Call for Applications: London Communities Micro Grant Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The London Communities Micro Grant Fund is inviting applications from grassroots and community-led organisations working to improve wellbeing, resilience, belonging, and social connection across London. Grants of up to £2,000 or £5,000 are available depending on an organisation’s annual turnover, helping community organisations continue existing activities and services that support mental wellbeing and community resilience.

About the London Communities Micro Grant Fund

The London Communities Micro Grant Fund is delivered by Groundwork London and commissioned by Thrive LDN, with support from the Mayor of London. The fund recognises the important role that grassroots organisations play in supporting communities, particularly people who experience social and structural inequalities that can increase the risk of mental distress. It aims to strengthen the capacity and resilience of local organisations while helping them continue activities that create stronger, more connected and inclusive communities. What Does the Fund Support? Funding is designed to support existing community activities and services that contribute to mental wellbeing, resilience and community connection.

Supported activities can include:

- Mental wellbeing activities - Community connection and belonging - Social inclusion initiatives - Community participation - Peer support activities - Creative wellbeing activities - Activities that strengthen resilience - Community-led support services - Activities that reduce social isolation - Services supporting people who may not access traditional mental health support The fund is particularly relevant to organisations working with communities affected by crisis, displacement, poverty, discrimination and social exclusion. Who Is the Fund Designed to Support? The fund focuses on grassroots and community-led organisations that have established relationships with the communities they serve. Priority may be particularly relevant to organisations supporting people who experience barriers to accessing mainstream mental health services or other forms of support.

This includes communities affected by:

- Poverty and financial hardship - Discrimination - Social exclusion - Displacement - Crisis and instability - Isolation - Inequality - Limited access to traditional mental health services Funding Available The amount available depends on the applicant organisation’s annual turnover. - Organisations with an annual turnover below £300,000 can apply for up to £2,000. - Organisations with an annual turnover below £500,000 can apply for up to £5,000. The funding is intended to help organisations maintain and strengthen activities that are already being delivered within their communities. What Can the Grant Pay For? Funding can be used for reasonable costs associated with delivering existing community activities and services.

Eligible costs can include:

- Space or venue hire - Staff time - Volunteer time - Materials - Project resources - Other costs directly related to supported community activities The grant can therefore help organisations meet practical delivery costs and continue providing valuable services to local communities. Eligible Organisations The fund is open to a range of small and grassroots organisations, including: - Small charities - Voluntary organisations - Community groups - Community networks - Faith-based organisations - Community Interest Companies (CICs) - Mutual aid groups - Peer support groups - Informal or unconstituted community groups Informal and unconstituted groups must have suitable arrangements in place to receive and manage grant funding. Key Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the fund’s organisational and delivery requirements.

Organisations must:

- Be based in London or deliver activities within a London borough. - Support participants from a London borough, including the City of London. - Have a track record of previous delivery within their community. - Have an organisational bank account with at least two signatories. - Be able to complete and submit the required monitoring report by 14 December 2026. - Meet the relevant annual turnover threshold for the level of funding requested. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they understand their community’s needs and have experience delivering relevant activities. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly demonstrate the organisation’s existing connection with the community it serves.

Applicants should explain:

- What community they work with - What wellbeing or social challenges the community faces - What activities are already being delivered - How these activities support mental wellbeing or resilience - How the funding will help continue or strengthen the work - Who will benefit from the activities - Why the organisation is well placed to deliver the work The strongest applications are likely to connect the proposed use of funding directly to clear community needs and existing delivery experience. Why Community-Led Wellbeing Matters Grassroots organisations often have strong relationships with people who may not engage with traditional mental health services. Community-based activities can provide informal opportunities for people to build social connections, participate in activities, access peer support and develop a greater sense of belonging. By investing in organisations already working within communities, the fund aims to strengthen local support systems while improving organisational resilience. How to Prepare for the Grant

Step 1: Confirm Your Organisation’s Eligibility

Check your organisation type, annual turnover, London delivery area and banking arrangements before applying.

Step 2: Identify the Existing Activity

Focus on an activity or service that is already being delivered rather than proposing an entirely new programme.

Step 3: Explain the Community Need

Describe the community you support and the wellbeing, social inclusion or