OrganisationUnity Centre of South London
Location & Region Balham, South West London (UK)
Historical Award£81,200 Total
The Challenge
Unity Centre operates a crucial amenity in Balham, South West London, providing weekly community group meetings, events, computer classes, and healthy living sessions primarily for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) families and individuals facing mental health challenges.
By 2013, pressure of intense use had left the building in acute distress. The roofing over the main hall leaked profusely during rainfall, rendering the hall unusable. The charity had previously submitted an unsuccessful application to the Big Lottery Fund without professional support and was at risk of having to shut the facility.
Our Advisory Approach
Upon recommendation, the Unity Centre management committee brought in Elisha Fiador at Charity Grants HQ to lead their fundraising campaign.
Elisha conducted a series of on-site planning sessions with the building committee to define the full scope of works: double-glazed windows and doors, re-fitting the community kitchen, complete renovation and redecoration of toilets, structural modifications to the entrance, and full re-roofing.
Together, they obtained itemised quotations from verified builders and formulated a comprehensive capital Case for Support. Elisha then carried out targeted research across UK trusts and foundations, engaging funder officers directly to communicate the irreplaceable role of this building in South London community life.
Outcomes & Community Impact
- Secured £35,000 in capital grant funding for building renovation, double-glazing, and hall re-roofing.
- Secured £4,200 specifically to re-fit and equip the community kitchen facilities for broad public use.
- Secured an additional £42,000 revenue grant for the charity to employ a professional Centre Manager.
- Transformed the facility back into an active community hub hosting 65+ digital literacy classes, family events, and cultural gatherings throughout the year.
- Created modern office spaces within the building that now generate rental income from other local non-profit groups.
“Thank you Elisha for helping us to come alive again. You’ve done so well for us. We don’t know what we would have done without you.”
— Dr. Patience Adjin-Tettey, Director, Unity Centre of South London
Capital FundingCommunity FacilityRefurbishmentBAME Mental Health
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