From Grants to Growth – An evaluation of Southwark Charities reach and impact

Southwark Charities is delighted to publish the first review of its grants programme to community organisations supporting Southwark’s older residents (aged 55 plus) by Sharp Raiser, a feminist, ethnic minority led charity consultancy.

Sharp Raiser’s review – From Grants to Growth – covers a 3-year period from 2022, when Southwark Charities significantly increased its resources for grant-making, until 2024. The research draws on a feminist, culturally focussed and participatory approach, including questionnaire surveys of funded organisations, analysis of three years of monitoring data and six in depth case studies with grassroots community organisations – Clinical Health Checks, Flashy Wings Ministry and Latin Ageing UK C.I.C – and neighbourhood ‘anchor’ charities – Blackfriars Settlement, Dockland Settlements Rotherhithe and Link Age Southwark and their service users.

The findings confirm that Southwark Charities plays a distinctive and valued role as a place-based funder. The charity’s grants enable small, grassroots and culturally-specific organisations to sustain vital local services, often reaching people and communities underserved by other provision.

Organisations describe the funding process as flexible, proportionate and relationship-driven, with Southwark Charities seen as a trusted partner that understands local realities.

“It’s the only grant we apply for that doesn’t feel like a mountain to climb.”

Grantee feedback

15,390 older residents benefitted from funded activities between 2022-2024, of which 47% were from non White-British communities; and over 80% of service delivery teams were women. 55% of services were delivered by older people themselves, creating strong peer-to-peer support models.

The review makes strategic recommendations for Southwark Charities as it prepares for expansion of its grants programme, including strengthening the capacity of smaller grassroots community organisations, and prioritising funds for isolation, mental health and food insecurity – issues which significantly affect older residents in Southwark.

Matthew Allgood, Grants Manager, said

“Sharp Raiser’s excellent review confirms Southwark Charities as a proportionate and relationship-driven placed-based funder for community organisations and charities supporting the wellbeing of Southwark’s older residents. We will implement the review’s strategic recommendations as the charity prepares for expansion of its grants programme.”

Grants to Growth review download

For further information, please contact:

grants@southwarkcharities.org.uk

020 7593 2004