Local organisations are being invited to prepare for a new round of funding as the Royal Borough of Greenwich launches its Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) Grants Programme for 2027 to 2031.
The new four-year programme is part of the council’s continued investment in the voluntary, community and faith sector, recognising the vital role local organisations play in supporting residents, tackling inequalities and building stronger communities across the borough.
The programme will provide funding for organisations delivering projects that respond to local needs, strengthen communities and improve health and wellbeing. It will also help organisations build their capacity, develop new ideas and increase volunteering opportunities.
Funding will prioritise organisations supporting residents who experience the greatest inequalities, including carers, young people in social care, people with special educational needs, learning disabilities and autistic people, people experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping, people facing social exclusion and health inequalities, and people with mental health needs or addiction.
The council will invest in the VCFS through a combination of different sized grants and commissioned services over the next four years. There are different types of funding to support organisations at different stages of development and delivery. The first funding opportunity to open will be Strength in People (themed grants), with applications opening in September 2026. The other strands will follow, with timings available on our website.
The four investment model strands are:
- Strength in People - Themed grants supporting commissioning priorities.
- Strength in Services - VCFS commissioned services supporting commissioning priorities.
- Strength in Neighbourhoods - Small neighbourhood-based grants addressing specific neighbourhood-based priorities.
- Strength in Community Organisations - Development grants supporting infrastructure costs.
To help organisations prepare, the council is offering a programme of support and training sessions, providing guidance on eligibility, the application process and how to submit a strong application.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities said:
“Our voluntary, community and faith organisations are at the heart of our borough. Every day they provide invaluable support to residents, strengthen neighbourhoods and help people overcome challenges, often reaching communities that statutory services cannot.”
“This new grants programme represents our continued commitment to working in partnership with the sector. We want organisations of all sizes, from established charities to small grassroots groups, to feel confident in applying. Whether you’re delivering activities that improve wellbeing, supporting vulnerable residents or bringing communities together, we want to hear from you.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“Our voluntary and community sector makes an extraordinary difference to people’s lives every single day. This investment reflects our ambition to build a fairer, healthier and more inclusive borough where communities are empowered to shape local services and support one another.”
“We’re proud to continue investing in the organisations that know their communities best and encourage eligible groups to explore the opportunities available through this new programme.”
As well as providing financial support, the programme aims to strengthen collaboration across the borough by helping organisations build partnerships, develop their skills and create sustainable services that continue to benefit local communities for years to come.
Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to sign up to the VCFS mailing list to receive updates about funding opportunities, application deadlines, training sessions and programme news.
Key dates:
- Training and support sessions: Ongoing
- Themed grants open: 14th September 2026
- Applications close: 26th October 2026
- Funding decisions: December 2026
- Grant awards: January 2027
- Programme begins: April 2027
For more information about the VCFS Grants Programme, eligibility criteria and upcoming support sessions, visit the council’s website.
To join the VCFS mailing list, email voluntary-and-community@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
If you have any questions about eligibility, email VCS-Grant@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Keep an eye out on our social media channels, as we will be sharing ‘Where are they now?’ stories of organisations that have previously received council support and the difference they have made in local communities.