Local Investment
Building Bridges Fund
We are now looking for the next Building Bridges charity partner. Over the next three years 2027-2030 the aim is to develop their long-term sustainability and directly engage with our diverse business community.
In 2022-2025 we worked with Bankside Open Spaces Trust and Disability Sports Coach.
About
The grant funding of £75,000 aimed at developing recipient projects, engaging with stakeholders and investing in core costs. In addition, the partnership also involved ongoing communication with Team London Bridge and direct support via promotional activities such as marketing and partner events. And most importantly, we worked together creatively to find ways for both the charity partners and the London Bridge business community to benefit.
Team London Bridge follow IVAR’s Open and Trusting grant-making commitments.
Find out how to apply below and join the ‘Meet the Funder’ Session with Community Southwark on 21st October.
Applications
Submit your statement of interest by email to sofia@teamlondonbridge.co.uk no later than Sunday 8 Nov 2026. The next stage, if you are shortlisted, will be an invitation to complete an application form with more details about your proposal. And finally, if you meet the first phase’s criteria, you will be invited to meet with members of our Grants Committee.
You must be a registered charity in order to apply. We will consider ideas which clearly show how the criteria below will be met:
- Your project or activities aim to enhance community cohesion and pride of place for Southwark residents
- Your project or activities will run over a significant period of time and will have a lasting impact
- You will engage with the business community (local employers and employees) in the London Bridge area
Our full criteria and guidance for the Building Bridges Fund is available here.
Impact Summary 2022-25
Over the past three years, the Building Bridges Fund has connected London Bridge businesses with local communities through inclusive programmes and lasting partnerships. The grant supported Disability Sports Coach, whose Community Club Southwark grew from 19 to 79 regular members, with 89% reporting reduced loneliness. We also supported Bankside Open Spaces Trust, which reached over 2,000 people through free camps, SEND sessions and sports festivals at Marlborough Sports Garden.This visibility helped BOST raise over £4 million for the Garden’s redevelopment, and 97% of surveyed children reported greater enjoyment, confidence and new skills.
None of this would be possible without our members’ funding, and we encourage London Bridge businesses to include it in their social impact reporting. For the detailed impact reports, please contact Sofia.
