Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has launched a £1m fund to tackle inequalities in the capital.

Grants of between £1,000 and £50,000 are being made available to help charities and other organisations to increase collaboration, commission research, recruit staff and invest in community resources.

The Civil Society Roots programme is keen to invest in initiatives to tackle inequality experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people with disabilities as well as LGBTQ+ Londoners, women and older people.

The Fund has been set up by City Hall and the City Bridge Trust.

They are also hoping to invest in ten London boroughs identified as most in need of funding. These are Bromley, Enfield, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Newham, Redbridge, Sutton, and Wandsworth.

Applicants are being encouraged to build partnerships as part of the application process.

“During the pandemic, we have seen the amazing response of communities, who have worked tirelessly to support each other, through food provision, mental health support, the incredible roll out of the vaccination programme, and much more,” said Khan.

“I am delighted that City Hall has joined forces with the City Bridge Trust to design a programme to better support and nurture community-led groups in the capital.

“If we are to make real change and ensure that every Londoner has the chance to thrive and reach their potential, then it is critical that we all continue to work together to address inequalities.”

City Bridge Trust chair Giles Shilson added: “London may be the biggest contributor to the national economy, but it still has the highest poverty rate of all England’s regions.

“We are proud of London’s community groups who are supporting the city’s diverse populations on the front line of the pandemic.

“This funding will directly support those Londoners most in need, cut inequality and tackle disadvantage across the capital.”

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