London Hq Community Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £50,000-£65,000 (varies by year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: South Westminster (SW1Y postcode area)

Contact Details

Website: https://london-hq.co.uk/

Application Platform: https://app.actionfunder.org/fund/146

Email: info@london-hq.co.uk

Applications are managed through the ActionFunder platform.

Overview

London HQ Community Fund is administered by London Heritage Quarter, a collaborative partnership of four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in South Westminster: Victoria, Victoria Westminster, Whitehall, and The Northbank. Established as a not-for-profit organization funded by approximately 1,000 local businesses, London HQ launched its community fund to fulfill Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. The area spans from Belgravia to the Royal Courts of Justice, encompassing major London landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square, Downing Street, and Trafalgar Square. The fund typically distributes £50,000-£65,000 annually to support local charities with programs that are either already operational or require funding to launch. The fund operates in partnership with ActionFunder to maximize reach and impact within the Westminster community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Fund: £500 - £5,000 per project
• Rolling application basis through ActionFunder platform
• Fund amount varies annually (£65,000 in 2022; £50,307.50 in 2024)
• Projects automatically matched to fund criteria upon registration
• Applications accepted until fund is fully allocated

Priority Areas

The fund supports six thematic areas aligned with ESG objectives:

1. Education and Employment - Supporting skills development and job opportunities for local residents
2. Mental Health and Wellbeing - Projects addressing mental health challenges in the community
3. Poverty and Homelessness - Initiatives supporting vulnerable individuals experiencing economic hardship
4. Sustainable Consumption and Production - Environmental sustainability projects
5. Neighbourhood - Community cohesion and local place-making initiatives
6. Climate and Nature - Environmental conservation and climate action projects

Priority Beneficiary Groups: Asylum seekers and refugees, people experiencing discrimination, homeless individuals, LGBTQIA+ people, older adults, young people, economically disadvantaged individuals, disabled people, women/girls, men/boys, ex-offenders, and veterans.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not explicitly stated in available documentation. However, the fund clearly focuses on Westminster-based projects serving the South Westminster postcode area (SW1Y), suggesting projects outside this geographic area would not be eligible.

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Governance and Leadership

London HQ Community Fund is governed by the four Business Improvement District boards that comprise London Heritage Quarter:

• Victoria BID
• Victoria Westminster BID
• Whitehall BID
• The Northbank BID

The fund represents approximately 1,000 local businesses across South Westminster who collectively support community initiatives as part of their ESG strategy. The partnership with ActionFunder demonstrates London HQ's commitment to modernizing grant-making processes and broadening access to funding opportunities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted exclusively through the ActionFunder platform:

1. Sign up on ActionFunder (https://app.actionfunder.org)
2. Register your organization (registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, and community businesses are eligible)
3. Post your project with either video or written pitch
4. Automatic matching - Projects that meet fund criteria (grant amount, location, focus area) are automatically matched
5. Project remains live on the platform until successfully funded

The fund operates on a rolling basis until fully allocated, typically opening in spring and closing once the annual fund amount is distributed.

Decision Timeline

• Application window: Typically 4-6 weeks (e.g., April 1 - May 6, 2024)
• Decision time: Not explicitly stated, but rolling basis suggests decisions made within weeks of application
• Project delivery deadline: Typically 9-10 months after funding awarded

Success Rates

In 2024, 10 projects were funded from the £50,307.50 fund. In 2022, 14 projects were funded from the £65,000 fund. Total applications received are not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to calculate precise success rates. However, the fund operates on a first-come-first-served basis until fully allocated, suggesting strong competition.

Across all ActionFunder funds managed by London HQ, they have distributed £190,307.50 supporting 24,977 people.

Reapplication Policy

Projects remain live on the ActionFunder platform after unsuccessful applications, automatically matching with new funds as they become available. There is no stated restriction on reapplication to future London HQ Community Fund cycles.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Approach

The fund explicitly states: “We want to support the wider community around us and provide funding to support local charities with programmes that are either already up and running, or need the funds to start.” This suggests both established and startup projects are welcome.

Key Success Factors

1. Clear ESG alignment - London HQ businesses fund this initiative as part of their ESG strategy, so demonstrating how your project addresses one of the six priority themes is critical
2. Westminster focus - Projects must benefit South Westminster communities (SW1Y postcode area)
3. Beneficiary clarity - Clearly identify which vulnerable groups your project serves
4. Business relationship potential - The fund aims to “build lasting relationships that could result in further opportunities,” suggesting partnership potential strengthens applications
5. Practical deliverability - With project delivery deadlines typically 9-10 months out, demonstrate realistic timelines

Application Tips

• Submit early - The fund operates on a rolling basis until fully allocated, so early applications have better chances
• Use strong visuals - ActionFunder accepts video pitches, which can help your project stand out
• Demonstrate impact - With over 24,977 people supported across London HQ funds, show how your project will deliver measurable community benefit
• Keep grant requests realistic - Maximum £5,000; most successful projects likely receive £3,500-£5,000 given the fund size relative to number of awards

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply early in the funding cycle - Rolling basis means first-come-first-served until fund is exhausted
• Focus on one of six priority themes - Education & Employment, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Poverty & Homelessness, Sustainable Consumption & Production, Neighbourhood, or Climate & Nature
• Geographic specificity matters - Projects must serve South Westminster (SW1Y area) communities
• Build business connections - London HQ represents 1,000 local businesses; highlight partnership opportunities
• Consider video pitches - ActionFunder platform accepts video applications, which can differentiate your project
• Small grants, big impact - With grants up to £5,000, focus on specific, achievable project outcomes
• ESG language resonates - Frame your project within ESG objectives to align with funder motivations

References

1. ActionFunder - London HQ Community Fund page. https://app.actionfunder.org/fund/146..
2. ActionFunder - London HQ Community Fund 2024 Funded Projects. https://app.actionfunder.org/fund/431/funded-projects..
3. ActionFunder - London HQ Funder Profile. https://app.actionfunder.org/funder-profile/5819..
4. London Heritage Quarter Official Website. https://london-hq.co.uk/..
5. The Northbank BID - London HQ Action Fund information. https://www.thenorthbank.london/london-hq-action-fund/..
6. London Plus - “Funding for charities and community groups.” https://londonplus.org/funding-for-charities-and-community-groups-march-2025/..
7. Westminster City Council - “Current BIDs in Westminster.” https://www.westminster.gov.uk/business-improvement-districts/current-bids-westminster..