Theory of Change

Outputs, outcomes and impact

Theory of Change for Main Grants 2026-29

Inputs:

  • Funding of £1,512,308 (minus Advice)
  • 4 x Neighbourhood Capacity Building including:
  • Signposting to local services
  • Capacity building
  • Fundraising
  • INT Keywork
  • Borough-wide Infrastructure including:
  • Support for the Black led VCS
  • Digital inclusion
  • Capacity building for Arts and Sports organisations
  • Capacity building for equalities groups e.g. services for people with learning disabilities or the LGBTQ+ community
  • Voice and Representation of the VCS
  • Transition grants for existing funded organisations 

Activities at: 

Neighbourhood Level:

  • Providing a resident-facing front door for access to VCS services
  • Supporting the voluntary and community sector with a range of capacity building needs including governance, structure, volunteering, communication and promotion and training
  • Hands on and proactive support for local organisations to become part of a local network of delivery to meet resident need
  • Providing a forum for local organisations to meet, share expertise and collaborate
  • Supporting the voluntary and community sector to raise funds and generate income through identifying opportunities, helping organisations make applications, and supporting collaborative bids
  • Connecting with Integrated Neighbourhood Teams to support their work with vulnerable residents, ensuring access to appropriate VCS services and support

Borough-wide Level:

  • Providing capacity building support for equalities groups including governance, structure, volunteering, and training as required
  • Providing a forum for equalities groups to connect and share expertise
  • Work with the Council and health to advocate for and represent the needs of equalities 
  • Groups
  • Bringing together the intelligence from all capacity-building activities to strategic forums
  • Ensuring Digital Access for all through:
    • Projects offering training on digital skills and support those most in need
    • Innovative projects and schemes

Typical Outputs (will include agreed targets)

  • Number of residents referred to the most appropriate services
  • Number of vulnerable residents supported through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
  • Number of organisations and individuals who are supported to build their capacity 
  • Community Networks and forums that bring together VCS organisations and partners
  • Number of VCS organisations engaged in community networks
  • Number of new services and initiatives developed in collaboration with the VCS
  • Increased number of strategies, policies and funding decisions influenced by the VCS
  • Amount of external funding raised by number of organisations (by sector/equalities groups, etc.)

Outcomes

  • Residents receive the support they need
  • Improved outcomes in health and well-being of vulnerable residents at Neighbourhood level
  • Organisations are more financially resilient and are able to continue to operate without Council funding
  • More connected VCS at Neighbourhood and borough-wide level
  • More visible and coordinated equalities sector/s which actively represent the needs of their communities at key strategic boards
  • Improved partnership working between the VCS, Council and health
  • Organisations better equipped to identify and articulate community need
  • Better co-production between the statutory sector and VCS, which harnesses existing community activity
  • Residents more aware of what is available at Neighbourhood level 

Impact

  • An increased sense of place, belonging and engagement amongst community members
  • A strong VCS, which has access to more funding, independent of the local authority
  • Inequalities, particularly those for specific protected characteristics and in areas with socioeconomic deprivation, are reduced.
  • More cohesive strengthened communities
  • A revitalised economy of organisations that are genuinely led by and reflect Lewisham communities