ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Introduction
The Greater London Authority (GLA) has awarded Voter ID Awareness Campaign Grants as part of its Civic and Democratic Participation Programme. The grant programme is linked to the GLA’s wider Voter ID public awareness campaign to raise awareness in London of the equality implications of the Voting System Changes brought in by the Election Act (2022).
The grant programme has funded civil society equity-led groups to deliver targeted awareness-raising and related informational activity in trusted community settings for London’s most under-registered and under-represented communities, those most likely to be impacted by the changes. During phase 1 of the Voter ID Awareness Campaign (January to March 2023) grants were available from £10,000 to £15,000.
By equity-led, we mean at least 50% of an organisation’s management (trustees and senior management) and staff identify with one or more of the identities listed below and have experience of the civic and democratic barriers they are trying to address.
GLA analysis has highlighted the following groups to be most impacted:
- Young Londoners (18–25-year-olds)
- Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and migrant Londoners, including EU Londoners
- Deaf and disabled Londoners
- Older Londoners
- LGBTQ+ Londoners, with a focus on trans and non-binary Londoners
- Low-income Londoners
- Social and private renting Londoners
What are the aims of the programme?
The grant programme aimed to:
- Raise awareness and increase understanding among Londoners from under-registered and under-represented communities about the changes to their civic and democratic rights.
- Raise awareness and increase understanding among Londoners from under-registered and under-represented communities about the changes to their civic and democratic rights.
- Ensure all eligible Londoners have a suitable form of photo identification to vote in the May 2024 elections, be it in person, by post or proxy and for those who cannot afford or cannot apply for a photo Voter ID, to make sure they apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
What support was available for applicants?
Groundwork London managed the administration of the grant programme and provided advice around partnerships, volunteers, budgeting, marketing and communications, impartiality and other areas.
Funding was available, up to £5,000, to provide accessibility support during the application process and beyond. This support was provided on a case-by-case basis so we could offer tailored support.