How we assess applications

Back

We will assess your proposal based on the following principles:

Criteria	Description
General	Proposal is realistic and achievable The event is well thought out, where possible giving a planning schedule and roles and responsibilities of organisers The event demonstrates clear links to the aims of the funding
Theme	Proposal references how the event contributes to the 2025 theme
Timing	The event takes place within the Fund’s event window (October) Takes place at a suitable time and day for the event described (weekend and evening events are preferred)
Accessibility	In-person locations are accessible for those with restricted mobility In-person locations are accessible by public transport In-person locations are within the London Borough of Southwark Online events are accessible through an open booking system and/or video conferencing or streaming platform Ticket prices (for those events charging for entry) are affordable
Participation	Event is open to all audiences in Southwark Event is not exclusive to any particular group or membership
Budget	The budget is clearly broken down It is clear how expenditure relates to the proposed activities and the aims of the activity The budget offers value for money for the scale of the proposed activity Costs are comparable to general market rates eg. the cost of renting equipment or the hourly rates of performers

In addition, please note that organisations may not receive the full amount of funding applied for if the panel considers items ineligible or above general market rates. We encourage you to think about what you would do if this happened.

Organisations who apply for a large proportion of the funding to be spent on food and/or drink and advertising materials should consider how this supports the proposal to meet the aims of the programme and their proposal.

Applications will be assessed by a panel consisting of a council officer and representatives from the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic community.

Some additional guidance on what funding we expect to offer is below:

Funding amount	Guidance
Up to £500	Organisations without a track record of delivering events Small community celebrations
Up to £2,000	Innovative and exciting events, performances or workshops
Up to £2499	Multiple events as part of a programme or festival Large events with a wide public reach and several forms of entertainment and/or engagement, such as a free community fun day

We emphasise these amounts are only guidance. Organisations should apply for grant amounts they feel best fits their proposal and can be justified.

Stay informed

Across the borough

News in Southwark

Black History Month 2025

Contents