Camden Council is set to invest over £4 million in the voluntary sector and equality programs, aiming to strengthen communities and create opportunities for all residents. The investment aims to tackle key inequalities and is underpinned by a Theory of Change, co-developed with the sector, which provides a clear framework for how funding translates into meaningful, measurable impact for Camden’s communities.
The investment, detailed in the Annual Report of the Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector Equalities and Cohesion 2024-25, highlights the council's commitment to supporting local organisations through the VCS Investment Programme and wider community partnerships. The funding will empower these organisations to deliver essential services, tackle inequality, and create opportunities for residents.
The VCS Investment Programme supports over 100 VCS organisations, including 38 Community Partners, 12 Advice organisations, 3 Infrastructure partners, 36 Project Fund initiatives, and 40 Resilience Fund grants.
The report also showcases progress in embedding equality into the council's work, from addressing under-representation in sport and leisure to supporting disabled residents and celebrating LGBTQ+ communities.
Initiatives include:
- VCS Investment Programme: Providing significant grant funding to local organisations.
- Diversity Mission: Working towards positions of power in the borough reflecting the diversity of Camden's communities by 2030.
- Inclusion Initiatives: Creating safe spaces for open conversations and promoting diversity.
- Borough of Sanctuary: Supporting refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives.
The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee discussed the annual report of the Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities, and Cohesion at a meeting on Monday, 15 September 2025, where members were asked to note and comment on the report's contents.