At the end of June, we closed our second and final Large Grants round for the year 2025-26. In this round, we had invited our existing large grant partners to apply for continuation funding if their previous award was ending this year.
Our Community Investment Team met with the majority of applicants and were inspired by the passion and commitment of our large grant partners in addressing inequity, empowering communities, and driving meaningful change.
We are pleased to announce that we have awarded funding to 8 organisations (out of 17), with a total of £240,000 allocated (requests received exceeded £1m).
Here are some key reflections from this round:
- Our funded partnerships reflect a good balance in geographical spread across the borough, addressing both immediate needs and long-term change programmes, and ensuring inclusivity across age groups and communities.
- Partners appreciated our frank and personal approach in our selection and feedback process.
- The trial of our one-stage application process was a success. It made applying simpler, gave ample room for conversations, and the share of successful applications was relatively high, at just below half.
Thank you to all organisations who applied and for your continued dedication to supporting the Southwark community.
Below, we’re pleased to spotlight some of the organisations receiving grants in this round and the inspiring work that they are doing:
Ignite Hubs
Ignite Hubs is an organisation that teaches children and young people aged 7 to 18 years old highly sought-after skills that are valued by employers. Their goal is to equip them with the skills, practical experience, and connections that will aid their transition into the workforce. Their courses are free and delivered in Southwark libraries.
Their volunteers write incredible children’s fiction books to bring learning to life. In July, they celebrated the launch of their third STEM book for children called Virtual Combat, which is based on cybersecurity. They also partnered with the Royal Institution to deliver free STEM Masterclasses for children at Canada Water Library, with 75 children taking part over the 3 days.
We would also like to congratulate Lin Vong, Founder and CEO of Ignite Hubs, for receiving an award at the Southwark Civic Awards 2025, which was a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication.
The Posh Club
The Posh Club continues to bring joy, music, and laughter to Southwark with their lively performances for older people, and we are pleased to continue funding the regular Posh Club Peckham event for two more years. In July, a number of residents from our almshouses Appleby Blue and St Saviour’s Court enjoyed the Posh Club performance in Appleby Blue’s Garden Room.
We are proud to continue supporting such a joyful and uplifting initiative, which plays a valuable role in bringing people together within the community.
Active Communities Network
Following the closure of InSpire Walworth in May 2025, Active Communities Network have stepped in to ensure that youth services in Walworth continue. Each week, around 100 young people attend the Friday Youth Club, benefitting from a range of activities and free hot meals in a safe and welcoming environment.
ACN is a well-established organisation with a strong track record of working with young people in Southwark and beyond. We are pleased to award them transition funding for one year, as they integrate the Walworth provision into their wider youth offer.
Here are the organisations that have been awarded funding in this round:
- Entelechy Arts
- Ignite Hubs
- Active Communities Network
- Southside Young Leaders Academy
- Southwark Travellers Action Group
- Spring Community Hub
- The Diverse Creative CIC
- The Posh Club CIO