Democracy Fund

Is there an issue in your local area or an idea to improve it, that you would like to discuss with your wider neighbourhood? 

Maybe you want to meet up with like-minded people to form a special interest group?

If so, you could apply for funding to hold a one-off meeting in the community, through our Democracy Fund.

The fund is part of the council’s Empowering Communities programme, and is designed to make it easier for residents to discuss, and get involved with, the issues that directly affect them.

The funding can be used for things like:

• IT equipment such as hire or wifi
• venue hire
• Zoom video call licence
• publicity
• refreshments

Who can apply

A total of £20,000 a year is available, to be shared between groups across Southwark who want to hold meetings or events on matters specific to their local neighbourhood. We welcome applications from:

• any individual or group(s) who live and work in Southwark
• groups that work together on a shared issue or topic

Who cannot apply

Individuals and groups cannot apply if they:

• are not established in the UK
• do not have any local links and/or do not have a track record of working locally
• are political groups and organisations
• seek to make financial gain

How to apply

Applications have closed 2023/24. Email democracyfund@southwark.gov.uk for details about the next round.