Help shape the new Community Grants Programme for Tower Hamlets

The council is inviting residents, voluntary and community sector organisations, partners and local groups to help shape the future of the Mayor’s Community Grants Programme.

Background

Since 2023, the Mayor’s Community Grants Programme has provided long-term funding for voluntary and community sector (VCS) groups working to improve the lives of Tower Hamlets residents. As the current funding cycle comes to an end in 2027, we are starting to design what comes next.

Before developing the new programme, we want to hear from you. Your insights, experience and ideas will help ensure future funding reflects community needs, builds on what works well and improves what does not.

How can I take part?

The engagement period will run from mid-July 2026 until 19 September 2026. This will be an opportunity to discuss:

• local priorities
• community needs
• what is working well
• how future funding could support real and lasting change.

You can get involved by:

• joining workshops to discuss local priorities and funding needs - find more in the Workshop section
• visiting pop-up engagement stalls to share your views in person. Details will be available soon
• completing the online survey.

Start online survey

Workshops

Workshops will be held in different locations and at different times to widen participation as much as possible. Further details will be added as new sessions are confirmed.

Confirmed sessions

• Wednesday 15 July, 10.30am to 12.30pm
  Town Hall — fully booked
  
  
• Tuesday 18 August, 11am to 1pm
  Online session
  Register for the session: Have your say on the new Community Grants Programme | 18 August
  
  
• Wednesday 16 September, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
  Bernie Cameron Centre, 32 Merchant Street, Bow, London, E3 4LX
  Register for the session: Have your say on the new Community Grants Programme | 16 September
  
  
• Saturday 19 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm
  Brady Arts Centre, 192–196 Hanbury Street, London, E1 5HU
  Register for the session: Have your say on the new Community Grants Programme | 19 September

Additional workshops for smaller VCS organisations

By smaller VCS organisations we mean organisations with an income threshold below £150,000. Details of these sessions are as follows:

• Tuesday 15 September, 11am to 1pm, online session
  Register for the workshop on 15 September

If you need any further information, please contact the project team at VCS@towerhamlets.gov.uk.