Better Bankside’s Community Grants return for 2026

Better Bankside’s Community Grants programme offers funding to charities and community organisations that make a difference to the lives of people living in Bankside and across Southwark.

This year, funding is available for one-off or ongoing projects, for organisations that are working to meet the needs of the local community, that meet one or more of the following:

• Helping people affected by:
  • the cost-of-living crisis, including food insecurity and food poverty
  • mental and physical health issues
  • social isolation and loneliness
  • digital exclusion
• Bringing people together to build social cohesion and create connections between different groups
• Projects that address community safety concerns, including violence against women and girls.

Funding will be targeted at projects and organisations that deliver services in the Better Bankside BID area, or areas of Southwark that are affected by significant levels of deprivation.  Groups supporting Southwark’s diverse communities, especially those led by members of those communities, are encouraged to apply.  Applications that present a long-term, sustainable or innovative solution will also be prioritised.

Grants of £500 to £1000 will be awarded by a panel of representatives from Better Bankside’s Responsible Business and Inclusion Theme Group.

Applications are now open and must be submitted by 10am on Monday 23 February 2026.  Applications will be reviewed after this deadline, and all grants awarded will be paid at the end of March.

Full information about the Community Grants scheme and the online application form can be found in the Information Pack.  All applications must be submitted using the Community Grants Online Application Form , with supporting documents sent by email.  The Information Pack includes a copy of the application form with example responses.

Community Southwark is hosting a Meet the Funder webinar with Better Bankside on Thursday 29 January at 12pm, which is an opportunity to find out more about this year’s grants and the new online application process.  Register for your space here.

2025-26 Better Bankside Community Grants – information pack

For more information, read about some of the projects and organisations funded last year here.