
Learning from our trials and errors
This is an overview of some our main areas of work and learning, in roughly chronological order from 2010 to 2025. We haven’t included everything – choices have been made about what’s most significant and these are subjective . Apologies to anyone who is looking for something specific and cannot find it.
It is based on interviews with colleagues, so there will be differences of interpretation or opinion in different sections. We’ve tried to be open about the ups and downs, the moments of success and the mistakes. We hope it is useful.
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‘Severe and multiple disadvantage’
What happens when a funder defines the problem?
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Relational services
Could the work we funded escape the innovation bubble?
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Grantmaking practice
Was it possible to avoid harmful power dynamics?
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Systems Change
As a funder, were we capable of analysing and disrupting systems?
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Place-based work
As a national funder, could we work meaningfully at the local level?
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‘Being the Change’
Could we change ourselves to embody the change we wanted to see?
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Anti-racism
Could we become an anti-racist foundation?
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Our investments
Could we reconcile our endowment with our mission?
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Funding the future
Could we provide space for new alternative realities to grow?
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Movements
Could we really be a movement accomplice?
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Endings
What was the work of dismantling Lankelly Chase?