Lewisham Council's Main Grants Programme 2026-2029 is now open
The provision of grants has enabled organisations to develop their capacity and widen the range of services they offer.
A new round of funding is now open for applications for 2026 – 2029. As usual, the programme is focusing on specific areas of need and a recent consultation with the voluntary and community sector (VCS), residents and partners has informed our approach.
In recognition of further cuts to the main grants programme, the focus
of the new programme will be on Infrastructure and capacity building services and a place-based approach.
Main Grant Programme Priorities:
- Neighbourhood-focused infrastructure: £900,000 p.a. across four neighbourhoods to support local coordination, signposting, capacity-building and working with Integrated Neighbourhood Teams to support vulnerable residents.
- Borough-wide infrastructure: Funding for initiatives that support Black-led organisations, digital inclusion, equalities groups (e.g. LGBTQ+, adults with learning disabilities, sanctuary seekers), arts and sports organisations and voice and representation of the voluntary and community sector
- Transition grants: A number of transition grants will be made available for current Main Grant-funded organisations to adapt to the new model over the three-year period
There are three application forms, one for each priority.
There will be a number of workshops throughout the twelve weeks that the programme is open. The early dates of these are:
- Thursday 17 June 2pm-4pm, online.
- Wednesday 23 June 10am -12pm, online.
- Tuesday 29 July 6.30pm – 8.30pm, online.
Additional in-person and online workshops be offered throughout the application period, dates will be confirmed in early August.
To find out more about our application and consultation process, workshops, how to contact us and much more, go to the Lewisham Community Funding portal.