Member spotlight, Kim Lloyd Get involved Thank you 2 4 6 7 14 15 21 27 29 30 32 33
About us 2024 at a glance
Who we supported in 2024
Member spotlight, Shahin Bekhradnia
Stories of impact
Our partners
TFN International Become a member
All figures included in this report are correct as at 5 December 2024
All photos included in this report were taken with permission at TFN events held in the UK in 2024 with the exception of photos on page 28
Funds raised by our international partners (see pages 27-28) are not handled by TFN UK and exchange rates are calculated at the time of the event The cost of delivering training and support to our international partners is met by designated grant funding TFN bears no cost or liability for events organised outside of the UK
I’m proud to share with you our 2024 impact report – our first annual report since the pandemic – and a clear sign that normal service has now officially resumed!
This year, the TFN community supported 30 small charities working across the spectrum of need in the UK and around the world Needs met include refugees facing homelessness, children facing school exclusion, support for people with serious mental illness, and families seeking to introduce children to volunteering. You can read about them on pages 7-12
In 2024 we raised over £500,000 (63% over the target for the year) at 10 events which included five flagship Connector events and five partnership events (City for LGBT+, Black Funding Network - Spring & Autumn, South Africa Funder and TFN Hertfordshire). We will continue to build back our events programme in 2025 with the reintroduction of the Strategic Funding Group, to be known as Connector Plus
This year we undertook to better understand our own impact beyond the funds raised at events. Our analysis suggests that 60% of our charities go on to raise additional funds from connections made at our events and that the total value of these funds almost matches the initial funds raised. On the basis of analysis, a further £097 of funding is received for every £1 raised at the event[1]
We also laid the foundations for a focus on membership growth in 2025, looking at the value members derive from TFN and the needs we are best placed to meet Thank you to all those who shared their experience with me With the support of the Frederick Mulder Foundation, we successfully tested offering members’ first-time guests £100 vouchers to give away at events, and this will now be a permanent membership benefit, promoted via a new website due for launch in the new year
Armed with a solid year behind us, compelling new evidence of our impact, and exciting plans for 2025 and beyond, I’m more determined than ever to lead our small charity to greater impact on the lives of people who need our help the most.
WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH VASTLY DIFFERENT LIFE EXPERIENCES TO COME TOGETHER AND COLLABORATE TOWARDS PROGRESSIVE SOCIAL CHANGE.
B O U T
AThe Funding Network (TFN) is a pioneering model of engaged and collaborative philanthropy, connecting small charities with donors.
We achieve this through our programme of crowdfunding events Described as part TED talk, part Dragons’ Den, part live auction, each event connects three carefully selected small charities working across the spectrum of need in the UK and around the world, with thoughtful donors looking to support them - financially and otherwise
Our flagship Connector events form the core of our programme, with charities pitching for £10,000 each Our Connector Plus (formerly known as Strategic Funding Group) events raise secondstage funding for TFN charity alumni who have successfully pitched at a previous Connector event Invited guests raise transformational funding for charities looking for strategic support to pilot an initiative, scale-up, or invest in their organisational sustainability
We also support a range of partners to host events focused on increasing funding to specific areas and communities These include Black-led non-profits, LGBT+ rights organisations and the environment
Finally, we also leverage our model internationally - through our TFN International programme - to support over 24 regional partners developing their own giving circles, and fostering giving within their communities
Empowering connections
Meaningful relationships between charities and donors create the foundation for impactful change. By empowering charities to share their stories and missions, we invite donors to be a part of transformative journeys.
Bridging difference
By bringing people with different life experiences together we create the conditions for perceptions to be challenged, respect and mutual understanding to be fostered and power dynamics to be unmasked
Acting transparently
By acting transparently and making ourselves accountable, we build trust, strengthen relationships and become more effective
Working collaboratively
Through collaboration and strategic partnerships, we support diverse communities and underfunded issues, scaling our impact, whilst remaining nimble at our core
Standing with the sector
We stand alongside the small charities we support, recognising the challenges we all face, the effort we make to overcome them and the disappointment when we do not We champion the work of our alumni charities to illustrate the value and impact of the small charity sector.
THE BIGGEST MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT TO ME HAS BEEN THE SHEER JOY SHARED WITH FRIENDS WHO I CAN BRING ALONG AS MY GUESTS TO THE CONNECTORS.
Oxford Against Cutting delivers survivor-based training about harmful practices and other human rights abuses against women and girls
Summer Connector
wwwsundialcentreorg
IT’S NOT ‘JUST’ THE CRUCIAL FUNDRAISING. IT’S WONDERFUL TO SHARE INTEL, LEARN HOW OTHERS DO IT, FEEL THE WEIGHT OF THE WORK AS WELL AS THE DIFFICULTIES.
Breakthrough
Katherine Sladden
Breakthrough supports people who have experienced injustice to lead, grow and win campaigns, for example Zelda Perkins (former assistant to Harvey Weinstein). Summer Connector wwwbreakthroughimpactorg
Women of Grace
Valerie Lolomari
Women of Grace advocates against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and all forms of Gender-Based Violence.
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I DESCRIBE TFN AS THE BEST NIGHT OUT IN LONDON – AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO!
TFN member
LGBT+ Consortium
Heather Paterson & Sakib Khan
Consortium provides capacity support and grants, to the UK LGBTQI sector and increases the overall opportunities for LGBTQI people and communities. City for LGBT+
wwwconsortiumlgbt
Topsy Foundation
Fiona Ghosh & Susan Angoy
The Other Foundation
Kutlwano Magashula
The Other Foundation expands resources available for defending and advancing the rights of LGBTQI people in 13 southern African countries. City for LGBT+
wwwtheotherfoundationorg
Topsy Foundation works in the Mpumalanga province putting play, learning and health at the centre of early childhood development in the community South Africa Funder wwwtopsyfoundationorguk
Kay Mason Foundation
Richard Mason
Tyume Valley Schools
Margaret Kiloh
Tyume Valley Schools works with teachers and the community to strengthen the English and maths curriculum and build the capacity of schools in the region
South Africa Funder
wwwtvschoolsorguk
Kay Mason Foundation bridges the gap between primary and high school education for underprivileged 13-18 year olds in Western Cape.
Prosper supports over 1,400 women every year from the most underserved communities in Sierra Leone by providing tailored, business training through illustrations. Festive Connector
wwwprosp-erorg
I WAS A BIT APPREHENSIVE, HOWEVER AS SOON AS I STEPPED INTO THE EVENT ALL WORRIES DISAPPEARED. I WAS MET WITH SMILES, FRIENDLY HELLOS AND A £100 VOUCHER TO DONATE ON THE NIGHT.
First-time attendee
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SHAHIN BEKHRADNIA
TFN MEMBER SINCE 2024
I came to my first event in February as a guest of Briony Kapoor. She knows me through a mutual friend, and thought I'd be interested Though my means are modest, I do a lot of charitable giving
I donate to big charities like Amnesty, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, and others, but everybody knows about them Having been a trustee of several charities made me realise that charities should have the chance to let the world know about them. And TFN was clearly doing that for small charities
This year I’ve come across charities that I wouldn't have known anything about but for the fact that they came to my attention through TFN These charities are doing great work, helping local communities in the UK and overseas. And it warmed my heart to see how quickly and simply the giving model worked to produce money for them – in the space of one evening we raised over £50,000!
It was good to see people putting their money where their mouth is Especially how some corporate donors bring young employees along with money to give away That's a really wonderful way of for businesses to educate and engage staff.
It was a totally surprising experience This is a totally different model, and it seems to be very successful. I was very encouraged and inspired by it, so I became a member right after that first event
IT WARMED MY HEART TO SEE HOW QUICKLY AND SIMPLY THE GIVING MODEL WORKED TO PRODUCE MONEY FOR SMALL CHARITIES. I BECAME A MEMBER RIGHT AFTER THAT FIRST EVENT.
STORIES OF IMPACT
APPEAL fights miscarriages of justice and supports individuals who have been wrongly accused. They defended Andy Malkinson who spent over 17 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
Matt Foot Co-director
TFN funding has been instrumental in allowing APPEAL to strengthen its campaign against the unjust compensation scheme for wrongfully convicted individuals We support Sam Hallam - who has not seen a penny since his conviction was overturned in 2012 - in his ongoing battle for justice Our focus is on repealing the brutal test for compensation which essentially requires victims to prove their innocence and means that only around 7% of people receive compensation
Alongside Parliamentary advocacy, we are working closely with victims and their families and are producing a minidocumentary to educate the media, policy makers and the general public Additionally, based on our 10 years of miscarriage of justice casework, we are recommending bold changes to the criminal appeals system via the Law Commission
THE FUNDING NETWORK TEAM COACHED US THROUGH PUTTING TOGETHER A COMPELLING PITCH, HELPING US TO REFINE HOW WE TALK ABOUT OURSELVES.
I HAVE WATCHED PEOPLE THAT I KNOW VERY WELL CHANGE AS A RESULT OF JUST BEING THERE, JUST SEEING FOR THEMSELVES HOW A DISPARATE GROUP OF PEOPLE CAN COME TOGETHER AND MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, MAKING OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
STORIES OF IMPACT
Breakthrough supports people who have experienced injustice to lead, grow and win campaigns.
Katherine Sladden Co-founder and Executive Director
Breakthrough's experience with The Funding Network was fantastic. It was a huge opportunity to get to pitch in front of a room full of passionate philanthropists It’s a chance that small, start up non-profits often don't get The funds we raised on the night exceeded our expectations and have meant that we can really turbo-change some of the grassroots campaigners we are supporting on issues from social housing to maternity care
But the evening was so much more than the just fundraising The Funding Network team coached us through putting together a compelling pitch, helping us to refine how we talk about ourselves On the night it was great to be there with the other charitieswe really cheered each other on and it took away the nerves And we had great conversations afterwards with people that felt genuinely interested in what we are doing Founding a non-profit is an uphill challenge but the evening really gave me personally, and our small team, a huge confidence boost that we have a powerful story to tell, an important mission and people that are cheering us on to succeed
We are very grateful to The Funding Network and everyone that came alongwe can't recommend the experience more
Mazí Housing addresses the homelessness and social exclusion faced by asylumseeking and refugee men in Athens.
Cosmo Murray Founder and Co-director
Working with The Funding Network was an extremely powerful experience for Mazí Housing
The funding unlocked by TFN members supported the running costs for an apartment in Athens, housing 14 residents over the past 6 months. Since our homes are the foundations of our lives, this has created the baseline safety and stability for each of these residents to gather what they need to move on from Mazí’s support for good.
It was also an enjoyable experience The interview and pitching processes made us think about and present our work better The support both prior to the event, on the night and afterwards from TFN members not only provided us with vital financial impetus to move forward, but also renewed strength and confidence to do so
OF TFN’S CHARITY ALUMNI REPORT THAT THE TRAINING THEY RECEIVED FROM US HAS BETTER PREPARED THEM TO PITCH THEIR ORGANISATION TO POTENTIAL FUNDERS* 97%
THE VENUE AND THE FOOD WERE FANTASTIC, THE RIGHT PEOPLE WERE IN THE ROOM AND I THINK THAT EVERYBODY WENT AWAY FEELING HAPPIER THAN WHEN THEY ARRIVED.
Throughout the year The Funding Network partners with several organisations funding specific causes
SOUTH AFRICA FUNDER
Three decades ago the world celebrated the end of apartheid with elections that made Nelson Mandela the first democratically elected president of South Africa. We marked the anniversary with our friends at the SA-UK Trust Network.
The SA-UK Trust Network is a network of individuals and trusts raising funds for their sister entities in southern and South Africa This network is chaired by TFN member Jill Ritchie
Together, we raised over £26,000 for three brilliant non-profits:
Topsy Foundation, providing healthcare support, play and learning centres to families in rural South Africa.
Tyume Valley Schools, working with teachers and the community in the rural district of Mpumalanga to improve the capacity of schools.
Kay Mason Foundation, providing scholarships, mentorship and academic support to 13-18 year olds in Western Cape
To find out more, contact Jill Ritchie via wwwsa-uktrustsorguk
In 2024 3 Charities supported
£26,263 Funds raised
O U R P A R T N E R S
WE WANTED TO BUILD AN INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY OF GIVING, AND SEEING THE SUCCESS OF TFN, WE KNEW IT COULD BE DONE.
BLACK FUNDING NETWORK
The Black Funding Network was co-founded by TFN member Patricia Hamzahee in 2020, as a way to leverage the TFN model to support Black-led UK non-profits.
This year we held two events with BFN with the goal of supporting small Black-led UK organisations shaping our communities We supported six organisations raising over £40,000.
Besides empowering these brilliant organisations, the goal of these events is to leverage donations from the Black community and allies, and in turn redefine the narrative around philanthropy in the UK
In 2024 we have supported:
Black Girls Hike
Black SEN Mamas Street2Boardroom
The Armitage Foundation Women of Grace Yucan
To date, our partnership with BFN has raised over £141,000 and supported 21 small organisations.
In 2024
Charities supported £40,016 Funds raised
To find out more, contact Patricia Hamzahee via wwwblackfundingnetworkorg
TFN’S ‘AUCTION STYLE’ EVENTS ARE A FUN AND UNIQUE APPROACH TO POOLING FUNDS. THESE EVENTS ARE ALSO ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC, PROVIDING ANYONE A CHANCE TO LEARN AND GIVE IN A NON-TRADITIONAL WAY.
In October this year, we came together for the sixth edition of City for LGBT+ and raised over £132,900! This is an annual crowdfunding event organised in partnership between TFN, GiveOut, Macquarie and Consortium, supporting LGBTQI organisations around the world.
In 2024
3
Charities supported £132,982 Funds raised
This year ’ s theme was ‘Resisting the Rollback of Rights’. Even though there have been several wins around the globe for the LGBTI community, a lot of countries are seeing a rollback of previously acquired rights
To support this fight, this year we supported:
ASEAN SOGIE Caucus - South East Asia Consortium - UK
The Other Foundation - South Africa
In the last five years we have raised over £420,200 for 20 organisations.
To find out more, contact Rupert Abbott via wwwgiveoutorg
Events held
Charities supported
Funds raised
Our international programme was launched in 2012 to provide training and support to international civil society organisations in the TFN live crowdfunding model. Through it, we are able to scale our impact on vulnerable groups all over the world, without significant cost.
With the support of the Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust and Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for over a decade, we have delivered training to partners in 30 countries These partners in turn, have delivered 448 events which have raised around of £94m* for 1,350+ small charity and community groups
This year we marked the 10th anniversary of TFN International with a special grants programme funded by the Frederick Mulder Foundation We offered £2,000 grants to all our partners to support them to deliver a special anniversary event 15 partners in 14 countries availed themselves of this opportunity, promoting TFN’s role in their work
TTFN Global Network in 2024
24 active members in 14 countries
Almería Tierra Abierta, Spain
Brasov Community Foundation, Romania
Bürgerstiftung Braunschweig, Germany
Buzau Community Foundation, Romania
Centre of Strategic Research & Development of Georgia, Georgia
Community Donation Fund Sliven, Bulgaria
Donor Circle Brussels, Belgium
Canavese Community Foundation, Italy
Horta Sud Foundation, Spain
Tot Raval Foundation, Spain
Mures Community Foundation, Romania
Prahova Community Foundation, Romania
In 2024, we welcomed two new affiliate partners from Spain - Tot Raval Foundation in Barcelona and Almería Tierra Abierta Foundation. The rollout of the TFN model in Spain will be supported by a training manual in Spanish, produced by colleagues at Horta Sud Community Foundation. This manual will also be used by groups in Latin America
Earlier this year, TFN New Zealand closed its doors after a decade during which time they held 17 crowdfunding events, trained 231 charities in crowdfunding, and raised $1,521,025 NZD. As a legacy project, they developed and launched a free, online “Generosity Generator Masterclass” designed for small charities to support their fundraising efforts You can check it at ggmgivealittleconz/courses/GGM
Valcea Community Foundation, Romania
Healthy City Community Foundation, Slovakia
Hungarian Association for Community Development, Hungary
Konekt Skopje, North Macedonia
Mosaico Lab, Peru
Novessendes, Spain
Partners Albania, Albania
Pecs Community Foundation, Hungary
Roots and Wings Foundation, Hungary
Stara Zagora Community Foundation, Bulgaria
TerritoriA, Colombia
TFN Australia, Australia
B E C O M E A M E M B E R
Whether as an individual, company or foundation, you can contribute to progressive social and environmental change through a TFN membership.
We’re confident you’ll feel at home at TFN!
Member benefits:
with a wide range of extraordinary people and share your passion for social change with like-minded individuals
from others working in the social change sector, developing your skills and confidence as an everyday philanthropist
Connect Learn Influence
which projects are selected to pitch at events by nominating a charity you know, acting as a mentor or joining selection panel
Focus
your support through charity matching tailored to your interests
Understand your impact
through your personalised member giving statement and receipt of impact reports for all the charities supported
Nominate charities to apply
Help select charities pitching
Learn from those on the frontline
Go to 10+ events for free every year
Receive member-only news
Access our roster of charity alumni
GIVING MONEY IS ONE OF THE FEW THINGS PEOPLE DO ALONE. I'VE DISCOVERED THAT GIVING WITH OTHERS IS MORE INTERESTING, SATISFYING, AND MORE EFFICIENT.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
KIM LLOYD
TFN MEMBER SINCE 2009
I originally joined TFN as my family had recently started up a charity called TEST for Africa, which provides scholarships to African students to attend tertiary education My father went to Linacre College Oxford where he met Fred Mulder. Some many years later, following an art deal, he found out about TFN We were immediately intrigued and interested in TFN’s funding model
I originally went along to an event with the intention of being purely an observer, but found myself pledging to each of the charities, so compelling were their pitches As a result, I decided to become a member of TFN and have enjoyed participating in many events since I am also happy to say that TEST for Africa was later selected as a charity and successful in securing funding
What I like about TFN and its events is that they support small charities that don’t often get a voice They do an amazing job of selecting worthy and diverse charities from all over the country. They help them present an effective and compelling pitch to maximise their chances of raising a significant sum
The events are relaxed, fun and make you feel good, as you feel that you are contributing to something that will make a real difference The events also have a wonderful community feel and are accessible to all.
TFN SUPPORTS SMALL CHARITIES THAT DON'T OFTEN GET A VOICE, HELPING THEM MAXIMISE THEIR CHANCES OF RAISING A SIGNIFICANT SUM.
THROUGH OUR EVENTS, WE FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THOSE WITH THE MEANS AND THOSE WITH THE MIGHT.
Share your skills
Non-financial support is crucial for all charities, and especially small ones Become a mentor, trustee, advisor or volunteer
Join our mailing list
Stay updated on all-things small charities through our monthly newsletter
There are several ways you can support our work
Come to an event
Our events are open to everyone, whether or not you ’ re a member and/or able to donate Showing up is a great way to show your support to the charities
Host a TFN event
Join the ranks of Greenbank, Macquarie, Travers Smith and Janus Henderson, and host one of our events at your premises
Follow us on
social media
This is an easy win! Show your support by engaging with us on social channels
Become a TFN member
For a small annual fee you can join our network, enjoy several benefits and be part of a pioneering model of philanthropy.
Spread the word
The little things go a long way! Talk about TFN and the charities we support to friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and pub mates – you get the idea
Learn about causes
Learning about social and environmental issues is vital TFN events, news, books, podcasts, and more – they all count!
FUNDERS
BROOKS FOUNDATION
Marie-Louise von Motesiczky
Charitable Trust
The Funding Network is a community bound together by a vision of a world which is just and sustainable, and the recognition of the unique role small charities and grassroots organisations play in bringing that about.
To every member of the TFN community – in particular our members and charity alumni – we extend heartfelt thanks for your contribution to our impact in 2024.
Special thanks
Caroline Swanson, Company Secretary
Daniel Lewis, photography
Michael Maynard, pledging
Stephen Taylor and Heat Design
Frederick Mulder Foundation for funding members’ guest vouchers at our events
Tim Pare and Anusha Bhana for your commitment to introducing live crowdfunding to New Zealand, and for leading the TFN New Zealand team and the Board of Trustees led by Nick Edgar.
