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 20 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
Applications for the 2026 funding round are now closed. To be the first to hear about the next round, sign up to our updates. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah by email.
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
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 (2026/27)
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 – Bede Summer Fun
The project provides inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD, including accessible boat trips, sports days, and a community party. Delivered in partnership with local organisations, the project focuses on friendship, confidence-building, and new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Big Local Works – The Literary Festival: Bermondsey and Beyond 2026
A free, 10-day community festival running from 18 to 28 June across public spaces in Southwark. Featuring around 15 events including author talks, poetry contests, creative writing workshops, and heritage walks, the festival celebrates local talent and connects residents of all ages.
BlindAid
This project delivers accessible yoga classes for up to 40 blind and visually impaired adults in Southwark, addressing barriers to physical activity, social isolation, and limited mobility. Sessions combine tailored yoga instruction with social time, supporting participants to build strength, confidence, and meaningful community connections.
Blue Elephant Theatre – Playing Up!
Little Readers Workshops use creative play and the arts to encourage creativity, motor skills, and socialisation in young children. Sessions are built around books, offering children and caregivers a new way to engage with reading for pleasure.
Burgess Sports – The Crochet Club
A community-led weekly space where participants come together to learn a new skill, connect over tea and conversation, and build friendships in a relaxed and inclusive environment. The project aims to reduce isolation, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging for all involved.
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
Food growing, gardening, arts, and Forest School clubs at Surrey Square School enable children to learn how to grow their own food and care for the natural environment. The project builds self-esteem, confidence, and practical skills while producing food for the wider community.
EFA London – Learning and Action group
This weekly group at Walworth Living Room offers adults a friendly, accessible space to learn English and engage with community issues through a blended ESOL and community organising programme. Participants can also access one-to-one support, specialist referrals, and a monthly Housing Action Group.
Finding Rhythms
A series of insight sessions equips young people at risk of offending with professional development, industry exposure, and employability support to help them move closer to meaningful work. Participants are drawn from Finding Rhythms Studio, a music-making and mentoring programme in South East London.
GoodGym Southwark
Brings local residents together to run, walk, and cycle to volunteer with community organisations and green spaces near London Bridge. The programme supports residents to improve their wellbeing, meet new people, and make a practical difference to local green spaces, community projects, and older residents.
Ignite Hubs – STEM Trailblazers and Digital Whizzes
Through engaging coding and STEM classes, Ignite Hubs equips children and young people in Southwark with the digital and creative skills needed to pursue future careers in technology and the creative industries. The project aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and digital thinkers.
In Your Corner Charitable Trust – Leaders Project
This project creates community leaders through a Youth Advisory Board, a Junior Trustee role, and holiday empowerment workshops. Young people in Southwark are equipped with wellbeing and leadership skills through non-contact boxing, psychologically informed group sessions, and mentorship.
London Bubble Theatre – Tea Break Theatre
A free, social drama group for older adults with extra care needs living at Tayo Situ House, designed to support wellbeing, reduce isolation, and build community. Sessions include storytelling, improvisation, movement, poetry, and character creation through gentle, participatory play.
Power2 – Power2 Advance
Power2 Advance is a 16-week employability and wellbeing programme for young people in Southwark at risk of disengaging from education or employment. Through weekly workshops and hands-on mentoring placements in local nurseries, participants build the confidence, resilience, and professional skills needed to enter the workplace.
Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS) – Growing Together
A weekly therapeutic gardening initiative for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, focusing on wellbeing, skill-sharing, language development, and community connection. Participants take an active role in planning and managing a full growing year, from design and planting through to harvesting.
Southwark Playhouse – Young Company
A free, inclusive weekly workshop programme for young people aged 8 to 18, supporting creativity, confidence, and enjoyment of the performing arts. Four groups work towards performances, using drama to build social connections and engage young people who might not otherwise access theatre or the arts.
Toucan Employment – Art Project
Offers clients with learning difficulties, disabilities, and autism the opportunity to develop arts skills through regular sessions with an artist who also works as an employment support worker. Alongside creative development, the project aims to reduce isolation, build social skills, and support participants on their path to employment.
