Peabody Community Foundation

The Peabody Community Foundation (PCF), established in 2016 as the charitable arm of Peabody Group, builds on George Peabody's legacy to foster healthier, wealthier, and happier communities in London through targeted, place-based interventions. Guided by values of partnership, empowerment, inclusivity, and long-term social change, PCF prioritizes Thamesmead, Waltham Forest, and Hackney—key Peabody neighbourhoods—while extending across the Group's London footprint. Its distinctive approach integrates resident voice in decision-making, co-designs services with local partners, leverages 73 community centres (many resident-managed), and catalyses volunteering and grassroots action for measurable impact, investing £10m annually including £220,000 in small grants in 2023-24.

PCF funds community-driven projects tackling poverty prevention, economic inclusion, employment barriers, health and wellbeing, skills development, enterprise support, volunteering, social action, food security, and programmes for children, youth, families, and older people—especially vulnerable, low-income Peabody residents and diverse local groups. Supported activities span ESOL classes, holiday food provision, youth leadership via the Community Leaders Programme, and funds like Thamesmead Community Fund or Young People’s Fund, emphasizing resident-led solutions in mental/physical health, work progression, and cultural enrichment.

Eligible applicants are grassroots voluntary groups and small-to-medium community organisations (typically under £500k income) delivering direct benefits in priority areas; larger partners may join strategic projects. PCF does not accept unsolicited applications—grant rounds (1-3/year) are announced periodically on its website with online forms; no current deadlines. Typical small grants range £1,000-£10,000 (often £2,000-£5,000), funding projects, capacity building, or occasional core costs, but rarely unrestricted or major capital awards outside invited partnerships. Its resident panels and community asset focus set it apart for authentic, embedded social change.