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: 2
Median 56 hours
Latest Reviews
Dec 29, 2020
Other - applied in 2019
We have had a good relationship with this funder and until Covid our relationship has been very positive with our grant officer. However we applied to renew our grant in November 19 and still do not have a decision. The funding ran out in June and we have had 2 communications since, one asking for more info. But two months on still no decision. This is putting our whole charity at risk.
Pros
Friendly
Likes site visits
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Bad
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Average
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
When we can get contact they are very clear on what they need
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Ensure you make decisions in a more timely manner. I appreciate Covid has meant more grants to process, but a year for a decision is far too long.
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
We are sorry to hear this - please do contact your Funding Manager and explain the situation.
Dec 17, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
CBT seem like a very rigorous and detail oriented funder at first, perhaps a little distant. But they are friendly, flexible, supportive and love to get involved in projects!
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?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
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 and letting us know how we come across at first - this will be fed back to the team.
Dec 17, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
As a funder City Bridge Trust has been flexible, supportive and genuinely committed to getting to know the organisation and proposed project. Highly recommended.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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
Supports learning and flexes funding accordingly.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Short-termism is still a huge issue for the sector
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, we are pleased you have felt so supported and that you would highly recommend us.
Nov 27, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
In my experience City Bridge Trust is one of the best grant awarding bodies. They completely understand the realities of running a small charity and go out of their way to help make the experience of applying for funds and then delivering your project as pain free as possible. Their understanding during the Covid-19 crisis has been fantastic. My main advice would be that if you encounter any difficulties at any stage talk to them. They really want to help.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
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
They support their grantees superbly.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
I had never applied for a large multi-year grant before and I had no idea what level of funds would be considered appropriate. I now know that I pitched salaries too low. I am not sure what CBT could have done about this though!
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?
As with all funders, it is important to read the criteria. They review their funding streams regularly to make sure they are fulfilling their strategic goals. They believe in their strategic goals and so your application needs to be very clear about how your activities or projects will deliver them.
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 very pleased to hear that we are supporting you effectively during the crisis.
Nov 17, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
To focus on outcomes and benefits for deprived Londoners, to feel bale to discuss the application with City Bridge staff, and to expect a very supportive appraoch should funding be awarded
Pros
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
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?
2017
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
Supports
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 response. We are always working to give more than money to those that we support and are pleased that you have felt this.
Dec 29, 2020
Other - applied in 2019
We have had a good relationship with this funder and until Covid our relationship has been very positive with our grant officer. However we applied to renew our grant in November 19 and still do not have a decision. The funding ran out in June and we have had 2 communications since, one asking for more info. But two months on still no decision. This is putting our whole charity at risk.
Pros
Friendly
Likes site visits
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Grant currently pending
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Other
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Bad
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Average
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
When we can get contact they are very clear on what they need
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Ensure you make decisions in a more timely manner. I appreciate Covid has meant more grants to process, but a year for a decision is far too long.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
We are sorry to hear this - please do contact your Funding Manager and explain the situation.
Dec 17, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
CBT seem like a very rigorous and detail oriented funder at first, perhaps a little distant. But they are friendly, flexible, supportive and love to get involved in projects!
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?
2017
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback and letting us know how we come across at first - this will be fed back to the team.
Dec 17, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
As a funder City Bridge Trust has been flexible, supportive and genuinely committed to getting to know the organisation and proposed project. Highly recommended.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
Risk taker
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
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
Supports learning and flexes funding accordingly.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Short-termism is still a huge issue for the sector
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased you have felt so supported and that you would highly recommend us.
Nov 27, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
In my experience City Bridge Trust is one of the best grant awarding bodies. They completely understand the realities of running a small charity and go out of their way to help make the experience of applying for funds and then delivering your project as pain free as possible. Their understanding during the Covid-19 crisis has been fantastic. My main advice would be that if you encounter any difficulties at any stage talk to them. They really want to help.
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Gives more than money
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?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
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
They support their grantees superbly.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
I had never applied for a large multi-year grant before and I had no idea what level of funds would be considered appropriate. I now know that I pitched salaries too low. I am not sure what CBT could have done about this though!
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?
As with all funders, it is important to read the criteria. They review their funding streams regularly to make sure they are fulfilling their strategic goals. They believe in their strategic goals and so your application needs to be very clear about how your activities or projects will deliver them.
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback - we are very pleased to hear that we are supporting you effectively during the crisis.
Nov 17, 2020
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2017
To focus on outcomes and benefits for deprived Londoners, to feel bale to discuss the application with City Bridge staff, and to expect a very supportive appraoch should funding be awarded
Pros
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
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?
2017
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
Supports
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from City Bridge Trust
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your response. We are always working to give more than money to those that we support and are pleased that you have felt this.