London funding: John Lyon’s Charity adapts grants for schools

Amid the ongoing challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis for Children and Young People (CYP), John Lyon’s Charity, a leading grant funder in London, is revolutionising its support approach

 CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on FundEd

With a renewed five-year strategy, the charity is reshaping its focus to be more educational and has streamlined its programme areas, simplifying the grant application process for schools and charitable organisations.

A streamlined approach for enhanced accessibility

To better serve those in need, John Lyon’s Charity is offering larger grants over an extended period. This strategic shift aims to reduce the time schools spend on funding applications, allowing them to concentrate more on the crucial work of supporting children and young people. In a bid to enhance accessibility, the charity has revamped its website (www.jlc.london) with a dedicated space for schools in North and West London, covering boroughs such as Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, and the City of London.

Simplifying the application process

Applying for funds is now more straightforward. Just visit the grants tab on the home page and select schools from the drop-down menu to access details about the following three funding streams:

1. Schools in partnership fund: Open to groups and clusters of schools, this fund supports projects related to access and progression, emotional well-being, arts & culture, and SEND enrichment (exclusively for Special Schools).
2. Cultural capital fund: Designed to ensure access to high-quality arts activities delivered through face-to-face experiences.
3. School holiday activity fund (SHAF): Geared towards enabling organisations to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during school holidays.

John Lyon’s Charity’s proactive measures to refine its grant strategy underscore a commitment to fostering educational support during challenging times, empowering school leaders to prioritise the well-being and development of the children and young people they serve.