Funders working together to shape a fairer West Midlands

We are the only cross-sector membership network for people and organisations who give funding to communities in the West Midlands.

Join the network for funders in the West Midlands

  • Join a vibrant community of funders and organisations across the West Midlands. Gain insights, share challenges and successes, and connect with peers for collective growth and intelligence sharing.

  • Explore collaboration opportunities to share resources and co-create funding solutions. Align your efforts with regional and national strategies to maximise your impact. 


  • Engage in workshops, seminars, and conferences tailored to grant-making and funding. Stay informed on strategic and operational updates within the region, with exclusive access to knowledge-sharing events.

  • Enhance your grant-making approach through peer learning and expert-led events. Stay ahead of trends such as participatory grant-making and the integration of AI in funding practices. 

  • Leverage shared data, research, and insights to refine your funding strategies. Gain a clear understanding of regional funding gaps and emerging social issues through our intelligence network.

  • Stay informed on issues impacting the third sector and funding priorities in the West Midlands. Our insights keep you updated on how regional developments influence support strategies. 

  • Regularly connect with funders, public bodies, and key stakeholders through thematic events, roundtable discussions, and conferences. Focus on key topics like funding “cold spots” in the region. 

  • Elevate your profile within the regional funding landscape. Contribute to events and working groups, gaining visibility in discussions shaping West Midlands funding strategies.
News
Insights: January 2025 Members Roundtable
Insights: January 2025 Members Roundtable

The latest Members Roundtable Exchange explored participatory funding approaches and strategies to engage underrepresented groups. Featuring insights from Helen Killingley of the National Emergencies Trust, members discussed ways to make funding more inclusive and impactful. Access the full discussion and presentation highlights here.

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Leading Change and Empowering Communities
Leading Change and Empowering Communities

Tina Swani, outgoing Chief Executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, reflects on leading transformative change over four and a half years. From amplifying SCCT’s impact to fostering inclusivity and resilience, her leadership has strengthened the Trust’s legacy of enhancing quality of life for Sutton Coldfield residents.

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New CEO announced at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust 
New CEO announced at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust 

Trustees of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) are delighted to announce their new  Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Martinali who joins SCCT on 18 March 2025. 

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Sophie Tobin and Carla Belle join WMFN Board of Trustees
Sophie Tobin and Carla Belle join WMFN Board of Trustees

WMFN welcomes Sophie Tobin and Carla Belle to our Board, enhancing our commitment to empowering funders and communities across the West Midlands

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Featured
Grant Making and the Law
Feb 27
Grant Making and the Law

Are you clear on the legal distinctions and duties in grant-making, including grants, gifts, trusts, and contracts? Join Kirsty McEwen, Partner and Head of Charities and Not for Profit at Higgs LLP, for a seminar exploring the standards of care and legal requirements for funders, trustees, and panel members.

Funders Unlocking the Power of Place Based Approaches
Mar 27
Funders Unlocking the Power of Place Based Approaches

Join this half-day WMFN workshop to explore how place-based funding drives lasting social and economic change. Hear from sector leaders, including Power to Change, Lloyds Bank Foundation, and Barrow Cadbury Trust, as they share insights on partnerships, challenges, and measuring success. Hosted by Rathbones Birmingham.

Statement - January 2025

West Midlands Funders Network is proud to announce its commitment to advancing racial equity in the West Midlands, by signing the Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) Anti-Racist Pledge. 

Our first actions will be to deepen our understanding of anti-racism and strengthen our practices as a Network as part of our current three-year strategy. 

We will incorporate opportunities into our programme of work for us and Network members to learn how to embed anti-racist principles and practices into funding policies and processes, and to play our part in creating an anti-racist West Midlands.

Join our network

Join us today and begin working with organisations who are committed to shaping a fairer and stronger West Midlands.