06:30, 13 December 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
In a world where many charitable initiatives are driven by mainstream funding and big corporations, Black Funding Network (BFN) stands as a beacon of hope for grassroots Black-led organisations across the UK.
The organisation was co-founded by Anne-Marie Imafidon and Patricia Hamzahee who is also one of the co-founders of Give Black, the network was created to address a critical gap: the historical underfunding of Black-led community groups that are often overlooked by traditional funding bodies.
In an interview with Smiley News, Patricia Hamzahee describes Black Funding Network as “the way Give Black put words into action.”
She began by outlining the beginnings of Give Black, a platform set up in 2020 by a group of Black women exploring the state of Black philanthropy in Britain.
The Give Black report highlighted the severe underfunding of Black-led organisations, which led directly to the launch of the Black Funding Network.
“So the whole point of the Black Funding Network is it's really built as a giving circle. So we invite individuals and organisations, including companies or community groups and funders to come together to support Black-led community grassroot organisations.
We are intentional about supporting very small organisations, usually under £100,000 of annual turnover. Most of them don't really have employees; they may have a handful of support staff, but mostly it's run by volunteers, including founders of the organisation. And so we get applications from different organisations around the country. We have a selection panel built on members, and the trustees and our members can nominate and then join the selection panel.”
For the reason why Black Funding Network exists, Patricia emphasised that Black-led non-profits and social enterprises have historically been overlooked by mainstream funders, which has left them vulnerable, particularly during crises like the pandemic.
“During COVID-19, many Black and ethnic minority-led community organisations were on the brink of closure,” she explained. “They have been consistently under-resourced, so the network aims to address this gap.”
Highlighting the importance of community-driven solutions, Patricia explained that these organisations are often the backbone of Black communities, providing essential services and acting as lifelines for individuals facing various social challenges.
“The support we provide goes beyond financial aid,” she said. “It’s about visibility, giving these organisations the platform they deserve.”
Grants were recently awarded to several important organisations, including Armitage Foundation, which focuses on encouraging young people, particularly from Black backgrounds, to pursue careers in medicine, addressing the underrepresentation of Black doctors in the UK, Woman of Grace which provides support to women who have experienced female genital mutilation (FGM) or honour violence, offering them a safe space for healing and integration into the community. Meanwhile, UCAN works with young carers, helping them balance their caregiving responsibilities with education and personal development.
“These organisations do vital work, and it’s essential that they receive the funding and support they need to continue,” Patricia stated. She stressed that the visibility and recognition provided by the network are key in amplifying the impact of such organisations.
But that is not all. Through the network, community connections are fostered. The network's events not only provide a platform for funded organisations to showcase their work, but also encourage collaboration between different groups.
“There’s a sense of collective strength that comes from these connections. These organisations often support one another, share resources, and learn from each other’s experiences,” she explained.
Reflecting on her own journey, Patricia spoke about the powerful lessons she’s learned through her work with the Black Funding Network.
“The most inspiring thing has been meeting people who are truly dedicated to making a difference, often with very little support,” she shared. “What I’ve learned is that collective action and community support are crucial—no one can do this alone.”
Looking to the future, Patricia expressed a strong desire to expand the network’s reach and impact, particularly during key moments like Black History Month, when awareness and engagement around Black-led initiatives are heightened.
“We aim to raise more awareness about the work of these organisations, not just during Black History Month, but year-round,” she said.
Want to know more about Black-led CIC? Read our article here with the founder of Black Girls Hike.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Black Funding Network. This community interest company hosts a collective of philanthropists and funders dedicated to directing more substantial resources to Black-led organisations and causes. Find out more.
Give Black. This platform encourages individual donations and volunteer support for Black-led causes, helping to raise grassroots funding. Learn more here.
Black Business Fund. This funding body awards £250,000 to 25 Black-owned restaurants in the UK. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Reduced Inequalities Partnerships For The Goals.
