What are some of the key categories you fund?
Our vision is thriving communities over generations. We want to increase our environmental and social impact in the places we work and build on the strengths that are already there in our customers and communities to help them create lasting positive change. Key categories we fund include:
- Social inclusion
- Environment and place
- Health and wellbeing
- Ageing well
- Youth
- Employment and skills
- Financial and digital inclusion
What’s something exciting that you’re currently working on?
We have ambitious plans to invest £100 million into communities and create over £1 billion of social value over the next 10 years through our Community Foundation which is launching in 2024/25. This long-term view to community investment, partnering with organisations over a sustained period will enable us to build foundations in London communities, tackle societal issues, increase health & wellbeing, and develop new local economic models.
What’s one piece of learning that you’d like to share with other London Funders’ members?
As we grow and learn as a funder, we recognise the increasing importance of building ongoing partnerships with our grantees and providing longer term funding opportunities. We can maximise impact and promote sustainability by learning from each other, building capacity and recognising the value of collaboration. We look forward to expanding our thinking and learning further as members of London Funders.
What do you value most about being a part of London Funders?
As a new member of London Funders, we value the opportunity to develop partnerships and collaborate with funders operating across London. By bringing our individual strengths together and working in partnership, we can better tackle the growing challenges our communities face and shape solutions that are effective, coordinated, and impactful.
Looking ahead, share one thing that is on your radar. What should we prioritise as a network of funders?
One thing on our radar is the ongoing cost of living crisis and the impact this continues to have. With the uncertain future of funds like the Household Support Fund which people rely on to heat their homes and feed their families, how can we work together to ensure vulnerable people and households receive the support they need, and how can we deliver long-term sustainable solutions?
What’s an issue or area you’d like to discuss with other members?
As we shape our Community Foundation strategy, we are collaborating with other funders, our customers and communities and key partners to discuss challenges and to identify solutions that will deliver maximum impact for communities in London.
Connect with SNG about:
Place-based funding; social, financial and digital inclusion; health and wellbeing; housing; employment; and tenancy sustainment.
The Member Spotlight is taken from our monthly member-exclusive newsletter, the Member Memo. The newsletter contains targeted information about upcoming events and updates from across the membership, with opportunities to connect and collaborate with other members. If you are a London Funders' member and would like to sign up, please email ora.ataguba@londonfunders.org.uk.
