can one organisation lead across multiple neighbourhoods?
Yes. You can lead in one or more neighbourhoods or act as a partner across several. It depends on your capacity and expertise. In-person meetings will be held to help form partnerships in early September, but don’t wait to start conversations.
How can grassroots groups get involved?
Small organisations delivering frontline services are encouraged to attend workshops to understand how the neighbourhood model will work and explore what role they can play within the developing model and how they will connect with it over the period of the grant programme.. While the Programme focuses on infrastructure, and this requires specific expertise and capacity, small grants may be available through lead organisations. The development of bids will also require significant time in the next 2-3 months. Consider whether you have the capacity to engage directly or prefer to influence the model being developed.
Can we share partnership ideas early and get feedback?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to share ideas and seek informal feedback. While we can’t offer detailed advice (to ensure fairness), we’re open to discussing whether your ideas align with the programme’ s aims.
Looking at the Transition Grant, does previous Partnership Grant funding count as Main Grant funding?
No. Only organisations currently funded through the Main Grants programme (until 31 March 2026) are eligible. The Partnership Grant was a separate, newer initiative.