City Bridge Foundation
We provide grants and use our resources to help communities foster connections, become more resilient and build a more equal London.
Overview
Total reviews: 80
Median 10 hours
Latest Reviews
Apr 28, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
City Bridge are a fair and transparent funder, and are clear about what they are looking for and what they will support, and how. Their guidance and requirements are good. However, they are VERY hot on the numbers, and even (obvious) rounding errors get their finance team in a bit of a spin - with everything having to be completed in a very (time consuming) format which isn't always clear - particuarly to smaller organisations who don't think like they do. However, they will support you with this, and it is often an itterative process whilst you jump through the hoops. It does take an awful lot of time to get right (their "right"). Once you get the grant - they are very easy to deal with and are supportive!
Pros
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Open and accountable as to their decision making. Funder visits as part of the applicaiton process help with this.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Consider the way that you request financial information, making it easier for organisations to present in a way that means they don't have to jump through very complicated, complex hoops!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback - this will be passed on for ongoing review of our processes.
Apr 20, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
CBT listen. They have always provided us with straightforward advice. It appears to me that they want to fund projects sustainably, so fund fully and, in our experience, have then offered subsequent benefits to support funded organisations. Excellent flexible response to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Open, friendly and supportive.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The additional support and guidance offered as well as the responsiveness of grant officers is much appreciated.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Additional support and really trying to understand the experience and problems facing the sector.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep going, I think you are a good example to other funders of how to be flexible and supportive with funded organisations.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
We are really grateful for the insightful and innovative response this funder took during the Covid 19 pandemic. We were invited to convert a year of funding to essential/core costs to support our organisation through the period and were able to adjust our offer to our beneficiaries and plug a hole in expected income which was really supportive to our survival through the whole period.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your response - we are pleased that we have been able to support you through the pandemic.
Mar 11, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
City Bridge Trust is a hugely diligent funder that will go beyond supporting your organisation financially offering lots of opportunities for development and guidance. In applying to them, ensure you align your project very closely to their funding criteria. The Trust carries out a comprehensive due diligence process for large grants, therefore ensure you are able to provide in depth financial and governance information if your application is under review. Staff are highly skilled and will scrutinise your facts and figures closely, but are equally very supportive in the process and will guide you through what they need.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Friendly
Likes site visits
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Keep you updated on the progress of your application
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Reduce the length of report form
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Very positive and supportive. We have not found reporting demands to be particularly onerous in proportion to the financial support given and communication has been kept to the right level.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Many thanks for taking the time to write this review to help others understand what the process is like.
Feb 24, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Carefully evaluate the work you wish to fund, be specific about need and impact. Be honest and speak from the heart. City Bridge are a forward-thinking Trust and have a good understanding of the value of lived experience and user-led work.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
City Bridge is amazing at supporting the organisations they fund, in a variety of ways including finance and also free consultancy support and being very flexible as a funder.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep doing what you are doing - you are amazing!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
They are interested in real people, genuine communication and honesty.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased you have found it a positive experience.
Feb 24, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Make sure you have all of your information together and read the guidelines first. Plan how you are going to carry out the work and really think about what you need to run the project. We did not put in management costs which is in fact a big drain on our other resources within the charity.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Culturally sensitive
Friendly
Builds relationships
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Once we received our funding CBT have been excellent in communicating and so helpful.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I think CBT does all it says it will do.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
CBT are very adaptable and amenable, easy to communicate with and it feels like a nice relaxed relationship.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Our only issue was before receiving the funding where we had to wait nearly a year to hear about the outcome. Perhaps you could advise future applicants of when they can expect to hear back on their application, and if there are delays then do let them know, with a further timeline.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
If in doubt talk to them about any concerns or changes to spending (or anything else) that you may have. They are very open minded, helpful and understanding.
If you believe the contents of this review are inappropriate please contact us via email.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and please do talk to your Funding Manager as well about this.
Apr 28, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
City Bridge are a fair and transparent funder, and are clear about what they are looking for and what they will support, and how. Their guidance and requirements are good. However, they are VERY hot on the numbers, and even (obvious) rounding errors get their finance team in a bit of a spin - with everything having to be completed in a very (time consuming) format which isn't always clear - particuarly to smaller organisations who don't think like they do. However, they will support you with this, and it is often an itterative process whilst you jump through the hoops. It does take an awful lot of time to get right (their "right"). Once you get the grant - they are very easy to deal with and are supportive!
Pros
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Open and accountable as to their decision making. Funder visits as part of the applicaiton process help with this.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Consider the way that you request financial information, making it easier for organisations to present in a way that means they don't have to jump through very complicated, complex hoops!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback - this will be passed on for ongoing review of our processes.
Apr 20, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
CBT listen. They have always provided us with straightforward advice. It appears to me that they want to fund projects sustainably, so fund fully and, in our experience, have then offered subsequent benefits to support funded organisations. Excellent flexible response to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Friendly
Builds relationships
Understands nonprofits and issues
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Open, friendly and supportive.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The additional support and guidance offered as well as the responsiveness of grant officers is much appreciated.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Additional support and really trying to understand the experience and problems facing the sector.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep going, I think you are a good example to other funders of how to be flexible and supportive with funded organisations.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
We are really grateful for the insightful and innovative response this funder took during the Covid 19 pandemic. We were invited to convert a year of funding to essential/core costs to support our organisation through the period and were able to adjust our offer to our beneficiaries and plug a hole in expected income which was really supportive to our survival through the whole period.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your response - we are pleased that we have been able to support you through the pandemic.
Mar 11, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
City Bridge Trust is a hugely diligent funder that will go beyond supporting your organisation financially offering lots of opportunities for development and guidance. In applying to them, ensure you align your project very closely to their funding criteria. The Trust carries out a comprehensive due diligence process for large grants, therefore ensure you are able to provide in depth financial and governance information if your application is under review. Staff are highly skilled and will scrutinise your facts and figures closely, but are equally very supportive in the process and will guide you through what they need.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Friendly
Likes site visits
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Keep you updated on the progress of your application
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Reduce the length of report form
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Very positive and supportive. We have not found reporting demands to be particularly onerous in proportion to the financial support given and communication has been kept to the right level.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Many thanks for taking the time to write this review to help others understand what the process is like.
Feb 24, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Carefully evaluate the work you wish to fund, be specific about need and impact. Be honest and speak from the heart. City Bridge are a forward-thinking Trust and have a good understanding of the value of lived experience and user-led work.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
City Bridge is amazing at supporting the organisations they fund, in a variety of ways including finance and also free consultancy support and being very flexible as a funder.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep doing what you are doing - you are amazing!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
They are interested in real people, genuine communication and honesty.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased you have found it a positive experience.
Feb 24, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Make sure you have all of your information together and read the guidelines first. Plan how you are going to carry out the work and really think about what you need to run the project. We did not put in management costs which is in fact a big drain on our other resources within the charity.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Culturally sensitive
Friendly
Builds relationships
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Once we received our funding CBT have been excellent in communicating and so helpful.
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
I think CBT does all it says it will do.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
CBT are very adaptable and amenable, easy to communicate with and it feels like a nice relaxed relationship.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Our only issue was before receiving the funding where we had to wait nearly a year to hear about the outcome. Perhaps you could advise future applicants of when they can expect to hear back on their application, and if there are delays then do let them know, with a further timeline.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
If in doubt talk to them about any concerns or changes to spending (or anything else) that you may have. They are very open minded, helpful and understanding.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your review and please do talk to your Funding Manager as well about this.