The Firefly Project focuses on children and young people battling the effects of poverty and disadvantage in London.

London is a city of opportunity and possibility, but not for everyone. Over 700,000, or 40% of the capital’s children, are living in poverty, the highest rate of child poverty anywhere in England. UK wide, the figure stands at 34%. Every day, from their early years through to young adulthood, children and young people face challenges which stop them reaching their potential. 

Whilst the challenges facing London’s children and young people are formidable and complex, there are grassroots organisations that offer proven solutions, drawing on their deep understanding of their community’s needs.

Yet small charities are often overlooked and hampered by a lack of funding, resources or access to opportunities to take their proven models and expand. Astonishingly fewer than 5% of charities receive 85% of total charitable income.

We want to change this.

The Firefly Project finds and funds impactful, innovative grassroots charities in London that help children and young people realise their potential. We support our chosen charity partners through:

Core unrestricted grants – up to £50,000 a year

Add-on grants – offering targeted, additional funding

Strategic partnerships – facilitate introductions to partners

Volunteer engagement – activate our network of volunteers

Multi-year relationships – partner for up to three years

We are committed to building open, honest relationships with our funded partners and their leadership. We believe this is essential to help them amplify their strengths, overcome their challenges, unlock their potential and enable them to scale up.

By 2024, and with the support of our donors and partners, we aim to be supporting up to twelve, dynamic London-based charities, creating a power house of talent and effectiveness. 

Unfortunately, we do not accept unsolicited applications.