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Guppi Bola

Grassroots Movement Fund

My role:
Co-developer
In collaboration with:
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Collaborators:
Mumbi Nkonde, Debs Grayson
  • Philanthropy
  • Resource redistribution
PLACEHOLDER (interim, pending final imagery): JRCT blog post announcing the Grassroots Movement Fund pilot, with illustrated plant motif

Project Overview

We were invited to support JRCT in the design and development of what would become their Grassroots Movement Fund.

This project was the culmination of over 8 years of JRCT reflecting on and adapting to the changing political environment. It involved interviews, analysis and strategic frameworks for how a funding institution could and has shifted decision making power to grassroots groups in order to more strategically support the movement ecosystem.

The process was collaborative, and rooted in community knowledge, practice and visions for a funding model that met grassroots where they are.

Project Outcome

JRCT piloted the Grassroots Movement Fund for two and a half years, moving over £1.5 million to grassroots organisers through a collective decision-making process that committed to meaningful long-term grants.

The resourcing vehicle also came at a time that JRCT were exploring their reparations programme. It was unfortunately closed in 2025 due to internal challenges within the organisation.

  • JRCT web article announcing a £1m pilot fund for grassroots movements, with an illustration of trees and interlinked roots
  • The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust logo in black on green, with founder's signature beneath

JRCT — funding grassroots movements →