Local Investment
Building Communities Fund
The Building Communities Fund (previously named the Small Grants Fund) is delivered via the Team London Bridge BID levy, part of our wider Local Investment streams. The funding allocation has been in existence for over 18 years and recognises the important need to invest in community infrastructure in the borough of Southwark.
The grant consists of a limited annual pot dedicated to supporting projects focused on enhancing communities local to London Bridge or neighbouring areas.
Building Communities Fund 26/27 now open for Expression of Interest
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new grant round, with a revised two stage application process designed to be clearer and more proportionate for applicants.
How to apply
All applicants must first complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
- Online application:
Complete the EOI by clicking this link. - Word document option:
If you require a Word version of the form for accessibility reasons, please email deborah@teamlondonbridge.co.uk to request one.
Only eligible organisations will be invited to progress to the second stage and complete a full application.
Applicants who are invited to submit a full application will also be invited to attend an information session.
Please hold the date: 16th February, Time: 10am – 11:30am (Session will be recorded in case you are unable to attend)
Further details, including joining information, will be shared with invited applicants.
Timeline
- Grant round opens: 23rd January
- Expression of Interest deadline: 9th February 2026
- Expression of Interest applicants’ notification: 10th February 2026
- Information session: 16th February 2026
- Full application deadline: 16th February – 6th March 2026
- Funding decisions announced: 3rd April
Applicants are encouraged to read the application guidance carefully before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Funding Criteria
Funding criteria in a nutshell:
The beneficiaries can belong to any age groups, and they should be Southwark residents. Priority will be given to projects or activities that are primarily taking place locally to London Bridge or in neighbouring areas.
Funded projects must work in accordance with Team London Bridge’s aim of supporting sustainable and thriving community places, while focusing on at least one of these areas of priority:
- Creativity, arts & physical wellbeing
- Nature & sustainability
- Employment, learning & upskilling
As part of our efforts to reflect the diversity of our Southwark community, we particularly encourage applications from black and minority ethnic groups.
Not Just a Grant
Our commitment:
- Connections to our business network
- One day free use of our events and meeting room, London Bridge Hive
- Access to staff upskilling, training and events
- A flexible approach to your needs (we stand with the sector pledge and IVAR Flexible Funder)
Your commitment:
- Ongoing communication with TLB
- Proactive and keen to forge long term relationships with businesses
- Once a year meeting with the TLB Grants Committee
Building Communities Fund Current Recipients (2025/26)
Art in the Park – Chumleigh Drawing Group
A weekly arts group for older adults, alongside younger adults with learning difficulties, mental health challenges, or physical illness. Participants enjoy painting, drawing, mosaic, printing, and textiles, alongside visits to exhibitions and public shows in Burgess Park.
Bede House – Happy Place
The project will create a safe paved area to relax and work, surrounded by plants and seating to enjoy and nurture. Raised planters will be built at accessible heights to ensure inclusion for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users.
Bermondsey Community Kitchen
Providing free, inclusive cooking classes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), building confidence, life skills, and independence through hands-on food education in a supportive environment.
Blackfriars Settlements – Gather Community Sewing School
Teaching sewing and embroidery skills in partnership with local designer-makers, helping participants save money, explore enterprise opportunities, and improve wellbeing through creativity and social connection.
Blue Elephant Theatre – Playing Up!
Creative play sessions for babies and toddlers encourage imagination, motor skills, and socialisation. Workshops also bring parents together, fostering community connections and combating parental loneliness and self-doubt.
Draper Together – Sports Together
A weekly inclusive sports club for children aged 7–13, offering football, dodgeball, and multi-sports activities. Sessions help children stay active, build confidence, make friends, and enjoy light meals in a safe and supportive environment.
Edible Rotherhithe – Surrey Square School
Teaching primary-age children to grow their own food and care for the environment through the Forest School approach to outdoor learning, fostering self-esteem, confidence, and improved health and wellbeing.
EFA – Learning Without Barriers
Empowering migrant parents with limited English through free crèche provision for weekly English language and community organising classes at Walworth Living Room. Removing childcare barriers enables parents—especially mothers—to attend classes, gain language skills, and build networks to thrive in their communities.
GoodGym Southwark – Active Volunteering for People & Planet
Combining fitness with environmental action, volunteers run or walk to support local green spaces, tackle litter, plant and grow, and help community organisations, building both personal wellbeing and stronger local communities.
Ignite Hubs – Creating Future Creative Thinkers & Digital Whizzes
Inspiring young people with digital and creative skills to access future-ready careers, equipping them to be innovative problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.
London Bubble Theatre
A new theatre show created by and for older adults. Non-professional performers aged 55+ work with a professional creative team to explore storytelling, movement, and improvisation, creating a play that reflects their lived experiences. Performances are toured to older people’s residential settings, reaching audiences who might not otherwise see live theatre.
Southwark Playhouse – Young Company
A free weekly programme for ages 8–18, offering workshops and performances to develop skills, confidence, and enjoyment of the performing arts. The Young Company engages young people from challenged schools and those with little or no formal drama experience, ensuring inclusion and accessibility at all levels.
