The power of collective action
We kicked the day off with a thought-provoking panel discussion, with Natsayi Sithole, Interim CEO at Renaisi-TSIP and Fozia Irfan OBE, Director of Impact and Influence at BBC Children in Need. We heard from Natsayi that while individual initiatives matter, it is the collective power of funders that has the potential to drive meaningful change. She challenged the room to think beyond specific projects or isolated efforts and focus on how shared learning and pooled resources can amplify impact.
This sentiment was echoed by Fozia, who urged funders to move beyond discussions of EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) to a social justice framework where we recognise and understand the role colonialism and historic injustices play in upholding the systems of oppression we still see today.
Together, the message from Fozia and Natsayi was clear: if we are to create meaningful change as funders, we need to lean into our collective responsibility, harness our shared assets, and be willing to push each other to move further and faster.
Addressing systemic inequality
Inequality in London is deeply entrenched, and the discussions across all the networks highlighted the vast, interconnected systems that perpetuate these divides. Whether it’s classism, racism, or disparities in healthcare access, it became evident that addressing these issues requires long-term thinking and a willingness to challenge ingrained practices.
As we’ve heard before, community organisations are at the forefront of addressing these systemic issues. However, too often, they lack the power, resources, and platforms to make lasting change in the systems they work in.
As funders, participants discussed how they can better support these grassroots groups—not only through funding but by helping to amplify their voices and work in solidarity with them to advocate for policy changes that will make a real difference.
The danger of complexity
In their reflections, speakers and Network Chairs highlighted that the language funders use—especially around concepts like “systems change”—can be alienating to the very communities they seek to serve. Many of them are already doing critical work in changing systems or alleviating pressures that put systems under strain. But they wouldn’t necessarily describe it in those terms and a demand from funders to create systems change can be an unreasonable ask when so many are under intense pressure to meet increasing demands with fewer resources. As one attendee put it, “the language of systems change is too complicated and abstract—it excludes community organisations who are driving the change.”
This led to discussions on how funders can simplify their approach and really understand their own role in enabling change, not just relying on frontline organisations to do bulk of the work. This has come through our learning programme on what it takes to fund systemic change as well, where several funders and organisations have mentioned the importance of funders considering themselves as partners for change, not just the distributor of money.
Rethinking risk and innovation
One of the most challenging yet necessary shifts highlighted throughout the day was around how we think about risk and how we think about innovation. Funders are often drawn to “innovative” projects, seeking novel approaches to entrenched problems. However, this can lead organisations to ‘jump through hoops’ to secure funding, rather than focusing on what truly works.
Both Fozia and Natsayi urged funders to reconsider this approach. Instead of funding the new and shiny, funders should be more flexible and patient, investing in long-term change and community power-building. The goal is not to achieve quick wins but to support organisations over time as they address root causes and structural issues.
The conversations also highlighted that risk-taking should not be feared but embraced. Funders need to step out of their comfort zones, particularly in uncertain times, and make bold decisions to support transformative work (on how funders can do just that, check out our previous learning programme on reconsidering risk here). This might include exploring pooled funds or experimenting with place-based approaches to create sustainable impact at the local level. At London Funders, we recently launched a new subsidiary company, the Collaboration Circle where funders across sectors, boundaries and geographies can pool their resources – we know pooled funds can achieve lasting change while shifting power in the funding system. The Collaboration Circle is an opportunity and a space to build on the desire expressed throughout the day to use our collective power and learning as a vehicle for change.
Moving forward together
As we wrapped up the day with reflections from the thematic networks, there was a strong sense that while the challenges are vast, so too is the opportunity for collective impact. Across the network themes – whether housing, health, advice, arts or children and young people - funders are beginning to rethink their role in creating long-term change. Whether it’s through more flexible funding, multi-year grants, or supporting community-led solutions, there was a clear recognition that funders must act with greater boldness and humility in the years to come. We’re looking forward to continue working with the member-led networks to facilitate that change – if you’re a London Funders member, do sign up to them if you haven’t yet.
