Meeting the needs of the capital

A review of London Councils Grants' open bidding funding programme

London’s borough councils have supported the capital’s voluntary and community sector since the abolition of the Greater London Council (GLC) 20 years ago. Today the boroughs, through London Councils, give £28 million a year to more than 400 voluntary groups.

When the boroughs first took on the role, funding was provided to applicant organisations on an annual basis, but four years ago an Open Bidding Funding Programme was introduced.

Open Bidding Funding Programme – achievements for London

This funding method offered organisations greater financial stability, through guaranteed four-year funding arrangements, in return for addressing priorities set by London Councils. This report is a review of how that system has worked, and shows how successful it has been.

Building on success – the London Councils Grants Scheme

Next year, the London Councils Grants Scheme will improve further, when open bidding is replaced by the commissioning of services. This will allow London Councils to actively seek organisations to fund rather than responding to bids.

This makes it possible to direct funding to parts of London which have been under-resourced and to address London’s evolving needs. There will be modified priorities, and every London borough will benefit from funding in proportion to its needs.

As the review shows, London Councils’ grants programme will be entering this new era from a position of strength.  It enjoys the support of the voluntary and community sector and is offering excellent value - both financially and in terms of the activities supported - to people throughout London.

'Meeting the needs of the capital: a review of London Councils Grants' open bidding funding programme' is available to download.

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