Investing in people, places and community power across Southwark

At United St Saviour’s Charity, we believe Southwark thrives when its communities thrive. Rooted in Southwark since 1541, we continue to invest in local people and organisations working to build a united borough, with strong, equal communities where everyone can thrive.

As an organisation, we are a funder, provider of homes, and community builder.

Our Community Investment Programme is a core part of that mission.

Southwark is diverse and creative—but inequalities remain deep. Community organisations play a vital role in tackling this, offering support, connection and hope. Our investment helps ensure they have what they need to keep doing what they do best.

Our Approach

We are a place-based, relational funder. This means we:

  • Build long-term partnerships rooted in trust

  • Invest flexibly so organisations have the stability to flourish

  • Champion equity and ensure support reaches those who need it most

  • Work alongside partners, not above them

  • Share learning and insight to strengthen the whole eco-system

 

What We Offer

Devolved Grants

Delivered through trusted partners to reach grassroots and early-stage organisations quickly and fairly.

Core Grants

Long-term, unrestricted funding for organisations with turnover between £100k–£500k—with one annual open call.

Strategic Partnerships

Issue-based, collaborative programmes tackling some of the borough’s most entrenched inequalities.

Learning, convening and influencing

We bring people together, amplify community voices to influence policy and systems.

Our Principles

Everything we fund is guided by:

  • Equity – fair access to resources and opportunity

  • Empowerment – building power within communities

  • Prevention – investing early to reduce harms and grow wellbeing

These principles align closely with Southwark Council’s 2030 vision, ensuring our work strengthens and complements the wider borough landscape.

Who We Work With

We support a wide range of organisations—from small grassroots groups to established charities—who:

  • Are rooted in Southwark

  • Work towards a fairer, more inclusive borough

  • Demonstrate strong local relationships and delivery

  • Align with our values of equity, power and prevention

Read our 2025-2030 strategy