Investing in our communities

Investment in communities is a key area of our work.

Community Investment Fund

The latest annual Community Investment Fund was launched on 7 May 2024, to assist local resident groups and organisations in conducting community projects that deliver benefit Lewisham Council housing residents. Grants of up to £5000 are available for projects and engagement activities happening at any time. The closing date for applications is Monday 29 July 2024.

The Community Investment Fund is committed to providing the following:

Training and employment opportunities for residents.
Activities for young people aimed at enhancing life prospects and diminishing anti-social behaviour.
Digital support to enhance skills and aid in employment and benefit claims.
Enhanced health and well-being for our residents.

If you are currently working on a project, part of a local organisation, or know anyone who is, you can apply today via the application form. We are using SmartSurvey for the application process; it's very user-friendly, and you can save the application at any time to come back and complete it later.

All applications will be reviewed by a judging panel comprising volunteer Lewisham Council staff and Lewisham council residents.

For any questions or application advice please email communityrelations@lewisham.gov.uk

Training

Our residents can access free housing training, including CIH accredited courses, to expand their knowledge in housing and other areas of interest.

Social value and fundraising

We don’t have a budget for the projects we deliver and rely on social value. Our contractors contribute social value, such as support and funding, to Lewisham council, exceeding the scope of their contracted work.

We seek resident input on social value, especially when estate-based, to ensure what we fund is beneficial to residents. We also apply for funding from organisations and charities for specific projects that benefit residents. Projects funded through social value include community stores, youth projects, and a hardship fund for residents to apply for.

Published on: 19/11/2024