United St Saviour's Charity

United St Saviour's Charity, founded in 1541 by Act of Parliament under Henry VIII to aid Southwark's poor, is a historic institution with deep roots in the borough, having merged with Hopton's and Helen Peele Charities to manage endowments, 137 almshouses for low-income seniors (including the new Appleby Blue site), and grantmaking. Its mission fosters thriving, inclusive Southwark communities through resilient local ties, positive ageing, and inequality reduction, guided by values of inclusivity, community strength, and disadvantage support—blending housing, advocacy, research partnerships, and targeted funding exclusively for the borough.

It prioritises projects by small/medium VCS groups and not-for-profits serving Southwark's deprived wards, minoritised groups, youth, older people, and disadvantaged residents. Supported activities include community connections, isolation reduction, health equity, youth mentoring/skills/arts, mental health, and capacity building via programmes like One Southwark (youth grants/training) and Funding Differently (VCS-led, unrestricted awards for disabled/mental health groups). Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups based in/benefit Southwark, favouring those under £500k income, especially grassroots representatives of local populations; no religious restrictions.

Grants range £1,000–£3,000 (small, one-off/events) to £10,000–£40,000/year (large, 1-3 years), plus £5,000–£10,000 via Funding Differently. Apply unsolicited via Flexigrant online portal: short forms for small grants (decisions 2-4 weeks); EOI then full app/assessment for large (3-6 months). Next deadlines: small 28 April 2025; Funding Differently 1 Sep–13 Oct 2025. Excludes standard emergency/seed funding, standalone capital; distinct for integrated housing-grants model, local research focus, and collaborative systems change in Southwark.