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.