London Community Response Fund launched

What is the London Community Response Fund?

London’s civil society and the communities they serve have been affected in many ways by the covid-19 pandemic. Many organisations have had the loss of income and increasing need – all while trying to navigate the new situation when delivering their services.

As a response to this crisis London’s funders have been working together to provide a coordinated funding to support groups responding to the needs of the capital’s communities. The London Community Response is a result of this collaboration.

The single application point for community groups enables organisations to access funding from multiple funders in a fast and efficient way. It has been designed based on insights from groups working with Londoners, to ensure that it is flexible and responds to these needs as they emerge over the coming weeks.

First wave of funding

The first wave of funding will be for up to £5k for food and essentials only. This is in response to funders listening to the sector about what is immediately required on the ground to keep services going. This first wave is tightly focused to reflect feedback from the capital’s broad and diverse civil society. London Funders has worked with and has had ongoing conversations with a wide variety of sector groups, organisations and representative bodies throughout the past few weeks. You can apply now for a grant up to £5,000 for these immediate and urgent needs.

Future Funding

The first wave will not be your organisation’s only opportunity to apply for funding – this is simply to ensure that emergency essentials are in place.

There will be a second wave of funding in early April for larger grants, service transformation costs, and ongoing work to support communities.

Funders are also exploring funding for some of the longer-term needs of communities and the sector affected by the crisis, and will continue to post updates on funds available on the website.

Applying in this first wave will not prevent you from applying for further funds in due course.

About the London Community Response

The London Community Response is being designed based on insights from groups working with Londoners, to ensure that it is flexible and responds to these needs as they emerge over the coming weeks and months.

Details of what funding is available for will be posted on the London Community Response website, together with information about who is eligible and the process for applying.

Further funding