London Catalyst

They fund a broad range of causes linked to poverty and ill health, including physical and mental health, housing, education and skills, employment and community development. Their work covers emergency hardship assistance for people in immediate crisis, as well as catalytic projects that address the effects of poverty and improve the health and wellbeing of people with limiting health conditions or disabilities. They particularly support new initiatives and service developments rather than ongoing operational costs, and their funding can be used for core costs or project delivery. All funded work must take place within Greater London, serving disadvantaged populations across the capital. The funder also champions partnership approaches, encouraging projects that bring together health agencies, community groups and other sector networks to tackle health inequalities and build local resilience.

Organisations based and working in London are eligible, including registered charities, community groups, community interest companies and faith groups. The funder welcomes applications from grassroots and community-rooted organisations that can demonstrate clear expertise and strong engagement with the communities they serve. Individuals are not funded; support is directed to organisations delivering services for disadvantaged populations within Greater London. The funder particularly values organisations with a proven track record and a collaborative approach, and those working with people affected by poverty, ill health, disability, homelessness and mental health challenges. Priorities include projects serving disadvantaged communities and initiatives that improve health and wellbeing for those with limiting conditions or disabilities.

The funder does not support organisations operating outside Greater London, general appeals, or deficit funding. Work that is not legally charitable is excluded, as are projects without clear measurable outcomes. This is to ensure that funding is directed to well-defined, accountable initiatives that can demonstrate tangible benefit to Londoners.

London Catalyst welcomes unsolicited applications and values partnership working. Their main grants can cover project costs or core costs, usually for one year, and they are able to consider multi-year support where appropriate. Their hardship grants provide smaller, emergency assistance for people in immediate crisis. The funder is also a keen advocate of collaboration, looking for projects that leverage multiple agencies and sector networks to achieve lasting change. They prioritise catalytic funding — supporting new ideas, service developments and initiatives with the potential to make a real difference to health and wellbeing in London.