What is participatory grant making?

Participatory grant making (PGM) is a way of sharing funding that puts decision-making power in the hands of the community, not professionals behind closed doors. It brings together a diverse panel of residents to review applications and decide who receives grants. The approach means that money flows to where it is most needed, as identified by the people who live it every day.

How does participatory grant making work at Redbridge Giving?

Redbridge Giving brings together a diverse panel of residents to review applications and decide who receives grants. Everyone involved is supported and trained throughout, and no prior experience is needed. Before launching, community researchers - residents paid to research the needs of Redbridge communities - shaped the themes and priorities for grant-making rounds.

Why is participatory grant making fairer?

Traditional grant-making can favour organisations with the resources to write polished applications. Participatory grant making is designed to be accessible to everyone, including smaller groups with less resources and newer organisations that might not have applied for funding before. The expertise comes from lived experience, not job titles.

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Redbridge Giving exists to support the vision local people have for their borough. When you give to Redbridge Giving, your donation supports the organisations and projects that residents say matter most.

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Giving is about being part of something bigger. Whether it's a few pounds a month or a one-off donation, every gift helps support local organisations working to make Redbridge a better place for everyone. Together, those contributions can make a lasting difference.

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Your donation could pay for:

A youth project giving young people new skills and opportunities
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