After a truly grassroots, community-led process we’re really happy to share with you the 43 groups we’re supporting this year!

For Round 7 we were determined to get funds to groups in areas outside the city centre. We focused on outreach work which included distributing leaflets to 45 community centres and libraries from Avonmouth to Hillfields, Southmead to Whitchurch and all the wards in-between. We also ran stalls at community events and festivals. This paid off and we received 71 applications from right across the city.

We made some changes to the process for Round 7 which included inviting current applicants to be decision-makers alongside people from groups we’ve funded in the past. This went really well and we had 30 people take part. The make-up of decision-makers at funders is 99% white, two thirds male and almost 60% over the age of 65 – we were proud to buck the trend. Our decision-makers were around 60% racially minoritised people, over 70% women and non-binary people and a range of ages from 19 to 73.

Another change in this round was to host a day for applicant groups (before decisions were made) focused on sharing resources and building cross-community understanding and solidarity. The Sharing Day was attended by around 30 people from 20 groups and was such an uplifting day full of warmth, support and unity and was just what many of us needed in these difficult times.

We now have our final list of groups we are funding this year, and they are so worth all the effort! Over half the groups are Global Majority and migrant led groups, which feels particularly important in this time of rising racism. We are also supporting groups led by disabled, neurodivergent, trans, queer and working class communities. 

• Round 7 groups

We have raised £34,751 so far and our target to support all groups fully is £42,850. Our aim is to reach this by 15 November, when we’re hosting a day with the groups to celebrate their work and share a meal. 

Please support communities most impacted by rising inequality in Bristol by making a donation.