Initially launched in May 2024, but put on hold following the announcement of a general election, this opportunity has reopened to equity-led organisations to run impartial projects in trusted community settings between September 2024 and June 2025.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available for projects to support eligible Londoners, but especially under-registered and under-represented communities, to exercise their civic and democratic rights at the ballot box and beyond. 

The programme funds civil society equity-led groups to deliver targeted awareness-raising information and activity, including 1:1 support, in trusted community settings for London’s most under-registered and under-represented communities at risk of disenfranchisement.

GLA analysis has highlighted the following priority groups:

• Young Londoners (16–25-year-olds)
• Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Londoners
• Migrant Londoners, including EU and Commonwealth Londoners
• Deaf and disabled Londoners
• Older Londoners
• LGBTQIA+ Londoners, with a focus on trans and non-binary Londoners
• Low-income Londoners
• Londoners in precarious housing situations or homeless, and social and private renting Londoners

By equity-led, they mean at least 50% of an organisation’s management (trustees and senior management) and staff identify with one or more of those identities and have experience of the civic and democratic barriers they are trying to address.

An an online workshop to find out more about the programme and application process will take place on Tuesday 16 July, 12pm – 1.30pm. Anyone wishing to join the workshop should read the prospectus (also available in BSL and Easy Read) beforehand.

A BSL interpreter will attend the event to assist attendees. If further adjustments or help is needed to access the event, please contact Groundwork London as soon as possible on DemocracyGrants@groundwork.org.uk or 020 7922 1230. 

Any questions about this funding can be raised by emailing DemocracyGrants@groundwork.org.uk  and/or abbi.davis@london.gov.uk.   

The closing date for applications 12pm on Tuesday 6 August 2024.

Full details are available here at the Groundwork GLA Democratica Participation Grants webpage.