Capacity building

Our vision is to support and invest in a thriving and diverse voluntary and community sector (VCS) to enable it to improve outcomes for Tower Hamlets residents.

The Capacity Building fund will help voluntary and community groups get support so they can deliver better services to residents.

This information explains how to apply for Capacity Building funding and build a great application.

What is capacity building?

Capacity building is the process of strengthening an organisation's skills, knowledge and infrastructure. It includes activities that help the organisation improve its performance and impact in achieving its mission.

What outcomes do we want to achieve?

We provide funding to help organisations access support that builds their capacity to better meet the needs of residents.

We want to:

• strengthen organisations’ ability to achieve their vision
• improve knowledge and skills of management committee, staff and volunteers
• improve the quality of services delivered to the community
• increase the positive impact organisations have on residents 

Eligibility 

Funding is available to organisations and groups that can show a clear connection to Tower Hamlets with an income of below £150,000. Applicants will also need to meet at least one of the following structures:

• an unregistered voluntary and community group with a constitution 
• a Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) 
• a registered charity, including Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) 
• a registered not-for-profit company (limited by guarantee with no share capital)
• a registered Community Interest Company (CIC)  
• a faith-based groups, where the funding is for inclusive activity that is open to all.

Funding is not available to:

• individuals
• sole traders
• profit making companies
• political organisations 

How much money is available? 

The total budget for the Community Events funding theme is £100,000 per year. For this funding theme you can apply for a maximum amount of £2,500.

Your organisation can only receive one grant from this theme per financial year, which runs between 1 April to 31 March. If your application is unsuccessful, you can apply again in the same year in the next funding round.

What can the funding be used for? 

Funding can be used for: 

• support which helps your group or organisation to develop, grow and improve
• learning and development which improves your management committee, staff and volunteer skills
• consultancy services to hire experts who can provide specialist advice or guidance to your organisation
• marketing and communications
• research and evaluation
• bid writing support 

If you have an idea of something you would like us to fund and you are not sure if it meets the criteria, then please contact the team by emailing vcs@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

What can funding not be used for? 

• General operating costs such as rent, utilities or administrative costs
• Expansion of existing or new projects that directly support beneficiaries
• Previously funded capacity building work/activities
• Individual salaries of existing staff
• Capital works or major building works
• General charitable appeals
• To pay back debt or cover past expenditure

Timeline 

The bidding period for the grants programme will last for six weeks. All applications submitted by 1 June 2025 will be considered for decision in July 2025. 

When making applications please refer to the timeline for the application deadline, award notification period and project delivery dates. Please apply early and give enough time before your proposed project takes place. This way you know the outcome of your application before your event starts.  

Key dates for round 1 of the 2025/26 financial year

*In the review stage

We are currently reviewing the Mayor’s Small Grants Programme and in consultation with voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations, along with other key stakeholders. This review is part of our commitment to making sure the programme continues to meet the needs of small, not-for-profit groups and organisations.  

Following this consultation, we aim to introduce new and improved changes by June 2025. These updates will help ensure our funding remains relevant, accessible and impactful. This will support the vital work of grassroots organisations across our communities.

Bidding process

To apply you need to complete an application form and provide us with information about your organisation and what you want to use the funding for.

All bids must be submitted online through the council’s online portal, Blackbaud Grant Making (BBGM).  We cannot accept submissions by email, by post or by hand. 

Applications will be made on one form consisting of two sections. The first section is about your organisation and the second section is about the project you’re bidding for.

Assessment 

Organisation assessment

The organisational assessment is to see if your organisation meets the standards the council expects of organisations it supports with public funds. 

You will need to submit the following documents as part of the organisation assessment:

• a copy of your constitution or other governance document
• your address, rental agreement or evidence that you have successfully delivered services in Tower Hamlets for at least one year
• organisation bank account details
• evidence of income of below £150,000
• safeguarding policy
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Public Liability insurance

The governance, local connection and managing money criteria are mandatory (pass or fail). If your organisation fails on any of these criteria, you will not be eligible for funding. 

If you do not have a Safeguarding policy, Equality and Diversity policy or Public Liability insurance, you will still be eligible for funding (non-mandatory). A pre-award condition will be in place to ensure outstanding documents are provided should the organisation be recommended for funding.

Project assessment

To assess your project, we will use the following criteria:

• what outcomes do you want to achieve?
• what activities will you do to achieve the outcomes?
• track record (Capacity Building)
• budget and resources plan

Access the portal 

If you are having issues using BBGM please contact us at vcs@towerhamlets.org.uk.