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Wealth, funding and investment practice

Shifting Power: Exploring the value of pooled funds in the UK funding landscape

This qualitative research study reflects on the value and potential of pooled funds.  

This resource was originally commissioned as a presentation. Download the presentation.

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of funder intermediaries in the UK. Organisations such as the Civic Power Fund, UK Democracy Fund, Justice Together, Power of Pop Fund, Funders for Race Equality, Baobab Foundation and Migration Exchange who have been getting on with the work of social, economic and racial justice. Yet despite the recent increase, we know very little about funder intermediaries (sometimes also called funder collaboratives or pooled funds) in UK philanthropy.

Their structural set-up varies; some operate independently and some are hosted by an existing organisation. But all hold specialisms and are designed to support funders to make targeted and strategic investments. They also often play a role that goes beyond traditional grantmaking, sharing knowledge, pioneering good practice, and taking on field and movement building roles.

However, very little is known about the challenges and opportunities for funders, intermediaries, and grantees themselves. This resource provides a unique insight into the roles and relationship between the three parties and provides a case study to highlight how different parts of the funding system can work together. Most importantly it sets out the key ingredients and guiding questions we should all ask ourselves when considering whether to initiate or invest in a pooled fund.

JRF has commissioned Lena Baumgartner and Alice Sachrajda to produce this qualitative research study, reflecting on the value and potential of pooled funds. We hope you find it illuminating and helpful in your conversations on funder readiness to pool funds and shift power for good.

Lena Baumgartner is a freelance consultant and researcher with a focus on philanthropy and effective grant-making. Her work draws on over 15 years of experience advising a wide range of UK funders, their boards and staff. Lena worked at New Philanthropy Capital for 9 years, where she headed the Funder Team and was Deputy Director of Research and Consulting, before being appointed the first Head of Grants at the Fore. In 2021-22, Lena headed the UK Democracy Fund (a pooled fund hosted by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust).

Alice Sachrajda works as a cultural strategy consultant, specialising in creative research, narratives and strategic communications. She has authored a series of reports on narratives and cultural change and has worked with Comic Relief to establish the Power of Pop Fund (a pooled fund, currently in its pilot phase), where she continues to work as an adviser to the fund. In 2023 Alice joined the staff team at Unbound Philanthropy where she works as a UK Program Officer and UK Head of Cultural Strategy.

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