ABOUT THE PROGRAMME - PHASE one

Introduction

The grant programme phase one 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 this phase, grants were available from £10,000 to £15,000.

By equity-led, we meant at least 50% of an organisation’s management (trustees and senior management) and staff identified with one or more of the identities listed below and had experience of the civic and democratic barriers they were 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

D/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 WERE 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.

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.