Greater London Authority

Charity Number: CUSTOM_C59EA01E

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed (varied programs totaling millions)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies by program (typically 6-12 weeks)
  • Grant Range: £250 - £500,000 (depending on program)
  • Geographic Focus: London and Greater London boroughs

Contact Details

General Contact:

Grant Administration:

Six grant schemes are administered by Groundwork on behalf of the GLA. Visit https://glagrants.org.uk/ for current opportunities.

Overview

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is London's regional government, established in 1999 and led by the Mayor of London (currently Sadiq Khan, serving his third term). The GLA administers diverse grant programs aligned with the Mayor's priorities, ranging from multi-million-pound housing grants to grassroots community projects. Unlike traditional funders, the GLA does not have a central annual grants process; instead, all grants relate to specific projects and Mayoral priorities. The GLA has committed to transparency, publishing grant data through the 360Giving Data Standard since 2013. The Mayor's funding philosophy centers on one core ambition: “to make it possible for all Londoners to have the opportunity to get on in life, to fulfil their potential and to not just survive, but to thrive.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Integration & Social Cohesion:

  • London Family Fund: £10,000 - £85,000 (now closed) - Supported projects promoting social integration among London families
  • Stronger Communities Fund: £2,000 - £10,000 - Focused on reducing social isolation and loneliness through sport and physical activity
  • Building Strong Communities Fund: Equity-led voluntary and community sector organizations enabling communities to shape recovery from COVID-19
  • Democratic Participation Grants: Up to £25,000 - Supporting equity-led civil society organizations to increase civic and democratic participation (not currently accepting applications)

Environment & Green Spaces:

  • Greener City Fund: £5,000 - £50,000 - Community tree planting and green space grants
  • Green Roots Fund: £10,000 - £500,000 - Three-year program (£12 million total) for greener, healthier, climate-resilient spaces
  • Rewild London Fund/Green Roots Microgrants: £250 - £1,000 - Ranger-led local projects for biodiversity and community engagement
  • London Community Energy Fund: Grants for feasibility, development, and delivery of community energy projects

Culture & Arts:

  • Culture Seeds: £1,000 - £5,000 - Micro-grants for individuals and small organizations supporting community-led cultural projects
  • National Park City Festival: Funding for events celebrating London as a National Park City

Youth & Education:

  • Young Londoners Fund: £45 million total (two rounds) - Large grants for projects supporting children and young people at risk of crime involvement
  • Summer Sports Activities Fund: Funding for sport-based programs engaging young people at risk during school holidays

Skills & Employment:

  • London Talent Pathways Fund: Training supporting progression pathways in priority sectors (construction, creative industries, life sciences), prioritizing low-income or unemployed Londoners

Housing:

  • Council Homes Program: Up to £200,000 per home for social rent; up to £85,000 per home for homeless accommodation
  • Homes for Londoners Programme: £4 billion from Government (2021-2026) for affordable homes

Priority Areas

  • Social integration and reducing isolation among diverse London communities
  • Environmental sustainability, green spaces, and climate resilience
  • Democratic participation and civic engagement, particularly for under-represented groups
  • Youth crime prevention and positive activities for young people
  • Skills development and employment pathways in key economic sectors
  • Affordable housing and homelessness prevention
  • Community-led cultural projects and creative expression
  • Energy efficiency and community renewable energy initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions vary by program, general limitations include:

  • Projects outside Greater London (London-based organizations and beneficiaries required)
  • Activities that are party-political in nature
  • Retrospective funding for projects already completed
  • Core organizational running costs (some exceptions apply)
  • Projects that duplicate existing provision without demonstrating added value
  • Capital projects without clear community benefit and sustainability plans
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Governance and Leadership

Mayor of London: Sadiq Khan (elected for third term in 2024)

The GLA's corporate management team provides leadership and direction, with the Head of Paid Service as the most senior staff member. Executive Directors set strategic direction for their directorates, ensuring delivery aligned with the Mayor's priorities.

Key Quotes from Leadership:

Sadiq Khan on his vision: "I'll never compromise on the idea that everyone should be given a fair shot at fulfilling their potential."

On the London Growth Plan: "This growth plan provides a golden opportunity to turbocharge growth and unlock London's full potential - for the benefit of all Londoners and the whole country."

On Culture Seeds grants: "London is overflowing with talent and imagination... I know how difficult it can be for emerging artists and small creative organisations to get quick access to funding... That's why I'm launching Culture Seeds."

On the Green Roots Fund: “I am delighted to launch my new Green Roots Fund to deliver spaces across our capital that are greener, healthier and more climate resilient.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Methods:

  • Online portal through Flexigrant system (https://gla.flexigrant.com/)
  • Different programs have specific application requirements
  • Some programs use two-stage process: expression of interest followed by full application
  • Gateway criteria screening before full assessment
  • Shortlisted large grant applicants typically undergo interviews

Application Cycles:

Key Application Requirements:

  • Must demonstrate benefit to London and Londoners
  • Clear alignment with specific Mayoral priorities
  • Strong community support and engagement
  • Realistic, measurable objectives (not just goals)
  • Clear sustainability and lasting impact plans
  • For equity-led programs: at least 50% of management team and staff must identify with priority communities

Decision Timeline

Typical Process:

  • Applications passing gateway criteria move to full assessment
  • Timeline varies by program (typically 6-12 weeks from application deadline)
  • Decisions subject to formal GLA decision-making processes
  • Applicants must not place reliance on GLA support until formally notified in writing

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly disclosed. The Young Londoners Fund supported 129 grantees across two application rounds, indicating competitive selection. Success depends heavily on alignment with specific program criteria and Mayoral priorities.

Reapplication Policy

The GLA encourages unsuccessful applicants to reapply in future rounds, using feedback to strengthen applications. Specific reapplication policies vary by program; check individual program guidelines for details.

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from GLA and Administrators:

“Your application has a better chance of being successful if it is easy to read and well-written... Aim to keep sentences as clear, simple, and short as possible - sentences of 20 words or less are easier to read.”

“Pay close attention to the scoring criteria and address each of those criteria to the best of your ability.”

“Make sure your project objectives are realistic... There is a difference between goals and objectives – goals are not measurable, whereas objectives are performance-related.”

“Community support is vital for a successful project, and the stronger the local support, the easier it will be to secure matching funds, letters of support, and in-kind donations.”

Successful Project Examples:

  • Launch It: Awarded £899,069 for youth enterprise hub and start-up bootcamp through Community Renewal Fund
  • Rewild London Fund: Supported 62 projects including reintroducing beavers in Ealing and urban rewilding initiatives
  • High Streets Beyond Waste: 38 businesses received £2,500-£10,000 grants for reuse, rental, and repair initiatives; one-third could recoup grant value within a year
  • Green Roots Microgrants: 32 grants totaling £27,698 distributed across 18 boroughs in first five months for tools, plants, compost, and resources

Language and Terminology:

  • “Social integration” - building meaningful relationships across diverse communities
  • “Equity-led” - organizations where majority of leadership identifies with under-represented communities
  • “Lasting and sustainable impact” - projects with long-term benefits beyond funding period
  • “Good growth” - economic development benefiting all Londoners
  • “National Park City” - vision for London where over half the city is green by 2050

Standing Out:

  • Demonstrate deep understanding of local community needs through authentic engagement
  • Show how your project addresses multiple Mayoral priorities
  • Provide evidence of community co-design and leadership
  • Include clear metrics for measuring social impact
  • Demonstrate innovation while building on proven approaches
  • Show partnership working across sectors
  • Highlight how project reduces inequalities and barriers
  • Provide realistic sustainability plan beyond grant period

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No central grants process: GLA funding is project-specific and aligned with Mayoral priorities. Monitor the funding search page regularly for opportunities matching your work.
  • Equity and inclusion matter: Many programs prioritize equity-led organizations and projects serving under-represented or disadvantaged Londoners. Demonstrate authentic community leadership.
  • Think portfolio approach: The GLA offers diverse programs from £250 microgrants to £500,000 capital grants. Consider which program(s) best fit your project scale and stage.
  • Long-term impact over quick wins: The GLA wants “lasting and sustainable impact.” Show how benefits continue beyond the funding period.
  • Clear, measurable objectives essential: Distinguish between aspirational goals and performance-related, measurable objectives. Address scoring criteria directly.
  • Community support is currency: Strong local support demonstrates viability and helps secure matching funds. Include letters of support and evidence of co-design.
  • Fixed deadlines require preparation: Unlike rolling grants, GLA programs have specific application windows. Prepare in advance and don't rush applications.
  • Multiple Mayoral priorities strengthen applications: Projects addressing several priorities (e.g., youth engagement + green spaces + skills development) demonstrate alignment with the Mayor's integrated vision for London.

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