City Bridge Trust are renewing their programme of funds very soon (date yet to be confirmed, but current programme remains open). City Bridge Trust is a funder for London, so interest in what they do is relatively high. This is a great opportunity – Take a look at the presentation they recently gave here

Capacity Building – What does that mean? 

This term is used throughout the charity sector but very few people really know what it means. So, in a nutshell (but a rather large nutshell) the themes are: 

1. Effective Governance of the organisation 
2. Clear policy
3. Clarity of progression – strategy and planning, and achievement of goals 
4. Management of resources and finances 
5. Acquisition of funds 
6. Networking, communications and gaining a presence. 

Each of these themes can be broken into a myriad of subjects. But it is worth considering where your strengths lie and what you might want to give time to develop. We all focus on funding but unless the other 5 of the 6 are strong then it becomes a much greater uphill struggle.  

I would like to hear from any of you about where you think you are. For me I am looking to build a new toolbox of helpful guides, training and support that all can use. Please get in touch and let me know where you are with the 6 points above, and what you may need…. My email address is nigel.jacques@sobus.org.uk 

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to local charities and not for profit organisations for projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for of those in need in the UK. The funding is being made available through the Screwfix Foundations and the grants are available for all kinds of projects, from repairing buildings and improving facilities in deprived areas, to decorating the homes of people living with sickness and disabilities. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. The next closing date for applications is the 10th May 2022. Screwfix Foundation (UK)

Community organisations are invited to apply for funding to help tackle poverty and inequality in London. The Trust for London’s Connected Communities Programme will provide funding for initiatives that help disadvantaged and underrepresented people to access their rights and entitlements and to speak out about issues that directly affect them. There is no minimum or maximum size of grant, however, the average grant will be around £80,000 and can be spread over one to three years. Grants do not normally exceed £150,000. Priority will be given to charities led by and for Black and minoritised groups and Deaf and Disabled people. The deadline for applications is October 2022. London’s Connected Communities Programme Opens for Applications (London)

Not for profit organisations and private law firms working with vulnerable young migrants can apply for grants of up to £30,000. Grants will enable the organisation to undertake strategic legal work to benefit young migrants living in poverty who face significant disadvantage or discrimination in connection with their immigration status. Applicants should note that the average grant size is around £12,000. The funding is being made available through the Strategic Legal Fund (SLF) for Vulnerable Young Migrants and the closing date for applications is the 5pm on the 5th April 2022. Funding to Support Vulnerable Migrants (UK)

Grants of up to £4,000 are available to enable registered charities and mainstream state schools to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during the school holidays. The John Lyon’s Charity’s School Holiday Activity Fund (SHAF) will pay for the running costs of holiday programmes which provide activities in accordance with current Government Guidelines for young people in the boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, City of London. Costs could include sessional staffing costs, transport for children with special needs and/or disabilities, digital delivery, equipment, and food during activities. Application forms may be submitted at any time but no later than the 14th March 2022 for activities taking place during the Easter holidays. School Holiday Activity Fund (London)