What is the Black Infrastructure Support Project?
The Black Infrastructure Support programme (BISP) is a 3-year initiative funded by Lewisham Council and delivered by Lewisham Local in partnership with Kinaraa CIC. Its main goal is to strengthen and support Lewisham’s Black-led and Black-serving voluntary sector.
Since its launch in April 2022, BISP has provided support to over 40 Lewisham-based Black Community-Based Organisations (BCBOs), increasing their capacity to deliver services to the Black communities in the area.
BISP facilitates connections, knowledge sharing, and learning among BCBOs, enabling them to better understand the sector’s needs and challenges. By offering advice and resources, BISP helps these organisations become more resilient and sustainable.
Furthermore, BISP promotes knowledge, leadership, and best practices in the sector, fostering increased collaboration between groups. It also plays a crucial role in building stronger relationships and collaborations, promoting resource sharing, and raising awareness about the importance of the voluntary sector in Lewisham.
Joseph Oladosu, Action for Community Development (AfCD)“The support programme and especially the LBVN network facilitated by Lewisham Local have been a real lifeline for me. It’s more than just a group; it’s a family that understands my journey as a black community champion. They’ve given me the know-how and boosted my courage to serve Lewisham even better. It’s real people making real change.”
Community organisations in Lewisham that are led by Black people. This includes registered charities, CICs, unincorporated community groups, and grassroots collectives at any stage of development. Whether you are a well-established organisation looking to grow, or a small group just getting started, BISP can help.
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Funding support
Specialised funding support for black-led organisations in Lewisham.
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Training and Capacity Building
The ecosystem offers training programs, workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities. This helps black-led organisations strengthen their skills in leadership, fundraising, project management, and advocacy.
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Networking and Collaboration
Connect, share experiences, and learn from each other through membership of the Lewisham Black Voluntary Sector Network (LBVN).
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Public Engagement and Advocacy
Amplifying Black-led work in the borough, and advocating for structural change in how the sector supports Black-led organisations.
Get involved
If you run or work for a Black-led community organisation in Lewisham, we would love to hear from you. Whether you have a specific problem you need help with, want to apply for funding, or just want to know more, get in touch.
Kinaraa CIC is a Lewisham-based social enterprise led by Black women, working to strengthen Black-led community infrastructure in South London and beyond. Their leadership, expertise and community connections shape everything the Black Infrastructure Support Project does.
Kinaraa’s involvement is not decorative. They co-design the programme, sit on the grant panel, deliver capacity-building sessions, and hold Lewisham Local accountable for the promises the project makes.
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Funding and Grants
Whether you need money now or want to get better at fundraising over time, we can help. Live grant rounds, a 1-to-1 service with our Fundraising Development team, the weekly Friday Fundraising Club, and a library of trust lists and training.
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Networks and Collaboration
The voluntary sector works better when it knows itself. Come to our monthly Breakfast Club, post a request on Community Exchange, join one of our sector networks, or sign up to the voluntary sector newsletter.