DiNN 2021-2022 Impact Report

IMPACT REPORT 2021-2022

AWordfromourCEO

Itgivesmegreatpleasureto introduceDoitNowNow'sImpact Report,adocumentthat showcasesthetremendouswork donebyourorganisationinthe pastcoupleofyears

DoitNowNowhasbeenmaking significantstridesinaddressing socialandeconomicinequalities experiencedbypeopleinthe BlackcommunityacrosstheUK andinAfrica.

Thisreportparticularlyhighlights thepositiveimpactthatthe organisationhashadonthelives ofourserviceusersandtheareas inwhichwehavesoughtto influencechangeontheirbehalf.

Astheworldcontinuestoface variouschallenges,including inequality,climatechange,and poverty,theworkoforganisations suchasoursbecomesevenmore critical.

OureffortsinempoweringBlack communities,supportingsocial enterprises,andpromoting sustainablesolutionsareabeacon ofhopeforourcommunityanda modelforwhichwehopeother organisationswillseektofollow.

Thisreportoffersanexcellent opportunitytoreflectonthe progressmadebyourorganisation andtoacknowledgethe individualsandcommunities whoseliveshavebeenimpacted positivelybyourwork.Throughour updatedtheoryofchange,this documentalsoprovidesaclear pictureoftheimpactjourneythat liesaheadandtheopportunities forgrowthandcollaboration.

DiNNhasflourishedunderthe supportoffundersandsector experts,andithasbeenan enlighteningexperienceforall involvedaswenavigatenew possibilitiesTherapidgrowththat thisorganisationexperienced between2021and2022has extendedthehorizonforthe leadershipteamaswepreparefor thenextfiveyears

Iwouldliketoexpressmy appreciationtotheteamatDoit NowNowfortheirdedicationand hardworkincreatingthisreportIt isatestamenttotheir commitmenttotransparency, accountability,andimpactI encourageeveryonetoreadthis reportandtojoinusinourmission tocreateamoreequitableworld.

BayoAdelaja FounderandCEO

2021-2022 DoitNowNow

isasocialenterprise thatbelieveseveryBlackpersonshould havetheskills,toolsandresourcesthey needtolead,influenceandcreatethe futureforthemselvesandtheir community.Weworktoempower Blackindividuals,Black-led organisations,andBlackcommunity leaderstochangesystems,access opportunities,andsupporteachother asweco-produceinterventionsthat addresssocialchallenges

DoitNowNow

DiNNworksacrosssixinitiativesto servespecificBlackcommunities indefinedwaystocreatethemost significantimpactpossible.By identifyingcorecausesthrough research,DiNNcanapplylearnings toourinitiatives'programmes, content,andservices.

DiNNtakesanopeninnovation approachinallourworkOur commitmenttoopeninnovation drivesustoactasanimpartial convenerthatunitesand facilitateseffectivecollaborations betweenlargecorporations,NGOs, governmentbodiesandBlack changemakers(Black-owned businesses,Black-ledcharitiesand socialenterprises,Black campaignersandBlack communityleaders).

Wesupporttheirambitionsto worktogethertocreate opportunitiesforlastingpositive changeacrosssectorsand systems.

Wesupporttheirambitionsto worktogethertocreate opportunitiesforlastingpositive changeacrosssectorsand systems.

Wehavecontinuouslyoperatedat agrassrootslevelwhenitcomesto directdeliveryanduser-centric engagement. Wehavekeptourmetrics, diligentlyloggingthemevery monthandtakingnotesofthe feedbackweget,adjustingand evolvingourtrainingandcontent toensurehighrelevance

Yetstill,numberscanfeel somewhatremovedfromthe astoundingrealpeoplethatweare luckyenoughtoengagewithand serve.

Fromtimetotime,wewillshare storiesfromparticipantstohintat thevaluethattheyreceivedfrom partakinginourtrainingand developmentprogrammes.

Pleaseenjoyreadingthroughour impactreport.

collaboratedwith66Black-led communityleaderstodelivertheir grassrootsprogrammes

ran275DiNNprogrammes had9,963peopletakepartinDiNN programmes gave£300,000awayingrant funding funded36organisations supportingthedevelopmentof Blackcommunities supportedanadditional7,803 peoplethroughourgrantee organisations

Over2021to2022we:

Theoryof Change

TheglobalBlackcommunityencompassesindividualsfromdiversecultural andglobalmajoritybackgrounds,includingAfrican,Caribbean,andAfricanAmericanheritageWeareunitedbyasharedhistoryandacommitmentto addressingBlackpeople'schallengesandadvocatingforourrightsand freedoms.

Overtheyears,theBlack communityhasfacedvarious challenges,includingsystemic barriersthatcreategenerational poverty,discrimination,and limitedaccesstoeducation, employmentopportunitiesand justice.Tonameafewfactorsof multipledeprivations,weare, unfortunately:

disproportionatelyrepresented inlower-skilledandlower-paid occupations,weface significantworkplace discrimination,withsome employersusingstereotypes andprejudicestolimitour careeropportunities. discriminatedagainstinthe criminaljusticesystem;Black defendantsaremorelikelyto beconvictedandreceive longersentencesthanour whitecounterparts. morelikelytoexperiencepoor mentalhealthandlesslikelyto accessmentalhealthservices manyothersincludingbeing therecipientsofthelowest ratesofentrepreneurial investment,andongoing LGBTQIA+discrimination

TheBlackcommunityfacesa generallackofaccesstoracial justiceWedefineracialjusticeas thesystematicfairtreatmentof peopleofallraces,resultingin equitableopportunitiesand outcomes.WebelievethatBlack people'sproblemsgobeyondjust racisminsocietyortheprevalence ofdiscriminationandinequities.It involvesthepresenceofdeliberate systemsthathelpperpetuateand sustainthem.

Whileseveralprogrammeshave beenundertakenoverthepast decadestoaddressthemyriad challengestotheBlack community,thesehaveproven insufficientinsuitablyredressing thesystemicinequalitiesthat plagueourcommunity.Since2019, DiNNhasprovidedservicestothe BlackcommunityinAfricaandthe UK.Ourinitiativesallowusto contributetotheglobalsolution.

DiNN

"BlackCommunityreferstopeoplewhoidentifyasBlack andshareacommonculture,history,andexperience."

Theworldwearebuildingisonein whicheachBlackpersonhas accesstothetoolsandresources theyneedtoeffectivelyengagein thesystemsaroundthemtoaffect positivechangeforthebenefitof all.Webelievethatajustfutureis onlypossibleifthebarriersthat limitBlackpeople’seffective contributiontosocietyare significantlyreduced.

Againstthisbackdrop,ourTheory ofChange(TOC)isgroundedon recognisingthatnewapproaches arerequiredtoaddresssystemic problems,namelythekey stakeholders'relationships, mindsets,andbehaviours,as necessaryprecursorstoachieving racialjustice.

Anoutcome-basedTOCwas adoptedasitisbestsuitedtomap outouroverallgoal:DiNNbeing theBlackcommunity'sforemost champion,enablingthe systemicdevelopmentandcoproductionofequitable opportunitiesandoutcomesfor Blackpeople.

Thisoutcome-basedapproach allowsustobeaveryinnovative organisationfocusingonour destinationratherthanindividual pathways.Ourpartnersand stakeholderscanalsoidentifythe outcomestowhichtheycan providesupporttoeffectsystems andcommunitychange.

DiNN'sprimaryfocusisto empowerBlackpeopletopossess increasedfinancial,culturaland socialcapital.Ourworkisdesigned tocontributetothelong-term impactandvisionthrough5key strategicpriorities:

Traininganddevelopment

Grantmakingandsocial investment

Researchandconsulting

Networkingandcommunities

Servicedesignand development

Takentogether,DiNNbelievesthat ourinitiativesinthesefivekey strategicareaswilldeliverthree typesofoutcomesforBlack peopleandtheBlackcommunity:

Impactoutcomeswhich woulddrivechangesin knowledge,skills,behaviours, andwellbeing.

Forexample,weprovide increasedaccesstolearning opportunitiesabout entrepreneurship,growth hacking,financingand funding.

Influenceoutcomeswhich woulddrivechangesin institutions,services,systems, communitynorms, partnerships,publicand politicalwill,policies, regulations,servicespractices, businesspracticesandissue visibility.

Forexample,weensure increasedsupportforBlack peopletoengagein approaches,spacesand rolestodriveequal representation.

Leverageoutcomeswhich woulddrivechangesinpublic andprivatefunder’s investmentstrategiesforBlack programmes. Forexample,willcontribute toashiftinsocialnorms resultinginmoreequitable fundingandsupport opportunities.

Ourkeyassumptions

Wehavemadethefollowing assumptionswhichactas mechanismsofcausation,barriers, andenablersofourinitiatives.

Culturaldiversity:theBlack communityisdiverseand comesfromvariouscultural backgrounds,soitisessential toconsiderthisdiversityand tailortrainingandbusiness practicestoaccommodate thesedifferences.

Historicalcontext: understandingthehistoryand contextoftheBlack communityiscrucialfor buildingtrustandcredibility withBlackpeople.This includesunderstandingthe impactofcolonialismand slaveryonthecommunityand theongoingchallengesof systemicracismand discrimination

Languageand communication: communicationstylesand languageusemaydiffer amongmembersoftheBlack community,anditisimportant toconsiderthesedifferences whenconductingtrainingand businessinteractions.

Inclusionandrepresentation: ensuringthattheBlack communityisrepresentedand includedinallaspectsof businessandprofessional trainingiscrucialforcreatinga welcomingandinclusive environment.Thisincludes havingadiverserangeof speakers,trainers,androle models.

Economicempowerment: Blackprofessionalsmayface uniquefinancialchallenges, suchasalackofaccessto capitalandresources.So,it's essentialtoconsiderthese issueswhenconducting trainingandbusinesspractices thatsupporteconomic empowerment.

Barrierstoentry: understandingandaddressing thebarriersthatBlack professionalsfaceinaccessing educationandprofessional developmentopportunitiesare importantforensuringequal accessandopportunitiesfor success.

Intersectionality:Black peoplefacemultipleand intersectingformsof oppressionanddiscrimination basedonrace,gender, sexuality,religion,andother aspectsofidentity. Understandingandaddressing theseintersectionscanhelp createamoreinclusiveand equitablebusinessandtraining environment.

Networking:Blackpeopleface challengesbuildingand maintainingprofessional relationshipswithindividuals andorganisationsthatshare theircommoninterests,goals, orvaluesDevelopingstrong networkswillhelpfacilitate collaboration,resourcesharing, andadvocacytoamplify impact.

Ourkeystakeholders

Toachieveourgoals,wemust workexceedinglywellwiththe followinggroupsofpeople

Serviceusers:individualsor communitiesbenefitdirectly fromourservicesor programmes

Communityleadersand influencers:haveasignificant impactontheBlack community,includingelected officials,civicleaders,and communityinfluencers

Donorsorfunders:individuals, organisations,orgovernment agenciesthatprovidefinancial supporttounderserved communities.

Employeesorvolunteers: whoworkfororwithDiNN, includingstaffmembers, freelancers,andvolunteers.

Governmentandregulatory bodies:agenciesorregulatory bodiesthatdeveloppolicies andoverseethesectorin whichDiNNoperates.

Mediaandthegeneral public:theindividualsand entitiesthatconsumeand shareinformationaboutDiNN andourwork,including journalists,bloggers,andsocial mediausers.

Partnersorcollaborators: otherorganisationsorentities withwhomDiNNachievesits missionandgoals.

Wehaveidentifiedthemost interestingoutcomesby developingandarticulatingour theoryofchange.Thisallowsus toadaptourapproachto achievingthoseoutcomesin differentcontextsandrespond tocurrentlyunknownfuture opportunities.Actingasa championfortheseoutcomes willenableustoengageothers whoshareourpassionfor achievinganyofthese outcomes

IncreasednumberofBlack peopleopeningnew businessesandenter employment

TRAININGAND DEVELOPMENT

GRANTMAKINGAND SOCIALINVESTMENT

RESEARCHAND CONSULTING

NETWORKINGAND COMMUNITIES SERVICEDESIGNAND DEVELOPMENT

Increasedaccessto learningopportunities aboutentrepreneurship, growthhacking,financing andfunding

Increasedopportunitiesfor Blackpeopletoengage withentrepreneurship, leadershipandvoluntarism asreallifeapplications

IncreasedsupportforBlack peopletoengagein approaches,spacesand rolestodriveequal representation

Increasedpartnershipbased workingbetweenestablished Blackandnon-Blackcommunity leaderstodevelopanddeliver interventionstoincreaseracial equityintheircommunity

Increasedavailabilityof grantfundingand investmenttoBlack-led organisations

Blackpeoplearemoreable tomanagetheirdaytoday finances

GreaternumberofBlack peoplereceivingpractical learningprogrammes

MoreBlackpeople becomingThoughtLeaders withintheircommunity

Increasesgrassroots engagementthatleadsto Blacklivedexperience leadersmakingchangein theircommunities

Thedevelopmentof greaterconsensusaround commondefinitionsof racialjusticeproblemsand possiblepolicyoptions

MoreBlack-led organisationsaccessgrant fundingtosupportthecore operationsoftheir organisations

MoreBlackpeopleopening businesseslastingmore than3yearswithgrowing teams

Blackpeoplebecome empoweredtoengage directlywithdecision makersintheirecosystem toengageinsytems change

Improvementinthe financialwellbeingofBlack people

Increasesinthenumberof profitableBlackbusinesses

Blackpeoplehavean increasedsenseof belongingintheir community MoreBlackpeopleraise issuesinthemediato campaignandadvocate forchangeatalocaland nationallevel

Blackpeoplemore frequentlyworkwith eachotherandnonBlackcommunitiesto addressequitybarriers Blackpeoplearemore resourcedtoworkwith eachotherandnonBlackcommunitiesto takeactionsonlocal issues

Moreorganisations considerracialjustice issuesintheirplanningand operationalactivities

Increasedvisibilityofracial justiceissuesinpolicy processes

MoreBlack-led organisationsareableto attractalternativesources offundingotherthanjust grantsastheygrow Higheruptakeofsocial investmentproducts amongBlack-led organisations,whichare createdfortheirneeds

Improvementintheoverall wellbeingofBlackpeople

Strengthenedecosystems forBlackentrepreneurs communityinnovatorsand leaders

MoreBlackpeopletakingup leadingpositionsinlocaland nationalgovernment influentialcharitableand entrepreneurialorganisations

Shiftinsocialnorms resultinginmoreequitable fundingandsupport opportunities

Increasedrecurringand diversifiedstreamsof incomethatensurethe sustainabilityofBlack-led organisations

TobetheBlackcommunity'sforemostchampionenablingthesystemicdevelopmentandco-productionofequitableopportunitiesandoutcomesforBlackpeople.

Understandingtheterms inourTheoryofChange

Blackcommunity:refersto individualswhoidentifyasBlack andsharecommonexperiences, history,culture,andsocialand economicchallenges.This communityisdefinedbyraceand canencompassawiderangeof cultures,nationalities,and experiencesbutisunitedbya sharedhistoryofoppressionand discrimination.

Black-ledorganisation:an organisationthatisprimarilyled, governed,andcontrolledbyBlack individualsTheleadershipteam, includingtheCEO,senior executives,andboardofdirectors, shouldhaveasignificant representationofBlackpeople.

Blackpeople:referstoindividuals whoidentifyasBlackandof African/Caribbeandescent.This includespeoplewithancestry fromvariousAfricancountriesand regionsandthosewhoarepartof theAfricandiaspora,suchas peopleofAfricandescentinthe Americasandotherpartsofthe world.

Entrepreneurship:theprocessof creatingorstartinganewbusiness venturetomakeaprofit.Itinvolves identifyinganeedinthemarket anddevelopingaproductor servicetomeetthatneed.

Grantmaking:istheprocessof providingfinancialsupport,inthe formofgrants,toorganisationsor individualsforspecificpurposesor projects.

Leadership:istheprocessof influencinganddirecting individualsorgroupstowards achievingagoalItinvolves creatingavision,settingdirection, andmotivatingpeopletowork togethertoaccomplishacommon objective.

Racialjustice:referstothefair andequaltreatmentofindividuals ofallracesinallaspectsofsociety. Itinvolvestheeliminationof systemicracismandthecreation ofasocietyinwhichpeopleofall raceshaveequalaccessto opportunities,resources,and outcomes,suchaseducation, employment,housing,andthe criminaljusticesystem

Socialinvestment:referstousing financialresources,suchasloans, bonds,orequityinvestments,to addresssocialandenvironmental challengesandcreatepositive socialandenvironmentalimpact.

System:isasetofinterconnected elementsorcomponentsthat worktogethertoachievea commonpurposeorgoal.Systems existinvariouscontexts,including nature,technology,organisations, andsociety.

Voluntarism:istheprinciplethat socialandeconomicsystems shouldbebasedonvoluntary cooperationandindividual initiativeratherthancoercionor governmentintervention.Itisa philosophicalbeliefthat individuals,ratherthanthestateor othercentralisedauthority,should betheprimarydriversofsocialand economicprogress.

Wellbeing:referstoastateof overallphysical,mental,and emotionalhealthandsatisfaction. Itisaholisticconcept encompassingaperson'ssenseof purpose,lifesatisfaction, relationships,andexperiences.

Our Initiatives

Webelievethatthestartup ecosysteminAfricaisbursting withbrilliantpeoplecapableof creatingproductsandservices thatcannourishtheir communities,boosteconomies, andtransformtechnology.With thepropersupport,theycanhave theopportunitytorealisetheir fullestpotential.

AfriTechXYZisanecosystem developmentmechanismthat empowersstakeholdersacross Africatocommunicateand supporteachotherbasedon knowledgeandcollaboration Withafocusonconnectingtech founderstoexpertsacrosstherest ofthecontinentandaroundthe world,AfriTechXYZworkswith African-basedtechentrepreneurs toprovidethemwiththementors andfundingtheyneedtobuild technologiesthatwillcontribute toabetterfutureforAfrica.

TheworkdonewithinAfriTech

XYZfocusesonaddressingsocial challenges,solvingproblemsand supportingthedevelopmentof Africa-basedmarketsthrough forgingconnectionswithsocial innovators,investorsand philanthropists.

Ourflagshipprogramme,AfriTech

XYZ’sInnovationPrize,selects smallgroupsofstartupsthathave thepotentialtosolvepan-African orglobalproblemsbyproviding in-depthsupport,includingaccess toexpertsandopportunitiesthat willchallengethemtothink biggerandbuildquickerandmore sustainably

Inaddition,weworktochangethe narrativearoundinvestmentin African-basedstartups.Increasing supportinallwayswillhavea snowballeffectandrapidly increasetrade,peer-to-peer support,scale,jobcreation,and affordabletechsolutionstosome ofourtrickiestandmostcostly globalissues.

Weaimtogiveeverypersoninour communitythetoolstheyneedto buildorsustainaflourishing business,creatingasustainable andlastingfutureforthemselves andtheirnetworks.Wework holisticallywithtailoredsolutions andabeliefintheimportanceof wellbeingandjoyfulnessamidst entrepreneurship.

BlackandGoodisanonlineoffline,peer-to-peersupport programmethatengagesBlack leadersthroughentrepreneurial trainingandcommunitybuilding toassistingrowingthenext generationofBlack-owned businesses.BlackandGoodworks tocreateaworldinwhichevery Blackpersonhastheskills,tools andresourcestheyneedtobuilda sustainablebusiness.

Workingalongsideexpertsand industryleaders,BlackandGood givesBlackentrepreneursaccess topreviouslygate-keptknowledge andresourcestoraisetech adoption,businessskillsand profitability.

Wecollaboratewithleading companiestoshareresourcesand toolswithparticipants,providing actionableinsightsandsupporting aspiringandactiveBlackbusiness people.

Ourprogrammesprovidesupport andguidancethroughthe difficultiesofentrepreneurship. Offeredinstages,eachsupporting thelast;

SideHustleSupportbeginsthe learningjourneyandprovides allthetoolsandresources entrepreneursneedtotestthe viabilityoftheirnewventure StartingUp,StartingOut supportsbusinesses' idea/launchstagewhile buildingconfidencetobuild, testandlaunchaviable businessventure.

Build,Hustle,Growisdesigned tosupportthegrowthand scaleofestablishedbusinesses withtheconfidenceofaclear outlook,providingthe knowledgeneededtotake companiestothenextlevel andsupportbusiness expansion.

Webelievethatthelived experienceandopinionsofBlack peoplemustbethestartingpoint forallworkdonetoaddresssocial challengesintheBlack community.Ourgoalistoconduct high-qualityresearchtoproduce qualitativeandquantitative evidencethatsupportsthe developmentofinterventionsthat willhavelastingimpact.

TheresearchdonebyCentreBlack empowersleaderswithinthe communitytobecomethoughtleaderswithintheirlocal,regional, andnationalsettings, contextualisingtheirlived experiencewithdatathey significantlycontributeto

Inadditiontotheexternalfacing researchconductedbytheCentre Blackteam,thereisasignificant amountofworkdonebytheteam toimprovetheresearchbaseof ourskillsandlearning programmes

Theyalsoworkcloselywithour communitymemberstovalidate assumptionsanddeterminethe newdirectionofourwork throughouttheyear.

WecentreBlackexperiencesand understandthatallofsocietywill bebetterpositionedinathriving anddiverselandscapethatworks tocounteractthehistoric imbalancepositively.

Inthepastcoupleofyearsour researchteamhasconsultedwith funderstosupportthedesignof theirracialjusticefunding products.

Wehavealsoworkedwith companiestohelpthem investigatetheopportunitiesfor adoptionoftheirserviceswithin theBlackcommunityandwehave releasedreportsthatwehavecoproducedwithourcommunity suchasourLivedExperience Reportwhichisnowseenas seminalreadingintheracial justicespace.

CommonCall

commoncall.fund

Throughourfunding,weworkto createavibrantandthriving ecosystemofBlack-ledsocial enterprisesandcharitiesthatcan changethesystemsinwhichwe operateforthebetter.

CommonCallisagrantfundthat supportscharityandsocial enterpriseleadersworkingwith Blackcommunities.Thegoalisto makeiteasierforBlackpeople withlivedexperienceofcrucial socialissuestobuildandsustain impact-basedorganisationsthat solvethemovertime.

Asanintermediaryfunderwe engagewithkeytrustsand foundationsacrossthesectorto increasethediversityofthe recipientsoftheirfundingwhile takingonallthemanagementand legalresponsibilitiesofthefunding process

Thisintermediaryfundingmodel workstoclosethehistoricfunding gapforBlackorganisationsby creatinganauthenticpathway betweengrassrootsorganisations andtrustsandfoundations.

In2021,CommonCallawarded grantsto36organisations addressingsocialchallengesin areassuchas;artsandculture, employmentandeducation, mentalhealthandwellbeing,and more.Actingasanintermediary fundingpartnerofBarclays, NationalEmergenciesTrust, EsméeFairbairnFoundation,The Clothworkers'Foundation,and ComicRelief,CommonCall disbursed£300,000toBlack-led organisationsallowingthemto continuetodelivertransformative impactintheircommunitieswhile supportingthelong-term developmentoftheorganisations themselves.

Melding

Melding

meldhere.com

Accuraterepresentationofviews, experiences,andvoicesbenefits everyoneinoursociety,particularly thosethathavebeenhistorically leftoutofkeyconversations.

Webelievethatthestateofthe DiversityandInclusionpracticesof organisationsacrosstheimpact sectorsisofparamount importanceasitdeterminesthe inclusivityofservicedesignand deliveryacrosstheUK.

Meldingworkswithfundersto championthedevelopmentand sustainabilityofDiversityand Inclusionpracticesinsocial enterprisesandcharitiesacrossthe sector.Diverseandinclusive organisationsarethemost sustainable,equitable,and innovative.

MeldingoffersunlimitedLIVE trainingtothegranteesofour clients,allowingtheirboards, leadershipteams,employees,and volunteerstoaccessessential supportandinsightsthroughour D&Imodel.

Ourresourcesandprocessesare adaptableforanysized organisationandaretheanswerto thesector’sneedforaD&Istrategy thathaslongevity.

Atthetimeofwritingthisreport, weareontracktoprovidetraining toover2,000peopleayear throughthisinitiative.

MyMoonLanding mymoonlanding.com

TheworkwedothroughMyMoon Landingiswiththegoalofgiving allBlackLGBTQ+womxnandnonbinarypeopletheresourcestolive joyfullyandindependently.We believethatinservingthis community,wemitigate constraintsintheirlivesthat hindertheirabilitytolivetheir truthandfeelsafeandnurtured

MyMoonLandingsupportspeople ontheirpathtofinancial independenceandwellbeing, holdingthebeliefthatBlack LGBTQ+,womxnandnon-binary peoplearecentraltothefutureof theBlackcommunity.

MyMoonLandingisdedicatedto ensuringthattheskills,knowledge, andesteemofthiscommunityare supportedthroughathriving network.

OurFinancialFundamentals programme,deliveringsupportto peopleinLondonandGlasgow, workswithexpertstodevelop financialliteracyandfreedom, focusingonbuildingabetter financialfuturefortheMyMoon Landingcommunity.

Financialtrainingandanin-depth focusonwellbeingensurethey haveeverythingtheyneedtolive theirmostauthenticand representativelives.

VoltageRevolution

voltagerevolution.com

Webelievethatguidanceand opportunitygoalongwayto providingfertilegroundforyoung peopletobuildfulfillingcareers. Ourgoalistoprovideawellspring ofinspirationandsupportthat seesthenextgenerationof creativeandtechleadersenter theirchosenfieldswithconfidence andclarity.

VoltageRevolutionworkswith youngBlackpeopleaged18-24 whoareunemployedorunderemployed,focusingonguidance forbuildingacareerintheUK's creativeandtechsectors.Breaking thetraditionalbarriertoentryfor thesesectors,VoltageRevolution empowersyoungBlackpeoplein theUKwithaccesstothepeople theyneedtoknowandthe knowledgetheyneedtogetwhere theywanttogo

Throughcreatingprogrammes andcampaignsthatprovide opportunitiestoconnectwith mentorstobuildcareers,ourteam ensureswechampiontheir employmentopportunitiesand protecttheirmentalhealthand wellbeingintheseuncertaintimes.

Weworktoensureourcommunity maintainscreativeequityandthat theirvoicesarecentraltothework andartisticlandscapesthatthey areapartof.Through commissioningandcollaborations, weprovidesafe,structured environmentsforyoungpeopleto developtheirvoicesandknow theirsocietalworth.

AsaBlack-ledorganisation workingfortheBlackcommunity, thereisalreadyadeep understandingandempathyfor thecommunityweserve.We emphasiseresearchtounderstand currentandpotentialparticipants' temporalneedsandcapacityThis isouranchorfordesigning learning.Weplacetheindividual atthecentreresultsinabetter programmeandamoreprofound, sustainableandeffectivelearning process.

Thesuccessofourprogrammesis entirelyfoundeduponthe research-basedmethodologywe follow.Overtheyears,basedon theinsightsprovidedbyour programmeparticipants,we developedamethodologythat ensuresparticipantsuccess throughoursupportprogrammes.

WecallitASAP:

Awareness:participantswill understandtheirstrengthsand weaknessesandtheirshort, midandlong-termgoals.

Self-actualisation:weknow thereisnolinearenterprise path,andweteachtosupport thedevelopmentofskillsthat canbeusedinmultiple contexts.

Activation:throughcase studies,simulationsandshorttermprojects,weprovide trainingthatwillstaywith themwhenthey’reunder pressure

Personalisation:wedevelop trainingwithpersonalisationin mindWearesensitivetothe needsofparticipantssothat wecanensuretheirsuccess throughoutandafterthe programme.

OurLearningMethodology

ThisishowDiNNdesigns participants'learningjourneysto ensureweprovidethemost effectiveprogrammes.Itisnot linear,andwewillexploreeach elementatdifferentpointsonthe learningjourney

Awareness

Eachprogrammeismadeupof cohorts,andallincludetimeand spaceforparticipantstogrowas individuals.Thisisanessentialpart oflearning;tounderstandwhat theyaregoodatandwherethey mayneedtodevelopmore.The cohortsprovidespacetochallenge andsupporteachother,constantly learningfromtheirownand others'experiences.

Ourprogrammesprovidesupport throughtrainingandcontent criticaltothesustainable developmentofparticipantsand theirbusinessesTogiveabitmore detail:

Self Actualisation

Wealsoemphasiseaholistic approach,valuingtheimportance ofhealthandwellbeingtoachieve fullpotential.Inourprogrammes, weuseaspirationalinterviewswith ourexpertskillsdevelopers. Participantsareencouragedto thinkaboutwheretheywanttobe bytheendofaprogrammeand setgoalsandmilestonesfor gettingthereWesetuppeer groupstosupporteachother's development,andwehave partneredwithexcellentproviders todeliversessionsonhealthand wellbeingforourparticipants

Therearemanydifferentpathsfor entrepreneursandindividuals Decidingwhichapproachtotake needsconsiderationandoftenthe developmentofspecificskills.Doit NowNowdesignsprogrammes withthisinmindAsparticipants reachalevelofself-awarenessof theirstrengthsandweaknesses, theycandeveloptheskillsthey haveidentifiedasneeding.The aimisthattheyareequippedto self-advocatewithintheir communitiesandbeyondandput theminamuchstrongerposition tosucceed.Ourfocusisto empowerparticipantstofeel confidentandself-assuredinthe world.

Wehavecoreskillssessionswhich couldincludebusinessskills,such asbusinessmodelling,strategy, marketing,andfinancial managementThesesessionsare setupasaseriesdesignedto empowerparticipantstoaccess knowledge,tools,skillsand resourcestailoredtotheirbusiness goalsandaspirationsTheyprovide aspacetochallengeparticipants todevelopproductsandservices beyondthenorm.

Theprogrammealsoprovides morecomprehensiveskills sessionstoacceleratethinkingand deliveryofcriticalideasand innovations.Itbringsexpertsto offerin-depthtrainingandsupport onspecificareasdesignersidentify

Activation Personalisation

Puttinggoalsintoactionhas multiplestages;participantswill trythingsoutwhileonthe programme,creatingatesting groundfortroubleshootingand feedback.Insessions,theycan reflectintheirgroupstoseewhat theylearnedandhowtodevelop theirideasfurther.

Collectively,aspaceforinspiration andinsightsiscreated,where participantsdiscusschallenges theymaybefacing.Wemayinvite gueststosharestoriesatthese sessionstocentraliselived experience.

Asdescribedabove,our programmesaredesignedtomeet theneedsoftheparticipants throughinitialresearchWeuse co-designprocessestoinclude potentialparticipantsorrelevant stakeholderstohelpdevelopthe programmeoutlineandcontent andwhoweworkwithorinviteto deliversessions.Thislevelof personalisationcontinues throughoutthelearningjourney

Throughregularcheck-insat sessions,one-to-onesessionswith ourskillsdevelopersandthorough butaccessible,ongoingevaluation. Ourteamknowswherethe participantsareontheirjourney andadaptsandaddscontent wherethisfeelsmostappropriate anduseful.TheSkillsandLearning teamareexpertfacilitatorsand candrawpeopleintosessions wheretheyseeandfeelaneedor acontributionisvaluable.

DiNNusesASAPMethodology asabasistodesignlearning throughoutoursupport programmesacrossallour initiativesOurLearningDesigners andSkillsDevelopersputtogether programmesusingtheirvast knowledge,evidence-based methods,andlivedexperience.It iscriticaltohaveconsistencyin howwedesign,whichiswherethe ASAPmethodologyisinvaluable, andworkingwithexperienced learningdesignersandskills developersensuresasteadyflow ofnewideasandinsightstokeep thelearningprogrammesfresh, relevantandimpactful

Global Majority Wesay

Self-identifiedterminologyisessentialtocentralisingtheBlackexperience

WhilewedonotshyawayfromsayingBlackwhenwemeanBlack,wealsowantto engageinlanguagethatdoesnotmakeourcommunityandotherslikeoursanantithesisbydefault.Therefore,wechoosetosayGlobalMajoritytorefertothesimilarly racialisedcommunitieswhoallundertheunfortunatelypopularised“BAME”moniker.

DoitNowNowencouragesallorganisationsandgroupstoadopttheusageofGlobal Majorityandencouragetheirnetworkstodosotoo.

Oneofthereasonsweare adamantlyinsupportofBlack entrepreneursisourcorebelief thatentrepreneurshipisakey gatewaytosocialmobilitythatthe Blackcommunitycanthrivein. Thatdoesn'tmeantosaythatthe barriersthatexistinotherkey gateways,suchaseducationand employment,arenon-existentin theworldofbusiness.Thatisto say,thatentrepreneurshiphasthe powertobegame-changing.

BlackandGoodsupportsBlack peoplewhowanttogrowas entrepreneursandleadersWe upskill,connect,supportand amplifythepotentialofBlack peopleeachyearandcollaborate withleadingorganisationsand peopleofinfluencetoshare resourcesandtoolswithour participants.

Itisaunique,personalised entrepreneurshipandleadership trainingprogrammedrivingthe nextgenerationofBlack innovatorstoimpactchangeThe initiativepromotescourses, opportunitiesforpeer-to-peer support,andasafespaceto networkforallitsparticipants.Our mandateforBlackandGoodisto supportBlackentrepreneursand helpthemraisetheirtech adoption,businessskillsand profitability.

GameChanger

Blackwomen,inparticular, vitallyneedthissortof supportintheir entrepreneurialjourney.

Build,Hustle, Grow

StartingUp StartingOut

Theworkshopsinthisprogramme aredesignedforpeopleintheidea stagewhowanttolaunchtheir businesses.Eachsession empowersparticipantstoaccess knowledge,tools,skillsand resourcestailoredtotheirbusiness goalsandaspirations.Thiscourse isdesignedtosupportthe significantdevelopmentof idea/launchstagebusinessesin threeways:

Structuringparticipants'ideas andbegincreatingaviable businessmodel.

Equippingentrepreneurswith thetoolstodevelopa captivatingbusinessplanand pitch.

Providingtheknowledgeto understandcustomers’needs, determinebusinessvaluesand craftaplantogeneratesolid incomeforlongevity.

“Theprogrammehasbeena game-changerformeasI’vehad theopportunitytobecoachedby expertsandtobroadenmy horizonsItwasasafeplace whereIcouldopenupfreely abouttheissuesthatIfaceasan entrepreneur,andthekindnessof mymentorsandpeershelpedme reignitemyenthusiasmformy business.Attheendoftheeight weeks,Ifeltempoweredand clearerinhowIshouldmove forward."

"Theprogrammeisapowershift ofmindset,withthetoolsand knowledgetomoveyourbusiness forward.Youmaynotachieveit allintheeightweeks.ButIhavea structure.Iwillimplementitover thenextfewmonths."

Theworkshopsinthisprogramme aredesignedforpeoplewhohave launchedtheirbusinessesand wanttotakethemtothenext level.Thiscourseisdesignedto supportthegrowthandscaleof establishedcompaniesinthree ways:

Supportingastrategic approachtoscaleand/orgrow businessesEncouraging reflectiononexistingbusiness modelsanddecidingonthe needtopivot

Equippingparticipantswith toolstoevaluatebusiness goals,currentmarketsandthe mostviableoptionstopursue Providingtheknowledgeto feelconfidentaboutraising andmanagingmoneyto matchgrowth

"Thisprogrammewasagreat opportunity.Iamvery appreciativetohavebeen grantedtheopportunity.The additionalbonusistherich contentbutfreeserviceto businessownersandthosejust venturingtostartabusinessThe facilitatorsandadminseta standardofexcellence"

"Youallhavehelpedmegrowso much,andIfeelempoweredby theexperience.GoingforwardI feelpositiveandpreparedforthe futureofmybusiness"

Theprogrammeisanintensive, collaborative,andstrategiccourse tocoverthefundamental elementsofbuildingandscalinga business,alongwithpeer-support groups,1-2-1mentoringandour dedicatedpitching-focused sessionstosupportthoseonthe programmetobuild,deliverand developconfidenceintheirpitch forfutureinvestment opportunities.

Thedemographicsofpeoplewe supportareprimarilyinlow incomebrackets,peoplewith youngchildren,orthosestill workingfull-timeelsewhere alongsidebuildingtheir businesses.Overthetimespenton thiscourse,wesupport participantstoleveluptheir knowledge,developastrongpitch andcreateastrategicpathwayfor businessgrowth.

Alongwithcoursework,peersupportgroupsandmentoring outsideofthecoreworkshop sessions,whatweexpectisforthe participantstocomeawayfrom thecoursewithastrong community,opportunitiesfor collaboration,newnetworksthey haveaccessto,adetailed,clear businessoutlinewithactionable stepstoimplementandapitch theycanpresentwithconfidence forfuturefundingandinvestment.

Oncetheprogrammeisover,we continueourconnectionwiththe programme'salumsWeholdinpersonandonlineeventsthatare specificallycateredtoBlack entrepreneursandthosebuilding theirbusinesses.Weinvitespecial guestspeakerstoparticipatein panelQ&Asrelatedtothe entrepreneurs'mindsetjourney andemphasisenetworkingsowe cansupportpeopletobroaden theirnetworks,collaborateand buildfurthertogether.

Weconsidereachparticipant's business,strengthsandofferings andplanactionstocontinue involvingthealumsinour programmesthroughspeaking engagements,workshopdelivery andactivitysessions.Thismeans thatthoseparticipatinginthe programmecontinuetobe supportedandengagedinour ecosystemandintroducedtothe broadercommunitythroughpaid engagementsandbrandexposure.

Fromwhatwehavewitnessed,we canconfidentlysaythatthis programmeoffersbusiness knowledgeandsupporttohelp Blackfemaleentrepreneursto implementthefoundationsof theirbusinessandprovidesa platformthatenablesour participantstodevelopstrong, long-lastingbusinessnetworks andconnections.

Beyondtheknowledgetransfer, ourgoalistofosterfriendshipsand asenseofcommunitythatour participantsmaynothave experienced,enhancetheirselfbelief,confidenceandmindset Weprovideaplatformforthemto beinvolvedinanorganisationthat continuestosupport,raiseand buildthevisibilityoftheir businesses

Meet Lydia

"Fromtheone-to-one support,theteamenergy andamazingfacilitation,I lovedeverythingaboutthis programme,andIamso gratefultohavefounditI'm moreexcitedaboutthe futureofTheGoodHairCo. thanIwasafewmonths ago,andIcan'twaitto sharetheprogrammewith otherswhoarelookingto starttheirentrepreneurial journey."

Lydiagainedavastsupportgroup shefeelsshecanreachoutto whenneeded,andsheisnolonger afraidtoputherselfandthe businessintotheworld.She sharedthatthefeedbackshe receivedfromtheprogramme’s expertswastoputherselfmore intothecompanybecausethereis powerinpersonalstories.She neverknewwhatthatlookedlike norfeltconfidentdoingit

Meet Priscilla

LydiaMachariaco-foundedThe GoodHairCo.,atwo-sidedonline platformthatmakeshaircare consultationmoreaccessible, affordableandstraightforwardfor womenwithtexturedhair.Lydia hasbeenpassionateabouther businesseversincesheandhercofounderhadtheidea,butlife alwaysgotintheway.

Ourprogrammehelpedhertofeel thatitistrulypossibletoachieve whatshehassetoutforinher businessandvalidatedthather foundationalworkbeforestarting theprogrammewasnotinvain.

BlackandGood

Havingfellowsontheprogramme sharethattheywoulduseher servicesgaveherthe encouragementsheneededto keepgoing Theone-to-one sessions,inparticular,provided Lydiawiththeknowledgeto tightenherpitchwhilealso developingagreater understandingofthefinancialside ofherbusiness

Somethingthatshefoundwas challengingwhendoinggeneral researchbecausethatresearch wasnotpersonalisedtoher problem Lydialearnthowto calculateherbudget/expenses anduniquewaystoseeksupport fordifferentaspectsofthe businesssuchasmarketstrategy andfunding. Shefinishedtheprogramme feelingproudofherbusiness, especiallyasshewonfirstprize duringtheprogramme'sDemo Day.

"Ithashelpedmetoidentify whatmyweaknessesare andwhatmystrengthsare thatIcanleanintoThe programmehashelpedme togetoutofmyhead,be encouragedbyothersand takeaction"

Priscillawantedtofindawayto evolvefromone-to-oneworkto one-to-manysoshecouldoffera moresignificantimpact.Through supportfromtheprogrammeand peerdiscussionswiththosefacing similarchallenges,Priscilla developedamindsetoftaking actionandaskingforhelp It highlightedtheabilityto outsourceareasofherwork.

PriscillaVivian,foundedVivify Therapy,amulticulturalmental healthservicethatsupports AfricansandCaribbeansintheUK andacrossthediaspora.

Beforestartingourprogramme, Priscillawasreachingthepointof burnoutwithinherwork.Starting inearly2019,hercareerpickedup in2020asmorepeoplewere experiencingtheneedfortherapy andstigmawasbeingreduced; meaningmorepeoplewithin Blackandethnicminoritieswere reachingoutforsupport.

Shewasworkingallhours tobe abletosupportthoseshewas workingwith Priscillahadthe therapyskillsshehadtrainedto deliverbutneededtolearnhowto managethebusinesssideofher work.

Thepitchingsessionsenabled Priscillatorefineherstoryand defineherapproach It encouragedhertoleverageher networkandconnectwithexisting clientsthroughwordofmouth Priscillalovesnetworkingandfeels confidenttoleanintoher strengths.Ourexpertshelped Priscillatobeginhertransition fromsoletradertoDirectorofa CICandimplementanew approachtoherbusinessmodel. Priscillahasalsoexperienceda massiveboostinconfidence,being abletorefineherpitchandhost herfirstinternationalretreatin January2023.

Afterhergraduation,we commissionedPriscillatohosta wellnessworkshopfortheBlack andGoodbusinessprogrammein February2023tosupportherin buildinghernetworkandvisibility whileensuringwecanprovidea deeplyvaluableandvaried learningexperienceforthoseon theprogramme.

isfunding Black Communities

CommonCallwasfounded tosupportorganisationsled byBlackpeoplewithdeep knowledge,understanding andlivedexperienceofthe criticalissuestheyseekto solve.

TheBlackvoluntarysectorhas experiencedchallengesaccessing fundingformanyyearsDespite thechallenges,therearemany opportunitiestooTheoverriding desireofthesegroupsistowork 'onthesamepage'asfundersand tobeabletocommunicateopenly andhonestly.Thereisageneral recognitionofthestraightened timesbutalsoasensethatfunds coulddobettertoaddressthe needsofBlack-ledCSEs

Asanorganisation,DiNNhas developedauniqueinsightinto the'contractofunderstanding' betweenBlack-ledcharities,social enterprises,andfunders.The organisationisuniquelyplacedto navigatetheexpectationsofboth partiesandengender commitmentfromfundersto addressthemostpressingneeds intheUK'sBlackcommunity.

TheUK’simpactsectorisshifting fasterthanever;thelastfewyears havebeenanextraordinary journeyforequitablepracticein grantmakingandsocial investment.Weareseeingmore grantmakingandintermediary basedgrantmakingthroughlived experienceledorganisationslike ourselves

TheUK’simpactsectorisshifting fasterthanever;thelastfewyears havebeenanextraordinary journeyforequitablepracticein grantmakingandsocial investment.Weareseeingmore grantmakingandintermediary basedgrantmakingthroughlived experienceledorganisationslike ourselves

Throughourwork,DiNNhasfound awidegapbetweenperception andrealityregardingfunding practiceandtheextentofsupport forBlack-ledCSEs.Thetruthis probablybetweenthetwo,but thisgapisatestamenttoalackof confidenceinfundersborneoutof frustrationandsadnessat witnessingotherBlackgroupsfold afterfundsrunout.

DiNNisoneoftheUK’sfirstBlackledintermediariesandisinthe bestpositiontoaddresstheunmet needsofourcommunityina culturallyappropriateway

Establishedin2019,weare providingcost-effectivefund managementservicesand,filling anessentialgapinfunders'and localauthorities'attemptstomeet thediverseneedsoftheir communities.DiNNcandrawon itsfullrangeoforganisational strengthsforthebenefitofBlackledcharitiesandsocialenterprises

(CSEs):

Grant:anexperiencedgrant administratorwithafocuson buildingorganisational resilience.

Programmedesign: experienceininvestment readinessandbroaderbusiness readinessapproaches.

Frontlinesupport:business, investmentreadinessand impactadvisoryexpertiseas partofourassessmentanddue diligenceoffer.

Funddesign:investmentfund structuringandinvestmentmakingexpertise.

Networks:public,privateand third-sectorconnectionsacross theUKandinternationally

Inthefirstphase(2020)ofDiNN’s innovativefundingproject, CommonCall,16organisations receivedfundingworth£50K.This wasasignificantachievementfora sectorunusedtoonwardgrant distributionthroughBlack-led intermediaries.Thefunded organisationssupported communitiesoveraperiodof6 monthsatthepeakofthe pandemic.

Thisledtodiverseoutcomesfor theircommunities,including improvedgeneralwellbeing, reducedhardships,andfostered socialintegrationduringaperiod wherelockdownmeasures strainedsocialconnectionsAtthe closeofthefund,wefoundthat approximately60%oftheincome oftheUK'sBlack-led,Blackfocusedorganisationscomesfrom thepersonalsavingsand employmentincomeoftheir directors,whileapproximately 20%comesfromgrants

FollowingthesuccessofthePilot, wewentontorunFundTwoafter wereceivedfundingfromComic Relief'sGlobalMajorityFundto providefinancialsupporttoBlackledcharitiesandsocialenterprises thatCOVID-19had disproportionatelyimpactedinthe UKThe£300,000fundincluded contributionsfromBarclays, NationalEmergenciesTrust, EsméeFairbairnFoundation,The Clothworkers'Foundationand ComicRelief.Thefollowinggraphs showthecharacteristicsofthe organisationthatwehavefunded sincewebeganourworkasan intermediaryinthegrantfunding sector.

Thegraphsshowtheincome streams,typesoforganisations,the locationsinwhichwehave funded,thesectorsourgrantees workin,theirturnover,the demographyoftheirserviceusers andtheagesoftheirorganisations. Weareproudofthediversityofour fundingandbelieveittrulyreflects thescopeofBlack-led organisationsacrosstheUK

Demography

Children(under18)

YoungPeople(18-25)

RefugeesAsylum SeekersandMigrants

Women

Peoplewhoare unemployed(<3years)

Peoplewith LongTermConditions

Others

ParentsProfessionals, PeoplewithMentalHealth Conditions,OlderPeople (Over65)Entrepreneurs

FundTwowascharacterisedby increaseddealflowanddealsize, aswellasexpandingouroutreach toBlack-ledorganisationsmaking asignificantimpactacrossseveral sectors.

This,inturn,allowedthemto expandoutreachtotheirservice usersandcommunitieswhile makingasignificantimpact.We received1038eligibleapplications overthetwofunds,whichledto considerablecompetitionforthe availablefunds.Sincethen,we havemanagedfundsand designedfundingprogrammesfor clientssuchasBBCChildrenin NeedandImpactonUrban Health.

Whatwehavelearnedinthis periodisthatgrantfundingisnot enoughasasoleinterventionto ensurethecontinuedsustainability ofBlackledorganisationsWithin thefundinglandscapeother productsandmodelsmustbe engagedequally.Asaresultofthis finding,wehaveinvestedourtime andresearchcapacityinto investigationsthathelpus understandthepositionofBlack ledorganisationsinthesocial investmentspace.

SocialimpactinvestingintheUK hasgrownsix-foldoverthepast eightyears,increasingfrom£830 millionin2011to£5.1billionin 2019,accordingtofiguresreleased byBigSocietyCapital.Theirlatest annualmarketestimateshows thatmostofthegrowthduring thisperiodhascomethrough alternativestotraditionalbank lending,whichhavescaled20-fold from£169million(2011)to£3,388 million(2019)

Thisdiversityinthesocialimpact investmentmarkethasenabled differenttypesofinvestorstoenter themarketandincreasedthe availabilityoffinanceoptionsfor socialenterprisesandcharities. Mostrecently,between2018–2019,therewasalittleover20% increaseinthevalueofsocial impactinvestmentsintheUK (to£5.1billion).Thenumberof transactionsmadeinthesector increasedby18%yearlytomore than5,000in2019,with investmentscomingfromvarious institutions,includingventure capitalfunds,socialbanks,social propertyfunds,charitybonds andspecialistlenders.

However,onlysomeBlack-led CSEscantakeonsocial investment,asmostarestillearly andneedmorecapacityand developingrevenuestreams Basedonourexperienceasan intermediaryfunderto51Black-led CSEs,weknowthatunrestricted grantfundingofupto£30Kcan enableBlack-ledCSEsto sufficientlybuildcapacityasthe basisforviablegrowth.However, thereisalmostnofollow-on unrestrictedgrantfunding between£30-£100K.

Additionally,throughourtwo fundingprogrammes,wehave foundthatorganisationswith developingrevenuestreams require'patientcapital'toachieve amoresignificantimpactwhile retainingsufficientreserves essentialforlonger-termsustained growthandsocialinvestment.

Thisfundingmismatchis compoundedbyalackof collaborationamongfunders, whichresultsinhighcostsand timeconstraintsforthese organisationstosecuretheblend ofsupportneededtoachievetheir impactpotential.

In2021,wedisbursed£300,000in grantstoBlack-ledorganisations acrosstheUnitedKingdom.The fund,FundTwo,washighly competitive,aswereceivedover 600applicationsThroughthis work,wediscoveredthat97%of ourgranteesandpotential granteesidentifythemselvesas LivedExperienceleaders.

Successfulapplicants demonstratedthemostrobust businesscaseforachievable impactandfinancialsustainability

The36grantrecipientsare creatinganimpactinunderserved communities.Theawarded organisationsprimarilyaddress socialchallengesinthesekey areas:

Employment,educationand training

Arts,culture,andfaith

Mentalhealthandwellbeing

Communityandcitizenship

Racialjusticeandequality

Thegrantallowedthese organisationstocontinue deliveringtransformativeimpactin theircommunitiesandsupported theirlong-termdevelopment.

Thefundingweprovidedtothe 36organisationsallowedthem toincreasetheefficiencyof theirprogrammesandprovide servicestoafurther7,803 individualsover12months.

ManyBlack-ledCharitiesand SocialEnterprises(CSEs)intheUK thatarecapableof transformationalchangeand impactstruggletoachievetheir potentialbecause:

Theycannotaccess unrestrictedcorefunding

Theycannotaccessbusiness skillssupportandmentorship

Theylack“visibility”among manyfunders

Mostfundersonlyaddresspart oftheoverallneedsofthese foundersandCSEs

Littleactivecollaboration betweendifferentfunders resultsinsignificanttransaction costsanddelaysforBlack-led founderstosecurefunding.As aresult,mostBlack-led foundersremainsub-scaleand operateonaboot-strapped basiswithnoapparentability tofundlong-termgrowth.

Inadditiontotheabove,thereis limitedandfragmentedearlystagefundingforCSEsintheUK:

MostUKCSEsare“small”-87% haveannualincomesbelow £500K 90%ofallfundingavailable goestothecountry'stop13%of charitiesandsocialenterprises -"major"CSEsearningover £500Kayear

Early-stagefundraisingneeds tobemorecohesive,leadingto highcostsforsmallerCSEs(the groupmostBlack-ledCSEsfall into)

Mostfundingofferedatthe "small"stageisrestrictedtothe costofdeliveryprojects,leaving littlefororganisational development.

Thismakesitextremelyhardfor Black-ledCSEs,eventhosewith highpotential,todevelopscale andresilience.

Asanopeninnovation organisation,weinvestinour learningandfurtherdevelopment ofourinterventionsDiscovering thatasignificantlyhighproportion ofourcommunityidentifiesas livedexperienceleaderssetuson thepathtodeliveringanin-depth reportonthetopic

CentreBlackpublishedareport onthelivedexperienceofBlackledimpactorganisationsinthe UK.

Ourhopewiththepublicationof thisreportwastoshedlightonthe nuancedexperiencesofBlack peopleleadingCSEsandhowthe sectorcouldcontributetoamore equitablesystemtosupporttheir success.

Thefollowingarethe recommendationsfromourLived ExperienceReport: Fundersshouldplacemore valueonthelivedexperience ofBlack-ledimpact organisationstodeliverlocal programmes.

Non-fundedinvolvementin policydiscussionsisinsufficient todelivermeaningfulchange atthegrassrootslevel.

Fundersshouldusestaffwith livedexperienceinthe outcomeareastheyarelooking toeffectsocialchange.The lackoflivedexperiencewithin funderorganisationsleavesthe impressionthatapplication processesareunfairtoBlackledimpactorganisationsand causesunequaldistributionof funds Fundersneedtosetupmore visibilityaroundtheir operations.Black-ledimpact organisationsneedtoknow thatoperationalprocessesnot onlyseemfairandtransparent butare.

Fundersshouldprovide applicantswithmoredetailed feedbackwhenapplications areunsuccessful.Intheshort term,thisensuresthatBlackledimpactorganisationslearn fromtheirmistakesbut,inthe longterm,improvetheir conversionrate,aidinthe equitabledistributionoffunds andleveragethelargeamount oflivedexperienceatthe grassrootsforsocialchange.

Toreducethedistance betweenBlack-ledimpact organisationsandfunders, fundersshouldconsiderusing Black-ledintermediatefunders toaidtheequitable distributionoffundsinthe localcommunities Thiswould gosomewayinaddressingthe perceivedbiastowardsmore prominentorganisationsas wellaswhite-ledorganisations.

Black-ledimpactorganisations shouldreviewtheirlegal structurestodetermine whethertheyarebestsuitedto establishtrustandcredibility amongfundersandaidthe sustainabilityoftheir organisationsand programmes Black-ledimpactorganisations needtoworkingreater partnershipwithother organisationstobuildtheir collaborativeadvantageand thusincreasetheiraccessto resourcesandreducerisk

Black-ledimpactorganisations shouldbuildstrong relationshipswithlocalMPs andcouncillorsinordertogain greatersupport,financialand non-financial,intheirlocal communities

BlackLeadersare

Authentic Leaders

Wehaveinvestigatedthe leadershipcapacityofourgrantees anddeterminedthatthereis boundlessauthenticleadership displayedbytheUK’sBlacklived experienceleadersdaily

CentreBlackpublisheda researchreportintothelived experienceofBlack-ledimpact organisationsintheUK,which providesvaluableinsightsintothe day-to-dayaffairsofBlackleaders

Aspartofthisresearch,wenoticed manyinterestingthemes emergingaroundleadershipin theBlackcommunityWehope theinsightswillraiseawareness aroundleadershiptraitsamong thoselookingtosetuptheir businessesorleadonbroader issuesaffectingtheBlack communities.

Inourdiscussionswiththese leaders,whatcamethroughtous washowtheissuesraisedaligned withBillGeorge'sauthentic leadershipmodel.George's modelreducedthequalitiesof leadersintofivekeydimensions, andthethemeswhichcameout ofourdiscussionswereinlinewith theseunderlyingqualitiesof authenticleaderssuchaspurpose, heart,values,relationshipsand self-disciplineThefivekeytraitsof themodelare:

Pursuingtheirpurposewith passion

Practisingsolidvalues

Leadingwiththeirheartsas wellastheirheads

Establishingconnected relationships

Demonstratingself-discipline

Blackleadersdrivetheir organisationsbyamoraland ethicalpurposeanddonotlose sightoftheirvaluesandprinciples. Theyledwiththeirheart, developedlastingrelationships andachievedexcellencethrough self-discipline

Asauthenticleaders,their colleaguesrespondedpositivelyto them,andtheirorganisationsalso benefitedfromthisauthenticity.

Lookingateachofthese dimensionsinturn,wefound:

Pursuingtheirpurpose withpassion

"Butatthesametime,it's importantformetobemyself andnotbecomesomeoneelsein thatrole;Istillwanttoremain authentic,essentiallyandalsoto respectmyfeelingsaboutthings."

TheBlackleaderswespoketo werepassionateabouttheareasin whichtheyworked.Theyallhada deepsenseofpurposeforwhat theyweretryingtoachieve,partly duetotheirlivedexperiences,that is,theirpersonalexperiencesof theproblemstheyweretryingto solveTheywerealsohighly motivatedbytheirworksincethey allbelievedintheirintrinsicworth.

Practisingsolidvalues

"Soyouhavetobetheretostand upforgoodcauses,tostandup forthosewhocan'tstandontheir own,youknowOtherwise,you don'tgetanything"

OnceBlackleadersfindthe purposethatignitestheirpassion, mainlythroughtheirlived experiences,theystaytruetotheir establishedvalues.Theyacted followingthesevaluesbymaking significantsacrificestostickto them.

Leadingwiththeirhearts aswellastheirheads

Establishingconnected relationships

"Weworkinpartnershipwiththe localauthorityandother stakeholdersInthiscountry,ifyou don'tdare,youdon'tgetanything, youdon'treceiveanything"

Enduringrelationshipsbasedon theirconnectednesswith stakeholdersisthetrademarkof Blackleadership.Theyachievethis bybeingopen,sharingand committedtotheserelationships toachievetheirgoals.

Demonstrating self-discipline

"I'vebeenreally,reallyhappyto helpthecommunityandstand upforthecommunity,notonly theFrenchcommunitybutalso ourlocalcommunity." Sensitivitytotheneedsoftheir communitiesandakeen willingnesstohelpwashighly representedinthesamplegroup ofBlackleaders.Theseleaders demonstratedadeepcompassion formembersoftheircommunities andworkcolleagues.

"Isupposeoneofthemostuseful bitsofadviceIhadaround leadershipwasjusttobecalmin thefaceofthingsbeingupside downbecausenobody'sinstilled withconfidencebyaleaderwho's emotionallyjustonaroller coaster"

Highlevelsoffocusanddiscipline typifytheBlackleaders'styleof engagement.Theyarevery focusedontheirgoalsand consistentlymoveforwardtowards thosegoals,eveninthefaceof significantsetbackssuchasthe COVID19pandemic

Inasystemthatundersupports andunderfundsBlack-led organisations,weneedtoensure thatthistraitsareconsistently fosteredanddevelopedtoensure bestpracticeandoutcomesfor theunderservedcommunities theseBlacklivedexperience leadersworkin.

"I'mactuallygoingthroughsome traininginthatarea[leadership] Andthat'sbecauseofafundthat wehadappliedforIthought,oh, hangonIt'dbegoodactuallyto godeeperintothisbecause leadershipisreallyimportant Whatistheleader?Whatmakes agoodleader,examplesof charityleaders?Sometimeswe getthatwe'releaders;Ijustthink weforgetthat.Youneedtobe reminded,andyourskillsneedto berefreshed."

SomeofourBlackleaderswere unawarethattheypossessedthese essentialtraitsassociatedwith authenticleadersWehopeBlack leadersareencouragedbythe informationprovidedinthisblog andcommittoleadership developmentprogrammes,such astheCommonCallLived ExperienceFellowship Programme,tounearthand developtheseareasoftheir authenticleadershipskills.

Meetour

2021-2022Grantees

Hereisalistofthefantastic organisationthatwehave supportedinthisperiod.

FundTwoGrantees

£5000Award

Activities4U,London

AfricanYouthDevelopment

Association,London

AidExcelSupportServices, London

EbonistaProject,Luton

Elimu,London

Fico’sWorld,London

Girlsintocoding,London

GrosvenorRoadStudios, London

Kunsaka,London

MelaninMedics,Luton

MMARAPEnrichment,London

PlasmaofHope,Walsall

ShopandDonateCIC,London

SpecialNeedsCommunityCIC, London

Street2Boardroom,Bristol

ThinkherAmbition,London

UltimateCounsellingCIC, London

ViSHEbility,London

WalkWithMeUK,London

WokeFinance,London

FundTwoGrantees

£12,500Award

2020Change,London

AfricanFrenchSpeaking

CommunitySupport, Birmingham

BrightFutures4All,London

BrixtonWings,London

CommunityInfosource,Glasgow

Da’aroYouthProject,London

DataKirk,Edinburgh

Houria,Bristol

JamboRadio,Glasgow

MillenniumCommunity Solutions,London

Motivez,London

Rekindle,Manchester

SickleCellCareManchester, Manchester

SuccessClub,London

TheSafetyBoxYouth

Programs,London

Triangular,Newcastle

Onthebasisofourgrantfundingwork,theCentreBlackteamhas deliveredatypologytodeterminethedifferenttypesoforganisations thatexistintheBlackcommunity.Wehavedividedtheminto4 archetypes;Palms,Maples,HibiscusesandVines.

Palms Maples Hibiscuses Vines

Black-ledorganisationsinthis businessarchetype(calledPalms) areoverwhelminglydependenton onesourceoffunding(grant fundingcontributeto97%of revenue).Theyarepalm-likein structurehavingaverydistinct sourceofrevenueTheytendto haveannualturnoversofbetween £50k-£150k,and6-10years experienceeventhoughthereare significantnumbersalsohaving 20+yearsexperiencePalmsare mostlikelytobeorganisationsin thedevelopmentandgrowth stages.Comparedtotheother archetypestheyaremostlikelyto haveCIOandcharitieslegal structures.

MaplesareBlack-ledorganisations thatmostlydependontwo sourcesoffunding(96%grant funding;and18%personal savings)Theyaremaple-likein structurehavingtwomainsources ofrevenue:amainsourceof incomewithasmallerbut significantsecondarysource.They canberelativelysmall organisationswithannual turnoversofbetween£10k-£50k butalsolargerorganisationswith £150-£500kannualturnover.They arelikelytobestartupand developmentstageorganisations with6-20yearsexperience.They aremorelikelytoberegisteredas charities.

HibiscusesareBlack-led organisationwiththreemain sourcesoffundingwithgrant fundingmakingthelargest contribution(87%grantfunding; 29%personalsavings;26% employmentincome).Theyare shrub-likeinthattheyarerelatively smallorganisationswithmultiple branchesofrevenuetotalling around£10k-£50kperannum. Theyaremorelikelytobestartups thanorganisationsoftheother archetypes,andhavinglessthan5 yearsexperience.Theyarealso morelikelythanother organisationstobelegally registeredasCICLtdbyguarantee

Vinesaremicro-sizedBlack-led organisationswiththemost diversesourcesofincome(51% grantfunding;49%personal savings;and35%employment income).Theyarevine-likeinthat theirrevenueportfolioisvery diversecontainingmultiple sourcesoffundingwithoutone fundingstreamdominatingthe portfolio.Theytendtohavea turnoveroflessthan£10kper annumandlessthan5years experiencealthoughthereare somewith20+yearsexperience. Theyaremorelikelythan organisationsintheother archetypestoberegisteredasLtd byshares,soletraders,or unincorporated.

BlackWomxnareachievingtheir

MoonLanding

Therearemomentsinlife whenweunlockour understandingoracceptance ofourtruepotential,thatis,a moonlanding.It'sthesortof thingthatremindsyouthat anythingispossiblebecause eventheimpossibleis probableundertheright circumstances.

MyMoonLandingbelievesthat Blackwomxn,BlackLGBTQ+and Blacknon-binarypeopleare centraltothefutureoftheBlack community;thereforeaimsto ensurethatBlackwomxnand non-binaryBlackpeopleare supportedtobuildsocial communityprojectsforthebenefit oflocalBlackcommunitiesinthe UK.MyMoonLandingempowers thepassionanddrivethatalready existsintheBlackcommunityby givingBlackwomxn,Black LGBTQ+andBlacknon-binary peopletheskills,connectionsand resourcestobuildprojectsthatwill supportthemselvesandthe community.

MyMoonLandingbelievesthat Blackwomxn,BlackLGBTQ+and Blacknon-binarypeopleare centraltothefutureoftheBlack community;thereforeaimsto ensurethatBlackwomxnand non-binaryBlackpeopleare supportedtobuildsocial it jtfthb fit

Theproblemissowell acknowledgedwithinour communityweoftenfind ourselvesswappingstoriesand tipsreadilyinhopesof contributingtotheFinancial Freedomofaclosefriendorfamily member.

Notetheword"freedom"there. Whilefinanceisn'ttheonlyfactor, accordingtotheWorldBankand DanaHarringtonConner's2014 paperintheWilliamandMary JournalofRace,GenderandSocial Justice,accesstofinance,coupled withtheotherkeysinplace,will leadtolonger-termsuccessand morerobustsustainabilityinthe future.

Respondents'top3financial goalsforthenextfiveyearsare homeownership(66%), stickingtobudget(49%),and buildinganemergencyfund (49%) Basiclivingexpenses(34%), Debt(23%)andfinancial commitmentstowardsfamily (23%)arethebiggest challengespreventing respondentsfromachieving theirfinancialgoals

26%ofrespondentsnevertalk aboutmoneyandfinances withtheirpeers.Thatsaid,6% dosodaily,17%weekly,29% monthlyand23%quarterly

Thisinformationsupportedthe developmentofoursupport programme.MyMoonLandingisa ground-breakingsupport mechanismthatempowersBlack womxn,LGBTQ+andnon-binary people.

TheFinancialFundamentals programme;atrainingcourseto provideskillsandtoolstodevelop thekeyfinancialskillsnecessaryfor personaldevelopmentand financialsustainability

Despitebeing3%morelikelyto reportabusetothepolice,Black womxnare14%lesslikelytobe effectivelysupportedoutofthe abusivesituation,accordingto Refuge.Statisticslikethesemake itincreasinglycrucialforBlack womxntoachievefinancial independencesothatitispossible tomakeawayoutofabad situationwhennecessary.

Basedonourconcernsoverthe keyissuestheresearchindicates, weundertookasurveywithour communitymembersand discoveredthefollowing:

34%and43%ofrespondents knowhowmuchmoneytheir friendsandfamilymembers aremakingrespectively

Withanextra£1,000amonth, 83%ofrespondentssaidthat theirmentalhealthwould improvegreatly.

Inupcomimgarticles,wehear fromexternalexperts,Thelma (Glasgow)andFi(London),who deliverhigh-qualitytrainingthat benefitsfromtheirday-to-day deep-rootedengagementsinthe financeworldaswelltheirown livedexperienceInaddition,we applyourASAPmethodologyto deliverthistraining,ensuringa user-centeredapproach

Thecohort-basedintervention aimstosupportBlackwomxn, BlackLGBTQ+andBlacknonbinarypeoplebasedinLondonor Glasgowwhoearnbelow£25,000 ayearwithpersonalfinance-based trainingtoequipthemwith information,resources,andtoolsto improvetheirsavingsandmanage theirdebtandbudgetmore effectively.Theprogramme consistsof:

Threeweeksofcoreskills trainingfocusedonmanaging yourdebt,increasingyour wealthgapandbudgeting effectively

1-2-1Expertsupporttohelp participantspersonalisetheir learningandmanagetheir finances

Widerskillstrainingsessions thatfocusontopicssuchas settingfinancialgoals,wealth, andinvestment

Accesstoaninteractiveprivate groupspaceonouronline network,aspacewhere memberscanexploreawide varietyofevents,Q&As, professionaldevelopment opportunities,etc,andhave theexperienceofbeingpartof atightlyknitlearning community

ThereisafutureinwhichallBlack womxncanfullyengageinour society'ssystemseffectively, benefitfromitentirelyand navigateitdeftly.Thatisthefuture weareworkingtowards,whichis whywechampionthefinancial freedomofBlackwomxn.

Meet Thelma

Thelma(DrTee)isavery passionateandenthusiastic individualwhoiskeentoempower communitiesAsaresearcher,her interestsarecommunity development,financialinclusion andgenderjusticeThelma'sdesire topromotefinancialinclusionas aninstrumentforpoverty alleviation,mobilityand empowermentresultedina doctoraldegreeexamininghow microfinanceinstitutionscan promotefinancialinclusion.

DrTeeisacertifiedfinancial educationinstructor,andnothing giveshermoresatisfactionthan seeingindividuals,especially women,takeownershipoftheir livesthroughimprovedfinancial capabilitySheisalecturerat GlasgowCaledonianUniversity, Scotland,wheresheteaches modulesrelatingtosocietypromotinggreaterawarenessand understandingofsocietalrisksand howtomitigatethem.

DrTeeasserts,"Itcanbeargued thatfinancialexclusionisariskto societyandanyeconomy.This,no doubt,hasamultipliereffect, affectinggeneralwellbeing negativelyandpressurising alreadystretchedsystemsand sectors(health,crime,justice etc)"

Outsideoftheseroles,she volunteerswithmany organisationsandinadiverse capacityasatrustee,member, Chairandmore.Wehadachance tospeaktoThelmaabout everythingtodowithfinancial freedomandthechallengesfaced byBlackwomenconcerning money.

Inaninterview,Thelmasharedthe followingaboutthechallenges andinsightsoftheworkshedoes.

Whataresomeofthe challengesyouhavefacedin termsofintersectionalityand/or financialindependence?

Asastart-up,ithasbeendifficult tryingtosecureloansHowever, wehavegrownourbrand,Jezreel, toapointwhereweareselfmanaging.Ourclientbasehas grownthankstosatisfied,repeat clientswhoreferotherstoour organisation.However,aswe expand,wewilldefinitelyneed financialsupport,andatthistime, wehopetheoutcomewillbe markedlydifferent.

Tellusmoreaboutyourselfand whatyourgoalsinlifelooklike. Whatareyourinterests?What areyourfears?

Wehavedevelopedatheoryof changeonwherewe'dliketosee Jezreelinthenextfiveyears;a

trustedbrandbuildingan effectiveandleaneco-system

Thiswillpromotesocialmobility forindividualswhilst strengtheningthegroupsthatdo incredibleworkinsupporting communities.However,werealise thatweneedtoworkondoingit independentlyandmust collaboratewithlike-minded organisations,including governmentagencies.

HowhasbeinginvolvedwithMy MoonLandinghelpedyouwith mentalhealthandfinancial independence?

Asatrainer,wheneverIam developingmaterialsfor impactingknowledgeand motivatingpeopletoact,Ialso evaluatemypersonal circumstancestoensurethatI ampractisingwhatIpreach.

Doyouhavesome advice/inspirationalquotesyou livebyorthathaveimpacted you?

Itallstartswithmanagingyour financesWhenyouarefinancially empowered,dealingwithother lifecircumstancesiseasierTake chargeofyourfuture;improve yourfinancialskillslivethelife youdesireandlovethelifeyou live!

Whatwasyourfinancial experiencelikegrowingup?

Iwasbornintoamiddle-class family.Mymumwasateacher, andmydadworkedasa marketingmanagerinseveral companies,includingLever Brothers.Icomefromalarge family-whenIsaylarge,Imean large!However,myparents providedallweneededandsome ofourwants.Wedidnotfeel deprivedasallourneedswere metbymyparents

Whofirsttaughtyouabout money,andwhereareyou confidentfinancially?

Mymumtaughtusallfinancial disciplineAsateacher,sheisvery articulateandmeticulousextremelyprudentAgain,withso manychildren,mymumalways shopsinbulkThisisoften cheaperandalsoensureswedo notexperiencestockoutShewas partofacooperativewherethey dothingsincommon,including buyingcows,rice,toiletriesetc

Whatpreconceptionsdidyou have/ordidthey(theperson thatfirsttaughtyouabout money)have?

Mybeliefsaboutfinancestodate wereshapedbymymum'sown perception.Thereistheneedto planforarainyday!Whenallis well,save!Whenthingsaren't goingsowell,stillsave.Neverbe caughtunaware!Idevelopeda savingsmindset,whichhas helpedmeinlifeItrytomaintain ahealthybalancebetween savingsandexpenditure

Myhusbandalwaysteasesme“Yousayyoudon'thavemoney, butwhenmoneymattersarise, moneycomesout"!

Isthereanythingelse?

Nothingreally,justthatthenew generation,ortheyounger generationofBlackwomen,born andbredintheUK,needtolearn tobemorefinanciallyprudentnotchasingafterthelatest gadget,clothesetc.Don'tgetme wrong,there'snothingwrongwith theseitems,butIguess, moderationiskey!Theyounger womenshouldalsonotbeafraid tosay,“No,Icannotaffordthis” andnotbeswayedbypeer pressure!

Whatdoyouthinkarethe solutionsthattheMML communityneedstothrive financially?

Doyouseeanyofthese preconceptionsshowingupin Blackwomentoday?

Shewouldgotothethen-popular Mile12marketinLagos,Nigeria, togetbasketsofpepper,onions, potatoesetcWithallthese,Iam extremelyconfidentwithsavings andbudgetingIamfullyaware ofmyneedsversuswantsand thatofmyimmediatefamily

Ithinkcultureplaysavitalrolein dictatingandguidingallaspects ofourlivesThisisespeciallysofor Blackwomenthatgrewupin AfricaThecommunallifealso influencesyourperceptionof money-makeyourmoneywork foryou!There'salsothe spiritual/religiousaspectof money,suchasbeingagood stewardofallGodhascommitted intoyourhands,including finance.Moneyhaswings,donot lovemoneyasit'stherootofall eviletc.

Keepeducatingwomen!Provide one-to-onesessions,understand themindsetofwomenandkeep creatingawarenessofthe relationshipbetweenfinancial prudence,financial empowermentandgeneral wellbeing

Lastly,whatdidyoulearnfrom attendinganyoftheMML programmesorevents?

BeingafacilitatoronanMML programmehasfurtheropened myeyestotheneedtokeep empoweringwomenviafinancial inclusionAfinanciallystable womanhasavoiceandcan betterappreciatethemselvesand createhealthierboundaries

Meet Afiya

qualifiedwithafinance backgroundworkingtosupport individualsandentrepreneursto buildtheirfinancialfutures.She hasbeenaself-employed entrepreneur,soletrader,and limitedcompanydirectorfor severalyears.Herexperiencealso includesleadershipandbusiness growth.Hergoalsinlifearetolive andworkinawaythatisas autonomousandflexibleas possible.

Fico-createdherbusinessbecause sherealisedagapinboth confidenceandknowledgefor manyfreelancers,smallbusiness start-upsandtheself-employed regardingaccountingandfinance. Shealsorealisedsmallownermanagedbusinessesneedmore resources(timeormoney)todivert theirattentiontoaccountingand awayfromtheirmostcrucialdaily roleofrunningthebusiness.She hasbeenaself-employed entrepreneur,soletrader,and limitedcompanydirectorfor severalyears.Herexperiencealso includesPeopleStrategy, LeadershipandBusinessGrowth

HerbusinessCocoFinancialisa family-runbusinessthatsupports early-stagemicro-businessesto takecontroloftheaccountingand financesideofthebusiness.Using herexpertiseandqualifications, CocoFinancialisafantastic avenuetohelpothersmall businessownerswithfinancial questions.

Fisharedwithussomeofthecore insightsofherfinancialjourneyin arecentinterview.

Whatwasyourfinancial experiencelikegrowingup?

Iwastaughtaboutmoneyfroma veryyoungage.Mymumwasa retailbankmanagerandgave meveryearlylessonsabout savingmoney

Whofirsttaughtyouabout money,andwhereareyou confidentfinancially?

Myparents-especiallymum!I wasconfidentsavingfrom childhood,andbyadulthoodwas verycomfortablewith understandinghowtotakeon 'good'debt

Doyouseeanyofthese preconceptionsshowingupin Blackwomentoday? Yes,often-whichiswhyIpromote financialliteracytochangethis perception.

Whatdoyouthinkarethe solutionsthattheMML communityneedstothrive financially?

Tounlockamoneymindset,and besurroundedbyexamplesof peoplethrivingwho'looklike them'.

Lastly,whatdidyoulearnfrom attendinganyMML programmesorevents?

Thereneedstobemore confidenceandascarcity mindsetratherthanan abundancemindsetinalarge proportionofparticipants.Ihope theMMLprogrammeshave challengedthis.

Whatpreconceptionsdidyou have/ordidthey(theperson thatfirsttaughtyouabout money)have?

Savingwasagoodthing,but investingwas'toorisky'or'notfor everydaypeoplelikeus'

Evenbeforethepandemic,Black youngpeoplewereoften discriminatedagainstbasedon ethnicityduringrecruitment.With areductioninavailable employmentduetoCovid batteringtheeconomy,thegrim realitywasthatthisdiscrimination wouldgetworseThenewbriefing byTheResolutionFoundation sadlyconfirmsthis.Itsresearch foundthatbeforethepandemic, '25%ofeconomicallyactiveBlack 16–24-year-oldswereunemployed, comparedto10%oftheirWhite counterparts.'Theunemployment rateamongBlackyoungpeopleis 34%comparedto13%among Whiteyoungpeople.

Thesefindingsdon'tsurpriseus. Everysingleoneoftheyoung peopleweworkwithhasbeen economicallyimpactedbythe pandemicandarestillstruggling tofindsustainablework.On average,theyhavebeen unemployedforsevenmonths beforeengagingwithus,and90% self-reportfeelingoverwhelmed andpessimisticaboutthefuture.

60%alsostatethattheydonot haverelationshipswithpeoplein thecareerstheyareinterestedin engagingwith,leavingthem unpreparedforacompetitivejob marketintheirchosenfield.

VoltageRevolution

We'recommittedtobreaking downbarriersbyproviding accesstoindustryexperts, paidopportunitiesandother resourcesaswellassupport formentalhealthandwellbeing.

Webelievetoimprove employmentprospectsforyoung peopleduringandaftertheCovid19crisis,weneedtoworkwith themdirectlytoempowerthemto givevoicetotheirexperiencesand aspirations.WiththeResolution Foundationhighlightingthat16-24 year-oldsaccountforthemost significantshareofthosefinding themselvesunemployedinthelast year(57%),thereisanurgentneed tofindnewsolutionstotacklethis head-onItisalreadyhavinga significantimpactonthemental healthofyoungpeople,with relativelylownumbersofBlack youngpeopleseekinghelp-andit isworryingwhatlastingeffectit couldhaveforallyoungpeople.

YoungBlackcreativesintheUK areconsistentlybeingleftoutof opportunitiestohelpthemtake controloftheirfuture.Giventhis disparity,theVoltageRevolution programmewasspecifically designedtoprovideaccessto learninganddevelopment opportunitiesthatfosterthe creativegrowthoftheso-called “hardtoreach”Blackcreatives whilefosteringasenseof wellbeingthroughcommunity andtailoredinterventions

Ourevaluationshowedthat94 individuals(aged18-24)

completedthepreprogramme survey,returningamean WEMWBSscoreof47.88,and15 individualscompletedthepost programmesurveyyieldinga WEMWBSscoreof49.2.This representsanincreaseby+132in themeanscorepre-programmeto post-programme.Whilstthisdid notrepresentastatistically significantincreaseinthemean score,wecancautiouslysaythat theprogrammehashadapositive effectonparticipants'mentalwellbeing.

Comparingthepreandpost programmeWEMWBSmean scorestothenationalaverageof thoseaged16-24yearsold, revealedthatthescoresfor individualsenteringthe programmewassignificantlylower thanthenationalaveragefortheir comparativeagegroupHowever, post-programmeitwasnolonger significantlydifferenttothe nationalaverage.Inotherwords, thoseleavingtheprogrammehad similarmentalhealthscoresto theirpeers,whichwasnotthecase whentheyenteredthe programme

VoltageRevolutionoffersdiverse resourcesandservices,including workshops,masterclasses,1:1 mentorshipandcoachingBy employingahybridmodelofinpersonCoreSkillsessionsand onlineresources,Voltage Revolutionisaccessibleand scalable,maximisingitsimpact ThroughVoltageRevolution,DiNN demonstratesourunwavering commitmenttonurturinga supportivecommunityforthenext generationofyoungBlackcreative talents,pavingthewayfora brighterfutureintheCreative Industries

WepartneredwithSpotifytohost TheSpotifyPodcastClub,themed podcastdiscussionsbetween participantsintheVoltage Revolutionprogrammeand professionalsatSpotify.Thevision wastosupportcommunity, regardlessofsocioeconomic status,tothriveanddevelop academicallybychallengingand inspiringthemtonewwaysof thinkingUltimatelythepurpose wastocontributetoanincreased ambitionandresilienceandfor thecommunitytofulfillcareer goals.

Theformatwasamonthlysession whereyoungBlackpeoplewithin theVRcommunityandSpotify professionalslistentoonepodcast episodeonvaryingsocial-issue topicsandcomepreparedwith notesaheadofthemeeting,ready tosharetheirinsightsand reflectionsTheinteractions betweentheparticipantsandthe Spotifyprofessionalsconsistedof sharingtheirexperiencesonwhen theyfirstrealisedtheywereBlack indifferentcontextsandhow thoserealisationsaffectedtheir lives.Ithasbeeninterestingtosee thesimilaritiesintheirstories whilstalsoservingasareminder thattheseconversationsabout identityarecrucialtobuilding awarenessandcreatingsafe spacesforusRegardingthis programme,aVoltageRevolution participantshared,

"IfIcoulddescribethissession,I wouldsayitfeltlikeahug.Asa Blackwoman,itwasamazingto besurroundedbypeoplethat lookedlikemeand,most importantly,inanenvironment thatwasmeantformetoo.Itwas alsoveryusefulandeducational Thereweresomanytipsand practicesIamgoingtostart implementinginmyday-to-day life"

ManythankstotheSpotifyteam forcollaboratingwithus.

Meet Sandra

Mycreativeinterestsvary,butIam apostgraduateIllustratorwhohas hadamassiveinterestinBusiness Management,MarketingandArt.I havebeeninfluencedalotby music,andmycolourfulartwork demonstratesexactlyhowmusic playsaroleinwhatIcreate.

Asacreative,Ifacedmany challenges,fromimposter syndrome,burnoutandlackof representationwithinthe Illustrationworld.Another challengeIhavefacedisnot havinganidealofthetypeofroleI wouldliketodo,butknowingthat bybeingconsistent,Iwouldfind mypassion.Anotherchallengeis thatmanyuniversitiesnever prepareyoufortherealworld, suchasnetworkingandfinding yourtribe,applyingforjobs,setting upfinancialgoals,orevenjust identityMostofthethingsIlearnt werethehardway,mainlylearning onthegoandmakingmistakesby allowingmyselftobeabeginner

VoltageRevolutioncametome whenIneededthemostsupport andtobesurroundedbyaBlack creativecommunitywhichIlacked somuchatuniversity.

AftermyMA,Ihadnosenseof directionandfeltpurposelessI sawthisprogrammeonTikTok, andtooktheopportunitytosign up,scepticalafterhavingsigned upforsimilarprogrammesthat weren'tthebestandhada massivenegativeimpactonmy confidence.VoltageRevolution hasstucktotheirwords,andtheir actionsmeettheirvaluesand beliefsIfeltverywelcomeand caredforfromtheverystart,and sofar,VoltageRevolutionhasbeen asafespaceformetoattend weeklyormonthlyworkshops whereIcanputmyguarddown andbemyauthenticself.

Partakinginthisprogramme,I gainedsomuchconfidence;atthe beginning,Iwasverymute,never wantingtosharemyartworkwith anyoneincasesomeonestolemy workButasIcontinuedattending differentworkshopsduringthe year,myconfidenceinnetworking grew,andfromnothavinga websiteportfoliotoworkingona creativeCVtoevenputtingmy wellbeingsupportfirst.Igainedso muchfromtheprogrammethatI wouldn'thavedoneallalone

Rightnow,thebiggestchange fromtheprogrammeformeand mycareerisknowingthat consistencycomesalongwayin life.Icametoarealisationofhow importantitisnottosufferin silenceorbattleyourpainin silence.Alsohowimportantitisto shareitwithothersorthatbeing aroundpeoplethatlooklikeyou canhavesuchahugeimpacton yourperspectiveandhowyouview theworld.

Soforme,thechangewasthatmy artworkgrew.Myfearofnot wantingpeopletostealmy artworkwithoutgivingmecredit madeitveryhardformetobelieve inmyselfDuetomyconsistency andspeakingtoothersaboutit withintheprogramme,I developedthishugeconfidenceof notwantingtohidemytalentby sharingitonline

Thisprogrammetaughtmeso muchaboutmywellbeing, focusingonthethingsIcan create/controlandbeing surroundedbyyoungBlack creativeslikemyselftoseethem strivingintheirfieldhasallowed metochooselifeandknowthat consistencyiskey.

Mycreativeworkinvolves producingandrecordingmusic acrossvariousgenres.Ienjoy exploringandexperimentingwith alltypesofsoundsinmycreations. However,Ihavefacedchallenges onmycreativejourney,suchas burnout.TherearetimeswhenI getstuck,andnomatterhow muchItry,Ican'tseemtomove forward.InthosemomentswhenI stepawayfrommywork,my creativitystartstoflowagain.

Myoverallexperiencewiththe VoltageRevolutionprogramme hasbeenfantastic.I'vemetand interactedwithvariouspeople fromdifferentwalksoflifeand creativefields,suchasillustrators, writers,andphotographers.The programmehashelpedme becomemorededicatedtomy craft,andInowhaveaclearer senseofwhereIwanttogowith mymusicproduction.Before joiningtheprogramme,Iwas unsureaboutmydirectioninthe musicindustry.

InadditiontothechallengesI've facedinmycreativejourney,Ialso haveASD(AutismSpectrum Disorder),whichsometimesmakes itdifficultformetoform interpersonalconnectionswith others.However,theVoltage Revolutionprogrammehasbeen incrediblysupportiveinthis regard.

Throughtheprogramme,I'vebuilt connectionswithpeoplewith similarinterestsandchallenges Theenvironmenthasbeen welcomingandunderstanding, allowingmetofeelcomfortable expressingmyselfandengaging withothersThissupporthas positivelyimpactedmycreative workandgreatlyimprovedmy abilitytoformmeaningful relationshipswithmypeersinthe creativecommunity.

MyfavouritepartoftheVoltage Revolutionexperiencehasbeen theinteractionsandconversations withotherparticipantsWe've sharedourjourneys,strengths,and weaknesses,andit'sbeenagreat wayforustoconnectandgrow together.I'vealsoenjoyedthe programme'sengagingactivities, asthey'vehelpedusbondandstay involvedinourcreativepursuits.

Youwillfindyourselves surroundedbyemployeeswhoare eitherdisengagedtothepointof silenceorplanningtheirescape:

Disengagedtothepointof silence:employeesthatdon't botherspeakingupanymore becausetheyhaveno confidenceinthepotentialfor realchange.

Planningtheirescape: employeesareactivelylooking fornewrolesrightnow,sotheir workproductivitynoticeably reduces.

Despitethisknowledge,these brokenworkplacesexist throughoutthesector.Onefocus groupintervieweewhowas planningtheirescapeexplained theirexperiencethisway:

"wheneverythinghappenedin thesummer[of2020],therewere somanygrandpromisesabout thechangetocome,but18 monthson,everythingisbackto normal,nothingsignificant changed,eventhethingswe thoughtwouldmakeabig differencemadenodifferenceat all."

Muchhasbeendone,andtoolittle achieved,tocreatenewsystems andembednewpracticesThe sectorneedstoensureanaccurate andlastingturnaroundthat invigoratescreativity,passionand productivityintheshortandlong termWe'regivinguponD&Iaswe knowit,takingthelessonsand makingsomethingnew,and boundinsystemschange.

DoitNowNow’sanswertocreate aclearandeffectiveapproachis Melding.The‘MeldingApproach’ offersatried-and-truemodelof D&Istrategyintegrationthatis tailor-madeforeachorganisation atanaffordablepriceenablingthe forwardmotionofinterorganisationalculturetoensure lastingimpactMeldingisbuiltto holisticallydesignandintegrate measurestoachievePrinciple6of theCharityGovernanceCode, meetfunderexpectations,satisfy theneedsofemployeesand improveoutcomesforservice users.

Meldingoffersparticipating organisationsunlimitedD&I trainingledbyMeldingExperts, insightreportsbasedonsectorwidelearningstoguidedecision making,research-based recommendationsand implementationguides customisedtotheorganisation's individualneeds,internalD&I policyreviewtoensurepositive changeisachievedaswellasa certificateofD&Iachievement throughtheprogramme.

Throughtheofferoftheseservices, Meldingensuresthatevery memberofthecharitysector workforcecanfeelsafeand supportedintheirworkplaceand industry.

Meldingempowerstheworkforce toadopttheinclusivepractices necessarytoincreasediversity, improveemployeeexperience, alignmissionandvision,and ensureeffectiveleadership developmentbyutilising qualitativeandquantitativedata toleaddecisionsabouthowto developandinvestininternal culture.WeensurethatD&I becomespartofthecoreDNAof ourclient'sorganisations

Melding'sworkwiththese organisationsensureseffective internalandexternalinclusion practicesThemoreinclusivean organisationisinternally,themore inclusivetheirservicesandservice userswillbe,therefore,the broadertheirbaseofoperations.

Theimpactsectorisstartingto regulate,andensuringwehavea mindsetofmaintainingprogressis essential.Toooften,wehaveheard accountsofD&Itrendsbornfrom politicalandsocietaleventswith nolong-termvisionandthat things"fallbackintooldhabits" Theapproachweuseensuresthat thischangeisbakedin,somuch sothatitbecomesacorepartof theorganisation'soverall sustainability

AfricanDream

Asanorganisation,wedonot shyawayfromour responsibilitytotheBlack communityinAfrica.Itisof greatimportancetousthat theopportunitiesweare affordedintheUKare leveragedtoimproveAfrica's supportandmobility ecosystem.

Wedecidedearlyonthatourfocus inAfricawouldbeondeveloping thetechecosystem,with particularattentionpaidtoearlystagestartups.Thishasallowedus toprovideworld-classnetworks andexpertisetoveryearly-stage businessesacrossthecontinent, someofwhomhaveraised upwardsof£1mfromUKandUS sourcesasadirectresultofour workwiththem.

WithAfriTechXYZ,wehavea dream-raisingawarenessofthe developmentsintheAfricantech spacetomillionsworldwide.We askedsomeofourcommunity memberstocontributetoour thinkingonthissubjectbysharing whattheirdreamforAfricaisalso:

CharlotteOdunlade-Akeju, Tremendoc: Tobethemostvibrantand innovativecontinentintheworld.

AdewaleYusuf,TalentQL: AfricamyAfricaIhonestlywant ourleaderstohavemoresense Moresensebringsmore opportunitiesWearenot disabled,butourleadersare greedyandhaveleftthecitizens inabeggingpositionWearenot victims,wehavealotofresources, butwejustneedbetter governanceandinfrastructurein orderforAfricatothrive

EyitayoOgunmola,Utiva: Acontinentof650millionyoung peoplewiththerightskillsthat globalcompaniescan’tresist

AngieMadara,Growd: IdreamofanAfricawhere everyonehasgotaccessto differentservicesthatwillhelp themcompetegloballyonan equalplayingfieldForthisto happen,theprivatesector,public sector,donorcommunitiesand mediashouldworktogether

ChiomaOkotcha,Payhippo: Growth.Development.Innovation. Hubforcreation.

TundeKara,VendeaseAfrica: MydreamforAfricaisthatpeople willbelessreliantonfaithand morereliantonsystemsthat workTheaverageAfricanprays forthingsthatareeasily accessibleinmoredeveloped nations

IkennaNzewi,Releaf: Ourgoalistocatalyseagro-based industrialisationacrossthe continentforsharedprosperity. Nophenomenoninthehistoryof theworldhasmovedmorepeople outofextremepovertyandinto sharedprosperitythan industrialisationandwewantto drivethisdevelopmentacrossthe continentimmediately.

JoeKinvi,HoaQ: Economicempowermentfor everysingleAfricanOnewhere peopledon’tthinkabout immigrationanymorebecause theyaresuccessfulwithinthe continentandtechnologyisat theirdisposal,enablingthings Whenyoucangenerateimpact whereveryouare,thereis prosperityWheneveryoneplays theirpart,wecangetveryfarasa continentWehavetheresources, aswehavetheyoungest populationintheworldwhoare supertalented.AnAfricawhere wenolongerneedinternational aid,gainpoliticalstabilityandcan prosperasacontinent.

JoshNzewi,Eze: Self-sufficiencyBeingabletorely onourresourceswithouthaving toimportfinishedgoodsorrelyon anyoutsideinfluencesforthe sustainabilityofAfrica.

SeunRunsewe,BiamoMoney: ForittoworksoIdon’thavetogo somewhereelseIgrewup African,IidentifyasanAfrican womanandsoIdon’tunderstand beinganythingelseI’mopento learningbutIdon’tneedto explainmyexistencehereItake upspacehere,muchbetterthanI dooutsideofAfricaIdon’tthinkI wouldhavehadthecareer growthI’vehadifIspentthelast 10yearsinanothercountryI’m confidentthatthatwon’thave happenedSoIwishthatit workedsothatthebrilliantpeople thataretakingflightseveryday andleavingwouldn’thavereason to.Thecollectiveexperienceofthe averageNigerian/Africanisjustso badthattheyarewillingto embracebeinglessthanor somethingelseinanothercountry becauseitjustdoesn’tworkhere inAfricaandthattomeisthe mostheartbreakingthing Weareexcitedforthefutureof theAfricancontinentWehave theresources,wehavethetalent, andwehavethetechOnwards andupwards!

Meetour 2021-2022 PrizeFinalists

Bukiya,Ghana,Kenyaand Nigeria.Createdtoempower localfoodvendorstodeliver Africa’sauthenticandbudgetfriendlymealsonlineandexpand tonewneighbourhoodsthrough cloudkitchens.Usingtechnology, Bukiyabridgesthetechnology literacygapinthespaceby developingpracticalwaysto allowvendorstobeincludedin thedigitaleconomy.-Winner!

PowerBoxEnergySystems, Nigeria.Arenewableenergy startupmanufacturingaffordable solarpowersystemstonegatethe needforrelianceoninconsistent accesstoelectricityfromthe nationalgridwhileprovidingan affordable,cost-effective alternativeandthepossibilityof havingunfetteredaccesstoclean energyondemand.

SALUBATA,Nigeria.Aproducerof recycled,low-costplasticshoes benefittingpeopleandtheplanet whileturningaprofitSALUBATA's productionmethodsoffsetover40 milliontonnesofCO2emissions perannumwhilealsocontributing 6.6millionoftheirearningstothe causeofhelpingwomenevery year.

SolarFreeze,KenyaAdeveloper ofportablecoldstorageunits poweredbysolarenergyforrural smallholderfarmersofperishable products.Thistechnologydirectly benefits3,000smallholding farmers,80%ofwhomarewomen whohaveaccessedtheSolar Freezecoldstoragesolutionsthat havereducedpost-harvestlossby 95%.

ShortKode,Nigeria.Foundedto combatthenoticeabledeclinein studentschoolperformancein Nigeriaduetopoorteachingand lowlevelsofsupportforstudents. ShortKodeaimstodevelopbetter teachersforbetterclasses,help youthsgetoutofunemployment andprovideschoolsaccessto qualityteachersbynegatingfees heldbystudentsafter employment.

SikadanHomes,Ghana.Apoverty managementfirmusing technologyandfinancial innovationtoprovideaffordable housingsolutionstolow-income populationsinGhana.Thistailored solutionoffersrentersanon-loan rentingplanusingsustainable revenuemodelstocombatthe requirementofadvancedyearly rentalpayments.

PharmaServ,Nigeria.Created withthemissiontotriggerhighperformingsupply-chainfunctions, boostresilience,increase satisfactionandbetterposition theircustomerstoachievetheir growthambition.Through PharmaServ’sSaaSproduct, manualsalesprocessesare streamlinedandlesslabourintensive.

Introducingthe RacialJusticeIndex

Since2019wehavechampioned racialjusticeorganisationsacross theUK,byfocusingon:

theirfinancialsustainability

increasingtheirnetworksand access,and providingthemwiththe expertisetheyneedtoincrease theirinfluenceandimpact.

We'vedonethisby:

providingtrainingprogrammes

directfundingbetween£3k£40k,and

co-producingevidence-based researchthathelpsto contextualisetheirimpactand developacaseforsupportthat ensurestheirfuture sustainability.

Theresearchweco-produce informsthedevelopmentof initiativesandprojectsthatwe delivertoourcommunity,grantees andpotentialgrantees.

Black-ledorganisationsare overwhelminglylivedexperience ledThroughresearchconducted byCentreBlack,we'vefoundthat 97%ofthe601Black-led organisationssurveyedsaythey havedirectlyexperiencedthe problemtheyaretryingtosolve.

Asweallknow,beingalived experienceleadercomeswithits challenges.ForourownFounder andChiefExecutive’sexperiences buildingDoitNowNow,as someoneonbenefitsorany connectionstofunders,itwas extremelydifficulttogetwherewe aretoday.

Today,wearea28-personteam withtheexpertiseandcapacityto addresstheproblemsourChief Executivewasexperiencingatthe timeofourfoundingWenow havetheopportunityto significantlycontributetothe evidencebasethatorganisations likeourscanusetosupporttheir ownracialjustice-basedsystems thinking.

andsustainablegrowthand developmentofBlack-ledimpact organisationsWehavemadeitour businesstocreatedirectsolutions andinfluencekeystakeholdersto dothesamebycollaboratingwith usasweco-createabettersystem withourcommunity

Ifyou'veeverbeentothe

Doit

NowNowwebsite,youwillhave beengreetedbythesewords,"the futureneedsusall"Thisstatement iscentraltoourorganisation's philosophyanddirectlyspeaksto thereasonforthisarticleAsan organisation,wearecommittedto reducingthebarriersracialjustice organisationsfacewhenseeking fundingfrominstitutionssuchas trustandfoundations, commissioners,government bodiesandcorporatefunders.To createthefuturewewanttosee, eachofus,onallsidesofthetable, mustworktogethertodetermine thebestsolutionforall.

Thistoolwillallowgrassroots organisationswithoutthein-house expertiseandfundraisingtalentto discovertheiropportunitiesfor furtherdevelopmentintheracial justicespaceandgivethema strongerunderstandingofthe racialjusticetheoriestheyare applyingtotheirworktobetter advocateforfundingand commissionedworkfromlocal, regionalandnationalfunding bodies.

Overthepastcoupleofyears,we haveworkedtoidentifythe barriersthatleadtonegative outcomesforBlackpeopleand otherpeoplefromGlobalmajority backgroundsForexample,access tofundinghasbeenhighlightedas thesinglemostimportantbarrier totheestablishment,

Tothatend,weareintroducing theRacialJusticeIndex,an independentmeasurementtool thatwillbeaccessibleto organisationsandfundersalike.

Inasectorwhereweunderstand theimportanceofcapacity buildingforgrassroots organisations,verylittlesupportis providedinrelationtotheracial justiceambitionsthatmany fundersareparticularlylookingto supportinthecomingyears.The RacialJusticeIndexandits accompanyingassessmentwill empowerfundersand organisationstounderstandtheir workinanevidence-basedcontext anddeliverbetterinterventionsas aresult

Fundershavealwaysgrappled withthechallengeofmeasuring theracialjusticeimpactoftheir fundingproducts.Thistoolwill helpthemdeterminetheimpact oftheirfundingoneach organisation'sabilitytodeliver racialjusticewithinspecific projectsandatacoreleveltoo.In otherwords,thetoolwillmeasure notonlythecapacityofeach organisationtodeliverracial justiceoutcomes,benefittingan under-servedracialgroup,butit willalsobeusedtodetermine whereorganisationsneedto improvetheircapacitytodeliver moreimpactonthatfront,ata singleprojectleveloracrossall activitieswithintheirorganisation.

Thisisnotthefirsttimewehave deliveredsomethingofthisnature Towardstheendof2022we beganworkingwithImpacton UrbanHealthasanintermediary grant-makertodeliverthe Climate,HealthandCommunity fundThishasbeenagreat opportunityforustobuildoutan indexfocusedentirelyonthe specificusecaseofBlackand Brown-ledgrassroots organisations,intheLambethand Southwarkarea,thatareworking intheintersectionofclimate, healthandcommunity.

Asyoucanimagine,thatisamuch morenicheusecasethanwhatwe areintroducinginthisarticle,and wehavebeenabletodevelopan assessmentthatisnowpopulating anindexonthattopicthatwill provideclaritytodecision-makers workingonthatfund.

Oneofthemostdifficultthingsfor funderstomeasureisracialjustice Asaracialjusticeorganisation,we havebeengrapplingwiththe challengeofevidencingour impactbeyonddirectdeliveryinto influencingandadvocacy,andwe knowthisisasimilarconcernfor otherorganisationsinourarea. Whileconsideringthatworkfor ourownsake,webegan consideringhowwecouldsupport funderstounderstandourwork andtheworkofotherracialjustice organisationsaswell

Therearethreeclearusecasesfor theRacialJusticeIndexandits accompanyingAssessment.We lookforwardtoreportingonthe developmentsofthisindexinour nextimpactreport.

RacialJusticeIndex

Usecase1: constructivesupporttoracial justiceorgsTheassessmentswe developwillsupportthe organisationsinidentifyingtheir strengthsandweaknessesacross keypillarsrelativetotheir sustainedabilitytodeliverracial justiceasanoutcome.

Usecase2: specialistsupportfromfunders thathaveplacedracialjusticeasa keytotheirmandate.Withinthat context,itwouldbevaluableto havepotentialgranteesundertake thisassessmentwithlived experienceexpertsandracial justicepractitionersasawayto supportthegrantspaneltomake adecisionwhenitcomestothe racialjusticeelementofthework thatfundingisbeingsoughtfor.

Usecase3: ratetheoverallfundingportfolio annuallyUsetheassessmentona sampleofgranteestoevaluatethe overallqualityofracialjusticework thatisbeingdeliveredacrossa funder’sportfolio.Forexample,ifa funder’sgranteeshadanaverage indexscoreof3outof5in2024, thatnumbercouldbecompared totheaverageindexscorein2025, whichmaybehigherdepending ontheinterventionsappliedby thefunder.

DiNNVision

TobetheBlackcommunity’sforemostchampionenablingthe systemicdevelopmentandco-productionofequitable opportunitiesandoutcomesforBlackpeople.

Howwearefortifyingthe Blackcommunitythrough aGlobalRecession

In2008ourworldwasrockedbya financialshift;someargueour globaleconomyhasnevertruly recoveredWhatremainstruethen andnowisthattheBlack communityisdisproportionately affectedwhentheseseismicshifts inoureconomiclandscapeoccur. Overthepastthreeyears,the Blackcommunityhasendured extremelytoughtimes,andit seemstheywillcontinueuntil 2025.Scholarsofthephenomenon saytheRecessionwilllastayear, andtheGDPwillfallby2%.Worse still,theyexpectunemploymentto increaseto4.9%byQ4of2023and 64%bytheendof2025

Inflationandthecostoflivingcrisis havealreadynegativelyimpacted ourcommunity.Theimpactsector hasseenadramaticriseinthe needforourservices. Simultaneouslywehavefounda significantreductioninthe amountoffundingavailable,even moresowhenseekinggrant fundingforracialjustice organisationslikeours,Black-led andBlack-focused(comparedto thehighsofSummer2020).

Still,wemustworktocurbthe effectsofthisshiftingground whilecontinuingtosupportthe peopleinourcommunitywho needitmost.

SupportingourServiceUsers

Overtheyears,theinitiativeswe havebuiltdeliberatelytackle people'sessentialsocialmobility needswhenafinancialcrisishits.

Theskillswedevelopare:

Impactbased Entrepreneurship

Employability

Inaddition,weareagrant-funder supportingourcommunityof Black-ledandBlack-focused charitiesandsocialenterprises acrosstheUKtoweatherthe financialstormandbuildinthe markersofsustainabilitytoensure thelong-termimpactoftheir organisationsInanever-changing landscape,theneedswillalso changeexponentially.In2021we beganinvestinginourcapacityto deliverhigh-qualityresearchon thetopicsthatconcernour community,andthatinvestment willbeofutmostimportancein thiscontext

FinancialLiteracy

Throughthiscrisis,wewillensure thatweunderstandthespecific needsoftheBlackcommunityin itsspecificity.Wearedoubling downonourpositionasthe ChampionoftheBlack communitybyworkingclosely withthemtoco-designeachof ourservicestoensurewefitfor purpose

EnsuringourSustainability

Asasocialenterprisedependent onapressurisedgrantfunding sectorforourincome,wespent muchof2022contemplatingthe impactofaRecessiononour abilitytodeliverourservices continuouslyto2026.Inthese stringentyears,DoitNowNowwill focusonthefollowing:

Maintainingourpositionasa ChampionoftheBlack communitybyfocusingmore ofourcapacityonsystems influencing Adjustinglong-termbudgets toberesilient,focusingon maintainingourexistingslate ofservicesattheircurrent capacity

Increasingflexibilitytomanage rapidandslowchangesby buildingmultiplePESTLEbasedscenariosthatsupport ourstrategicplanning

Fortifyingourteamsothatwe aremoredynamicinourability toadjusttochangesandneeds

Thoughcapacityislacking,we encourageotherorganisational leadersservingtheBlack communitytodothesame groundworktobestposition themselvesandtheirteamsfor overallresilienceandtomitigate thenegativeimpactofthecoming Recession

Weneedyouin 2023-2024

Wearenotafraid.

Wearenotafraidtotackletough issues,whetherit'sfightingfor racialjustice,supportingsmall businesses,orprotectingthe environment.Weknowthatthese problemsarecomplex,butwealso knowthattheyarenot insurmountable.

Wecannotaffordto sitback.

Weareateamofdoers,nottalkers. Werollupoursleevesandgetto work,andwedon'tstopuntilwe seeresults.Andwewantyouto joinus

Webelievethetime isnow.

ItistimetoactItistimetodo somethingabouttheissuesthat wefaceinourcommunitiesandin ourworld

Everyday,wearebombardedwith newsofinequality,injustice,and environmentaldegradation.We seepeoplesuffering,andweknow thattherearesolutionstotheir problems,butforsomereason, nothingseemstochange.

Wecannotaffordtositbackand waitforsomeoneelsetofixthese problems.Wecannotwaitfor politiciansorcorporationstotake actiononourbehalfItisuptous, theindividuals,thecitizens,the communityleaders,tomakea difference

DiNNwasfoundedonthe principlethatactionspeakslouder thanwords.Webelievethatevery oneofushasthepowertomakea positiveimpact,andthatifwe worktogether,wecancreatereal change.

Together,wecanmakea differenceWecancreateaworld whereeveryonehasequal opportunities,wherebusinesses thrive,andwhereourplanetis healthyandsustainable.Butwe cannotdoitalone

Soweimploreyou,ourfellow communityleaders,totakeaction. Joinusinourmissiontocreate positivechangeLetusbethe changethatwewishtoseeinthe world.

Letusdoitnow,andletusdoit together.Thankyou.

ENGAGE

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