The Rigby Foundation actively drives change in the West Midlands, breaking barriers to quality education and sustainable employment for young people, particularly in central and south Birmingham. Their "Inspiring Futures Programme" connects schools and charities to deliver targeted support.

It is with great sadness that the Network shares the passing of Eric Adams, a dedicated and influential figure in the world of philanthropy and civil society.

Understand the legal nuances of grant-making. Our recent seminar clarified the vital distinctions between gifts, grants, and contracts, ensuring funders operate within legal boundaries. Access the presentation to learn more.

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.

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.

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. 

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

The 7th Annual General Meeting of the WM Funders Network was held on the 20th November @ Rathbones Investment, Birmingham..

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field with far-reaching potential, yet it remains complex and filled with uncertainties. Within the grant funding sector, there is increasing interest in how AI could be harnessed, especially given the growing availability of diverse AI tools, ranging from free resources to advanced commercial systems……..

We are delighted to announce that the Rigby Foundation has joined the WM Funders Network. Sonia Chhatwal, Executive Director, attended her first meeting - the Members Roundtable Exchange on the 22nd October ………

The latest Members Roundtable Exchange meeting was held in person and online. Members shared latest programme updates and a presentation on proportionate monitoring and reporting ……

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust is seeking a new Chief Executive....

We are excited to announce the release of the final report from our Annual Conference 2024. This report delves into the growing practice of participatory grant making, where the decision-making power across grant funding is shifted towards those who are directly impacted by the issues being addressed.

WMFN National Funders subgroup met on the 6th August to discuss a range of funder updates and regional developments. To read more…….

The 30th July Members Roundtable Exchange had a packed agenda of updates provided by members on environmental justice work; 2nd stage of National Heritage Lottery Fund 10 year funding strategy; School of Social Entrepreneurs latest training and funding packages for community businesses and social enterprises, BVSC commissioned research on the impact of BCC section 114 budgetary cuts on the third sector, and HPLC’s plans to implement participatory grantmaking approaches to the future design of funding……

WMFN are delighted to announce that Trustee and Chief Executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation, Tina Costello, has received an OBE for services to charity and voluntary organisations across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

WMFN annual conference was held on the 26th June @ Muath Trust, Sparkbrook. With nearly 100 people in attendance, the conference explored and learnt from different approaches to participatory grant making. A mix of funders, VCSE and public sector bodies reflected on when participatory approaches are appropriate, their requirements and benefit and value to funders, partners and participants. To learn of the conference outcomes……

The data workshop on the 1st May 2024 supported by Birmingham City Observatory and Digital NNS was an opportunity to bring together WM Funders members, several strategic policy VCSE agencies and local authority officers, with data analysts to explore in more depth and become more familiar with existing public data sets, service data sets and funding data that can help improve understanding and the value of data in informing thinking on funding programmes and service priorities. To read more…….

A well attended Members Roundtable Exchange was held on the 23rd April 2024 with a full agenda of strategy and funding programme updates, and the implications of Birmingham City Council’s announced budgetary cuts for the next 2 years for the VCSE and funders was discussed. To read more……..

The first members roundtable exchange of 2024. A full agenda of programme funding updates, discussion on embedding sustainability and environmental concerns in funding practice, and Birmingham City Council Section 114. To read more……