An Introduction to London Funders
Who we are
London Funders is the only cross-sector membership network for funders and investors in London’s civil society. We’re uniquely placed to enable funders from all sectors to be effective. We’re focused on collaboration – convening funders to connect, contribute and cooperate together, to help people across London’s communities to live better lives.
The need for London Funders
London is a complex city and its funding landscape is changing dramatically. This change is being driven by a combination of factors including the redefining of the role of the state (both national and local), the changing profile of poverty and the needs of the population within London, and the increasingly complex governance and public policy landscape that our members operate within.
Other regions and countries in the UK have particular needs and disadvantages but in London their scale and complexity are masked by areas of extreme affluence. Funders need to know about how policy affects the capital and how funding can be developed to meet the diverse needs of London’s communities.
London Funders is unique in bringing together public sector funders and commissioners, with independent foundations, social and corporate investors, lottery funders and others. Our members invest in every aspect of London’s life, from the arts through to welfare, and they fund across all 32 boroughs and the City of London. These funds are invested in London through a number of channels including the voluntary and community sectors, social enterprises and the private sector, as well as directly to the citizens of London.
Our Beliefs
Our work and strategy
As funding and policy challenges continue, our priorities are focusing on funders working together better, with clearer priorities and a commitment to additionality; new ways of working, challenging funders and providers; and modelling evidence- and intelligence-led solutions.
To reflect our ambition, the Executive Committee has developed a 3 year strategy for 2018-21 which is available to download here.
- setting out practically how funders can work differently so that the issues facing Londoners are addressed more effectively;
- playing a key role in creating new frameworks for civil society which enable a more resilient an sustainable London where individuals and communities thrive; and
- working across the funding community to redefine the relationships between the public, privateand charitable sectors to support a fairer and more cohesive London.
Whilst working towards our ambitions we will also maintain our agility – responding to events and developments as they arise in London, to ensure we are effective at addressing emerging needs.
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.