Black-led charities benefit from crowdfunding network launch

A crowdfunding network to raise money for Black-led charities has raised more than £30,000 at its launch event.

Community Interest Company Black Funding Network involves individuals and institutions working in in partnership to support Black founded and led charities and not-for profir organisations.

It’s launch has been inspired by the crowdfunding model of The Funding Network, which has raised more than £14m since 2002.

BFN aims to invest in projects that promote social mobility, racial equity, community development, arts and cultural advancement, history and heritage and social enterprise. It also looks to support projects that tackle poverty.

The network has been set up by Black female business leader: Integriti Capital founder Patricia Hamzahee, co-chief executive of Jazz re:freshed Yvette Griffith, Extend Ventures co-dounder and research director Erika Brodnock and Angela Ferreira, managing director of Douglas Road Productions.

“As we confront calls for racial justice in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in the US and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on the Black community here in the UK, philanthropists are being asked to support catalytic change before the headlines fade and attention moves on.,” said Hamzahee.

“We hope to leverage the collective resources of Britain’s Black communities and our allies to create the change we all want to see.”

📢 Launch Event📢
Today is the launch of The Black Funding Network - a new platform to support smaller Black led charities and non profit organisations with live crowdfunding opportunities. So check them out by following the link: https://t.co/nPPZR1SKMt pic.twitter.com/WGupfVYdpy
— Black Fundraisers UK (@BlackFundUK) November 10, 2020

At its online launch event £30,000 was raised for three organisations:

Sister Systems – London based charity supporting girls with experience of care to help them at home, in education and work.

With Insight – An education social enterprise offering online mentoring programmes.

Elevated Minds – Mental health organisation, focusing on building self-esteem among young people.