Southwark Charities
About This Funder
Southwark Charities is a historic grant-maker and almshouse provider, with roots in centuries-old London parish charities, dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of people aged 55+ in the London Borough of Southwark. Its core mission tackles social isolation, housing insecurity, and disadvantage through place-based philanthropy, emphasizing dignity, community connection, person-centred support, inclusion, and practical interventions that boost health, independence, and resilience. Distinctively, it combines direct almshouse management with targeted grants to local groups, evolving to meet Southwark's demographic needs via collaborative, preventative approaches informed by deep local heritage.
It funds community groups and charities delivering activities for Southwark's over-55s, prioritizing befriending, social clubs (e.g., lunch, arts, music), wellbeing workshops, tailored exercise, outreach, advice, advocacy, and specialist support for Black and Minority Ethnic elders or those with complex needs. Grants cover project delivery, core costs, sessional staff, and capacity building for tangible quality-of-life gains, with examples including Age UK Lewisham & Southwark's integrated services and grassroots loneliness initiatives.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups with governing documents, dedicated bank accounts, and at least three unrelated trustees, operating anywhere but benefiting Southwark 55+ residents only—no income thresholds or religious restrictions apply, welcoming small grassroots to established organizations. Applications are rolling via initial phone discussion with the Grants Manager, followed by Flexi-Grant portal submission (allow 3 months for decisions; note August closures). Typical grants range £5,000–£25,000.
Exclusions include non-Southwark work, under-55s, capital projects, and statutory bodies; its unique tight focus on one borough's older population, flexibility across group sizes, and dual housing-grants model set it apart for aligned, community-rooted applicants.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Southwark Charities
How much funding does Southwark Charities provide?
Southwark Charities typically provides grants ranging from £5,000 - £25,000.
Is Southwark Charities accepting applications?
Yes, Southwark Charities is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Southwark Charities fund charities?
Southwark Charities funds charities operating in London Borough of Southwark.
How do I apply for funding from Southwark Charities?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Southwark Charities, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.