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Discussing inclusive funding with community leaders

We were delighted to hold our first Inclusive Funding Event recently, aimed at improving access to funding for diverse community groups across Sussex.

Held in partnership with Diversity Resource International (DRI) and chaired by Mebrak Ghebreweldi, Trustee of Sussex Community Foundation and Co-founder of DRI, the workshop brought together over ten groups to explore ways to make funding more inclusive.

Leaders and representatives from ethnically diverse communities engaged in discussions with the Foundation, to explore how to make grant funding more accessible. The Foundation acknowledged barriers to accessing funding include challenges such as English language difficulties, limited access to technology, and lack of experience in writing funding applications.

Patrick Nyikavaranda, Managing Director of DRI, shared some key insights into their journey around seeking and being successful with funding applications since conception.

The event included two roundtables with 8-10 participants in each and our grants team shared practical advice on our funding programmes and top tips on how to increase application success rates.

“Thank you Mebrak and Patrick for leading this workshop with us. At Sussex Community Foundation we want to reach every community in Sussex and especially ethnically diverse groups. We are always keen to hear how we can make it easier for groups to get the funding they need from us."

Kevin Richmond, CEO Sussex Community Foundation

We would also like to thank the groups who joined us for this first workshop: Eastbourne and District Chinese Community Association, Adur Ukraine Support Association, Community Works Brighton, Vandu Training, The Black Tri Tribe, Beauty of Clay, Social Impact, Coach a Life, Lithuanian Community of the South Coast, Network of International Women for Brighton & Hove and Under the Tree.

We look forward to hosting similar events in the future. If you'd like more information about our workshops or would like to get involved, please subscribe to our grants newsletter via the form at the bottom of this page. Find out more about our current funding opportunities here.

Published on 16th Oct 2024

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