Celebrating 10 Years of Collective Giving – Black Funding Network’s Spring Funder 2026
Celebrating 10 Years of Collective Giving – Black Funding Network’s Spring Funder 2026
Black News 
Celebrating 10 Years of Collective Giving – Black Funding Network’s Spring Funder 2026
Black Funding Network’s 10th Funder Event Raises Over £18,000 for 3 Black-Led Community Initiatives
London, 17 April 2026 - Last night, Black Funding Network (BFN) marked another important step forward in its collective giving journey with its 10th Funder event, hosted by Evelyn Partners at their Gresham Street offices. The evening brought together individuals, professionals, and community members to pledge funding, services, and support to three transformative Black-led organisations: Soccology CIC, ProudToBeMe, and Black Men Teach CIC.
Through the generosity of over 60 attendees, in the room and online, over £6,000 for each organisation was raised in 90 minutes, enabling them to expand their vital work in mental health, youth empowerment, and education. The event was emceed by the highly respected Brenda Emmanus OBE, whose warmth, humour, and compassion united the room in a shared mission of equity and impact.
The Organisations Funded:
Black Men Teach CIC provides mentorship and academic support to Black boys and young men across London, addressing systemic inequalities in education, particularly by encouraging Black male teachers.
ProudToBeMe empowers disadvantaged girls and young women through trauma-informed leadership, entrepreneurship and employability programs in Southwark and beyond.
Soccology CIC uses football and therapy to support the mental health of underserved boys and young men in Lewisham.
Collective Philanthropy in Action
BFN’s model democratises philanthropy, making it accessible to all, whether through financial contributions, pro bono services, or volunteering. The evening also highlighted the on-going partnership with The Funding Network, whose Gift Aid support amplifies the impact of every pledge.
Quotes:
Patricia Hamzahee, Co-Founder of BFN: “Our guiding principle is ‘by us, for us, with us’, a powerful expression of community-centred philanthropy. We celebrate community leadership, focusing on justice, understanding, accountability and lived experience to shape who gives, how we give and what gets funded."
Eugenie Harvey, Chief Executive The Funding Network "I came away with things I did not know"
About Black Funding Network
Black Funding Network (BFN) is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee. Built on the ethos of a giving circle, BFN organises at least two live crowdfunding events a year, at which three Black-led non-profit grassroots community organisations nominated, screened and selected by members are invited to present to an audience of potential donors. Following the pitch and a brief Q&A session for each project, the audience is guided through a live pledging session. Donations of money, time, expertise and introductions are welcomed. The entire event is an evening of philanthropic engagement, networking and fun!
