East End Community Foundation is shining a spotlight on the vital role small charities and grassroots community organisations play in supporting local people across the East End for Small Charity Week.
Approximately 18% of the nation’s small charities (usually defined as having an income less than £100,000) are based in London, with approximately 1,600 operating across Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
Last year, nearly one-third of EECF’s charitable grants were awarded to small charities and community groups with an annual income of less than £100,000, demonstrating the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in the organisations closest to their communities.
Small charities are often the first to identify emerging local needs and the most trusted source of support for residents facing challenges such as poverty, isolation, unemployment, poor mental health and digital exclusion. Yet despite their impact, many operate with limited resources and face increasing pressure as demand for their services continues to grow.
For more than 30 years, EECF has worked alongside local charities, community groups, businesses and donors to tackle inequality across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham and the City of London. During that time, the Foundation has raised and distributed more than £30 million to support local communities and improve life chances for thousands of residents.
Small Charity Week, a national campaign celebrating the achievements and resilience of the UK’s small charities, highlights the crucial contribution these organisations make to society and the unique role they play in creating stronger, more connected communities.
Tracey Betts, CEO of East End Community Foundation, said:
“Small charities are the lifeblood of our communities. They understand local issues and challenges because they are embedded within their neighbourhoods, often reaching people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. At East End Community Foundation, we are proud to champion these organisations and ensure they have access to the funding they need to continue their invaluable work. By supporting small charities and community groups, we’re able to invest directly into stronger, fairer and more resilient communities across the East End.”
Salma Khanam is Founder of Aishah Help, a small charity that provides practical support for pensioners and families across Tower Hamlets, and recipients of several grants form EECF.
Salma said:
“East End Community Foundation has been an incredibly supportive and understanding grant maker for us at Aishah Help. Through funding initiatives such as our Winter Warmth programme, supporting older residents through the colder months, they’ve helped us to respond quickly to real needs in our community and reach people who are often most at risk of isolation.
“EECF takes the time to understand the work of small grassroots organisations like ours. They don’t just fund projects – they show up, listen, and help strengthen what we’re already doing on the ground. We’re genuinely grateful for that ongoing support.”
EECF’s support for small charities forms a key part of its mission to improve life chances and tackle inequality across East London. By connecting generous donors with local organisations delivering frontline support, the Foundation helps ensure funding reaches the communities where it can make the greatest difference.
As Small Charity Week highlights the importance of grassroots organisations nationwide, EECF is encouraging local businesses, philanthropists and residents to recognise the impact of small charities and support the vital work they do every day.
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