Annual Review 2020

Last year was an immensely challenging year for everyone, with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis felt widely and deeply. Responding to the impact of the pandemic on London's low-income communities was a major priority for us, alongside the special initiatives that form part of our ongoing five-year strategy.

In 2020 we:

1. Contributed to the London Community Response Fund
   We provided £1.5m in funding to support groups working to respond to the needs of communities effected by the pandemic.
2. Conducted a race equality audit
   Using criteria set by the Funders for Race Equality Alliance we looked at 270 active grants and found that 70% of our grant spend goes to projects with Black, Asian and minority ethnic community beneficiaries.
3. Developed our strategic initiatives
   We continued to engage in strategic work on key issues where we can accelerate change to reduce poverty and inequality. Working in partnership with other funders, universities, organisations and grantees, focus areas have included Deaf and Disabled led initiatives, employment rights, better work for young black men, supporting design of a fairer social security system and promoting citizenship and integration.
4. Supported independent research
   We funded research exploring a range of issues, from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on London's most vulnerable communities and the post-pandemic recovery, to issues in the gig economy and building a post-Brexit immigration system.
5. Supported social investment
   We make loans and invest in projects that offer a financial and a social return. In 2020, we committed to investments totalling £650,000 and agreed in principle to investments totalling £1.75m.
6. Provided support and training to campaigners
   We funded training sessions on strategic communications and media engagement, as well as online learning seminars and reporting and evaluation support.
7. Sharing knowledge and expertise on London's social issues
   Our knowledge on London’s social issues comes from the on-the-ground experience of the hundreds of groups we fund and our staff who work with them, as well as from the research we fund. We also provide data and insight through London’s Poverty Profile.

Find out more about our year in 2020 by downloading the full Annual Review.