The London Community Foundation

A modern grantmaking trust for London  Established in 1995  Given away £42 million in over 8,000 grants mainly across London  Focus on smaller charities and community organisations Fundholders include  Companies - Land Securities, Deutsche Bank, Prudential, Santander, Evening Standard  Individual and Family donors  Local and national government  Charitable trusts – Comic Relief, Big Lottery

Grants LCF manages a range of grants schemes right across London. Our aim is to be a supportive and approachable funder. Some of our grant schemes include: Comic Relief Deutsche Bank Small Grants Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund Santander Social Enterprise awards Peabody Community Fund Always check our website and sign up for our grants e- bulletin

Open Application Islington Funds Affinity Sutton Digital Communities – closing 24 th April (further round later in the Autumn) Red Nose Day ESDF – closing 8 th May Peabody Community Fund (next round opening in late spring/early summer) Cockayne (closes Jan every year)

Other funding sources Corporate/company funds Family funds Individual donors These are more likely to be:  Invited  Focused  Engaged  Repeat

What we look for in an application The level of detail will depend on the size of the funding available. Basics  Fits the funding criteria  Is complete  Up-to-date submissions to Charity Commission/ Companies House  Correct legal status  Good previous monitoring

What to look out for How much can I apply for? o When can the money be spent? o What is the minimum and maximum amount? o Can I apply for the whole project cost? Themes  What are the themes of this fund?  Does my project fit within these themes?

Who can apply? Types of groups often funded by The Foundation  Not-for profit, voluntary organisations including:  Community Groups  Resident Associations  Community Centres  Social Enterprises/Community Interest Companies/Community Interest Organisations  Credit Unions  Charities

When looking at an application we will look at: All supporting documents, do they demonstrate good governance and operation? Do we know what the organisation does? Do they have a track record and relevant referee? Is the work well planned? Does the project respond to an indentified need? Who is the target beneficiary? Has the group considered how they will engage beneficiaries? Has the applicant considered what the anticipated benefits will be and how they will measure this? Detailed, well planned budget that relates to the project described – apply for what you need and ensure value for money. This is not an exhaustive list!

What makes an application stand out? Really clear description of what the grant is for Good understanding of how the project fits with criteria Excellent previous monitoring showing good results Demonstration of experience in the type of work you’re proposing and previous outcomes Project responds to previous learning Strong needs analysis/consultation Case study/story Good monitoring/evaluation plan – exceptionally important to show your results Sustainability and fit with wider organisational objectives Clear and concise Passion! Always ask someone to read through your application before submitting

Contact details The London Community Foundation Contact number: Website  Available grants  Sign up to our newsletter