Grassroots Movement Fund
- My role:
- Co-developer
- In collaboration with:
- Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
- Collaborators:
- Mumbi Nkonde, Debs Grayson
- Philanthropy
- Resource redistribution
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.