One year since we launched - what have we been up to?

Since our launch party, we have been hard at work to build sustainable partnerships, direct resources where they are needed, and help Greenwich communities and charities to thrive.  

Connecting Greenwich charities with business support 

Through our pro-bono support programme, we have helped over 30 local charities get the support they need - for free - to keep running their vital services and support their communities. This has ranged from professional advice on topics like finance and recruitment, to construction companies getting stuck in on large-scale renovation projects, to donated furniture, like dishwashers and shelves.

This support has been offered by dozens of businesses that we've engaged with, of all different sizes and sectors. From local freelancers to multinational companies, we have helped all kinds of corporates form valued partnerships with local charities, and have seen how the joys and benefits of giving flow both ways. 

With many more businesses wanting to help, we will continue to help local causes by directing free support their way!

You can read more about our pro-bono support programme here and get in touch with us if you want to get involved.

Sharing community knowledge

There are so many people and organisations invested in making Greenwich the best version of itself that it can be. Greenwich Giving has been bringing together people from all different walks of life - from council members to community leaders to business executives - to find time and space where people can feel heard, share expertise, and create more opportunities to work together on local issues! 

Just a few examples of this: 

• Business and community leadership mentoring: 
  We had the sustainability executive team from Balfour Beatty work alongside charity and community leaders to problem solve shared issues around corporate fundraising, workforce development, and community engagement.
• Greenwich housing providers sharing their community work:
  through our roundtables, housing associations and the council can find out exactly what's on offer for community groups in different neighbourhoods and estates, and create plans to work together to amplify this impact even further.
• Bringing charities into plans for social value:
  Greenwich Giving brought together local charities and council officers to discuss how Social Value benefits our borough and how it could evolve. With so much exciting development - plus a new procurement act that emphasises the importance of social value - the expertise of the community sector is vital in making sure benefits reach those in the borough who need it the most.  

If you have an idea for a workshop that would benefit Greenwich communities, let us know!

Sparking Community Action on the Greenwich Peninsula 

We've partnered with Greenwich Peninsula on the Social Clubs Fund to provides funding and practical support that allows residents to start their own clubs that foster connections between residents and promote wellbeing. 

This year, we have funded 11 new social activities - of which 9 are entirely new to the Peninsula. From padel club to karaoke fun, from board games to a learning and development hub, we’ve had it all!

The Social Clubs Fund is still running, and you can find find out more here.

Creating connection across Greenwich  

We just launched the Social Connection Fund. This fund supports residents, community groups and local organisations to run community projects in Abbey Wood, Charlton Hornfair, Elham Page and Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham that bring people together. We not only provide funding but also the practical support needed to deliver a project successfully.

The journey of this fund started last year, when we gathered local opinions on what Greenwich needed most, and their answer was clear: challenge loneliness and isolation.

For next year, we look forward to seeing the amazing projects the Social Connection Fund supports come to fruition and to work with residents that care about their community. 

If you want to to sit on the residents panel, or run a community project, you can apply until January 2026!

Building partnerships that last 

Beyond the programmes above, we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to connect people and build fruitful partnerships, keeping local charities in operation, finding new homes for community groups, and directing resources where they are needed.

After a busy first year, we are only just getting started! Next year, we are looking forward to 

• Building on our wins this year and inspiring more people and organisations to give locally and invest in the borough 
• Running more rounds of the Social Connection Fund and reaching more people 
• Expanding our pro-bono support and helping even more charities and businesses
• Building strong, sustainable partnerships and breaking down sector barriers 

Have an idea for how we could strengthen Greenwich communities? Let us know!