Southwark Charities

Southwark Charities funds a range of activities and services for older people aged 55 and above residing in Southwark. This includes social clubs, befriending schemes, wellbeing activities, and other initiatives that tackle isolation and improve wellbeing. Grants can support core costs, as demonstrated by a three-year grant contributing to the running costs of five social clubs for LGBTQ+ older people. The charity also provides direct individual support through its membership programme, which offers cash gifts and social events, and through the Holiday Fund, which assists with the cost of holidays for current members on Pension Credit. All funded work must take place within the London Borough of Southwark.

Southwark Charities makes grants to local community groups and charities that meet its eligibility criteria and work with older people aged 55 and above residing in Southwark. Eligible organisations include registered charities and community groups. The charity prioritises groups that are rooted in the local area and serve this specific age group. For individual support, the membership programme is open to Southwark residents aged 55 plus who are in need, while the Holiday Fund is available to current members in receipt of Pension Credit. There is no religious restriction on who can apply.

Southwark Charities does not fund work that takes place outside the London Borough of Southwark or that benefits people under the age of 55. For the Holiday Fund, applicants must be in receipt of Pension Credit and the holiday must be booked in the applicant's name for a duration of 7 to 14 days within the calendar year. The charity's funding is limited, and applicants are advised to seek other sources of funding if their proposal does not align with these priorities.

Southwark Charities provides grants to organisations, including multi-year funding for core costs, as seen with a three-year grant supporting social clubs. It also offers direct grants to individuals through its membership and holiday programmes. The charity welcomes unsolicited applications, with an initial discussion with the Head of Grant Management before applying. Funding is allocated on a rolling basis for the Organisations Grant Programme and the Membership for Older People programme, while the Holiday Fund operates during a specific period each year.