What we do
Since 1995, City Bridge Trust has awarded more than 8,300 grants, amounting to almost £461m
In response to Covid-19, City Bridge Trust temporarily closed some of our funding programmes to new applicants, while we focussed on supporting our current funded organisations and the collaborative London Community Response, delivering emergency funding in support of the sector.
Some City Bridge Trust funding programmes are now open to new applicants, while others remain temporarily closed. Our What we fund page lists the programmes open to new applicants.
Our mission
In 1995 a scheme was agreed by the Charity Commission which enabled City Bridge Trust to use its surplus income after meeting its responsibilities for the maintenance and replacement of the bridges for charitable purposes benefiting the inhabitants of Greater London. This currently amounts to around £25m per year.
Our mission is to reduce inequality and grow stronger, more resilient and thriving communities for a London that serves everyone. We will do this by using all of our knowledge, networks and assets.
City Bridge Trust has four key areas of work
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We award grants totalling £20m per year, the majority of which will be awarded through our Bridging Divides scheme which has a number of programmes & priorities.
The City has a proud tradition of philanthropy dating back to the Middle Ages, led by Livery Companies and the Mayoralty. Through our Philanthropy Strategy, we are working to inspire, support and amplify great philanthropy i.e. the giving of money, time, skills or assets. Our LEAP employee volunteering program enables volunteers from the City of London Corporation to contribute their time and skills to support voluntary organisations, including those funded by City Bridge Trust, across London and beyond.
The Trust manages the Bridge House Estates’ Social Investment Fund, a £20m fund which aims to achieve a positive financial return and demonstrable social benefit. We are also working to develop the Social Investment market and run the Stepping Stones Fund, an investment readiness programme.
Up to 20% of our annual budget is set aside for Strategic initiatives which go beyond traditional grant making. These include research, feasibility studies and conferences, and are often undertaken in partnership with other bodies.