Funder collaboration: Moving from discussion to delivery

It’s been over two years since 67 funders first came together to give out over 3000 grants to support the communities hit hardest by the pandemic through the London Community Response. Investing over £57m, the London Community Response prioritised supporting groups led by and for Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, LGBT+ communities, Deaf and Disabled people and women. The London Community Response showed us that collaboration at pace and at scale is possible and indeed necessary - the issues facing London are far too big for any funder, charity or community to tackle alone.

Based on the work and learning we have done together, London Funders are now bringing funders across public, private, and independent sectors together with communities and equity infrastructure organisations to secure investment for an ambitious programme, supporting the capital’s communities over the next ten years.

The programme will be shaped by a strong set of principles – from tackling root causes to funders showing flexibility and accountability – this work will be centred in equity and justice with long-term investment in our communities.

London’s Recovery Board and missions offer a starting point for funders to tackle key issues that already have cross-sector ownership and structures to engage with and listen to Londoners and its civil society. The missions of particular interest to members (according to the data mapping we have undertaken on funder strategy priority areas) include creating new opportunities for young people, providing access to support people out of financial hardship and building stronger communities across the capital.

We’re now inviting funders to get involved.  We’re moving from design to delivery, starting to think about what programmes could look like, and how we can deliver them together.  So, whether you want to find out more, are already involved and want to continue on the journey with us, or have ideas and insights to share, we want to hear from you - you get in touch with the London Funders team here.