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Cultural Celebrations Fund

This fund will support a number of outdoor events, which promote community cohesion and support thriving neighbourhoods.

This fund will support a number of outdoor events, which promote community cohesion and support thriving neighbourhoods between 1 May 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Subject to council budget-setting processes, there is up to £95,000 available, which will be awarded by way of administering small grants (up to £4,000) and large grants (between £4,001 to £10,000).

Important dates and times include:

  • the fund is open from 12pm on Monday 18 November 2024
  • the fund closes at 9am on Monday 6 January 2025
  • applicants who are shortlisted for funding will be invited to attend a 30 minute interview on the 16 or 17 January 2025 between 9am to 5pm
  • successful applicants will be notified by February 2025

How to apply

To be eligible to apply for this grant, you must be able to answer 'yes' to these questions:

  • Do you have a connection to the London Borough of Southwark?
  • Will your event promote community engagement and cohesion?
  • Will your event take place in a publicly accessible outdoor space, which is managed by Southwark Council?
  • Will your event take place between 1 May 2025 and 31 March 2026?
  • Is your event non-profit and free to attend?
  • Can you provide proof of identity and status to work in the UK, like a current bank statement or other valid proof of address?

Before you start your application, read:

 Apply on our online grant management portal

Summary of timetable

18 November 2024 Fund opens at 12pm
25-29 November 2024 Applicant 1-2-1 sessions
2-6 December 2024 Applicant 1-2-1 sessions
6 January 2025 Fund closes at 9am
7-10 January 2025 Application scoring takes place
10 January 2025 Clarification questions are sent to applicants (if applicable)
13 January 2025 Deadline for applicants to respond to clarification questions
14 January 2025 Shortlisting takes place
15 January 2025 Invitations to interviews are sent to those who have been shortlisted
16-17 January 2025 Interviews take place online between 9am and 5pm
21 January 2025 Funding recommendations are confirmed (internally)
22 January 2025 Formal decision making process starts
February 2025 Formal decision published and funding confirmed
1 May 2025 Event delivery period starts
31 March 2026 Event delivery period ends

Join us for a 1-2-1 session

If you have questions about the funding application process or the feasibility of your event proposal, you are welcome to attend a 1-2-1 session facilitated by the Events Team.

The sessions can take place either in person at our Tooley Street office, or online using Microsoft Teams. Events officers will be available at various times between 25 and 29 November and 2 and 6 December.

Email events@southwark.gov.uk or phone 020 7525 3422 to book your session.