Black Funding Network Raises Over £18,000 to Power Grassroots Change at Eighth Crowdfunding Event

Three Black-led organisations received over £6,000 each in a two hour collective giving evening to advance community-led initiatives across the UK

London, UK – April 2025, Black Funding Network (BFN) held its eighth highly anticipated funding event at Reed Smith LLP in London, bringing together over 60 supporters, allies, and changemakers to uplift three inspiring Black-led grassroots organisations. Through the power of collective giving, the evening raised over £18,000 for each presenting organisation—to help them deliver transformative projects in their communities. 

With pledges still being counted in the weeks following the event, Black Funding Network encourages supporters who were unable to attend to help these organisations exceed the £6,000 target further. Contributions can still be made via the BFN pledge form at https://www.tfaforms.com/5169430until the end of May 2025. Every pledge, no matter the size, plays a vital role in supporting grassroots change.

Now in its fifth year, Black Funding Network continues to close the gap between people who want to do good with their money and grassroots organisations making real change on the ground. Since launching in 2020, BFN has raised more than £155,000 for 28 Black-led organisations, supporting solutions that address racial inequality, mental health, opportunity for youth, community development, and more.

This Spring’s event spotlighted three trailblazing organisations:

Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation CIC (BARCO)

Presented by Bud Johnson and Annie Whilby
Based in Brighton and Hove, BARCO is a vibrant platform advocating for the rights, representation, and celebration of Black communities. Their project, Brighton BASH Carnival 2025, the fifth annual carnival they are hosting, will engage local schools, families, and creatives to deliver a cultural celebration through workshops in drumming, dance, and the arts, culminating in student-led performances. The event aims to educate and empower, building pride in Black heritage across generations. It provides a showcase for other Black community organisations who join in the celebrations. These collaborations continue all year round.

Inside Out Well-Being

Presented by Vanessa Boachie-Appau
Operating in Lambeth, Inside Out Well-Being provides trauma-sensitive, culturally-informed mental health services for young Black adults. Their funded project will expand access to group therapy, one-on-one coaching, and life skills training for 18–30-year-olds struggling with racial trauma, poverty and unemployment, offering a lifeline to improved well-being and sustainable futures.

Fusion Scape Ltd.

Presented by Edward Nkwelle
From Derby, Fusion Scape empowers disadvantaged young people aged 13–25 with their Midlands Ethnic Minority Youth Board through mentoring, entrepreneurship, and cultural education. Their project will deliver programmes focused on Financial Freedom, Social Responsibility, Cultural Flourishing, Political Participation, and Self-Determination, giving young people the tools and knowledge to shape their futures.

BFN co-founder Patricia Hamzahee shared:

“Our eighth event was a powerful reminder that generosity, when rooted in community and equity, can create lasting impact. These organisations are led by people who deeply understand the challenges and strengths of their communities. It’s our honour to walk alongside them. We believe in by us, for us, with us as a galvanising force for intentional collective giving”

Black Funding Network’s model is simple but powerful: at every event attendees hear directly from leaders of three high-impact, Black-led organisations selected by a BFN panel from a shortlist drawn from over 60 applications. After each pitch, the room is invited to pledge - whether £10 or £1,000 - to help each project grow. No donation is too small. BFN is reclaiming philanthropy which means to love humanity. Everyone can be generous with their time, talent as well as treasure.

As BFN looks ahead to celebrate its fifth anniversary at its ninth event in Autumn, the commitment to joy, justice, and shared resources remains steadfast. In a world where Black-led grassroots organisations are too often underfunded and overlooked, Black Funding Network continues to amplify their voices—and help fund their visions.

About Black Funding Network

Founded in 2020 by Erika Brodnock, Angela Ferreira, Yvette Griffith, and Patricia Hamzahee, Black Funding Network is a giving circle dedicated to supporting Black-led non-profits serving our communities. BFN matches donors with community-rooted organisations, providing funding, visibility, and access to long-term support. Learn more:https://blackfundingnetwork.org