On Thursday, 16 April 2026, Black Funding Network (BFN) will host our Spring Funder 2026—an evening of collective giving, storytelling, and celebration in London. This event is your chance to meet three extraordinary Black-led organisations, hear their visions for change, and vote live on which projects to fund. Since 2020, BFN has raised over £180,000 for grassroots initiatives, and this year’s funder promises to be our most impactful yet. Join us as we showcase Proud To Be Me, Black Men Teach CIC, and Socology CIC, and help them scale their work to transform lives across London.
Why Attend the Spring Funder?
Our funders are more than just fundraising events—they’re catalysts for community change. Here’s what makes them special:
- Live Pitches: Hear directly from founders about their missions, challenges, and dreams.
- Collective Decision-Making: Attendees vote in real time to determine how funds are allocated.
- Networking: Connect with like-minded donors, professionals, and changemakers committed to racial equity.
- Transparency: See exactly how your donation will be used and the impact it will create.
Past Successes:
- In 2023, BFN’s Spring Funder raised £18,000+ for ADHD Babes, Oxygen Arts & 100 Black Men of London in just 90 minutes
- In 2025, our Autumn Funder raised over £18,000 for Bridging Barriers, Children With Voices & Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO) CIC
Having the opportunity to stand in front of investors and share the work we do within our community — and to receive such a positive response — has strengthened our ability to continue supporting those who need access to opportunity.
Viviene Bish-Bedeau, founder of CEO CIC
Featured Organisations
1. Black Men Teach CIC: Dear Black Boys
Project: A structured early intervention and academic support programme, including:
- Workshops (Dear Black Boys, Thriving in Secondary School, Redefining Masculinity) in 10 London schools.
- A 14-week Values Programme with group/1-1 mentoring, parental engagement, and trips.
- A one-year license for Exam Solutions, an online maths platform.
Why It Matters:
- Beneficiaries: Black boys and young men under 18, particularly from African, Caribbean, and mixed-heritage backgrounds.
- Impact: 75% of mentees improved their academic performance, and 80% reported higher confidence.
- Funding Needs: £6.000 will expand their mentoring pipeline and remove financial barriers for schools.
Meet the Founder:
Johnoi Josephs launched Black Men Teach in 2024 to challenge stereotypes and increase representation of Black men in education. Their programmes build confidence, academic skills, and leadership pipelines.
“We’re not just teaching maths—we’re teaching our boys they belong in every space.”—Johnoi Josephs
2. Proud To Be Me: Her Power Her Peace
Project: An 8-month trauma-informed violence prevention programme for 30 girls aged 13–25 in Southwark.
Focus Areas:
- Fortnightly workshops on trauma recovery, self-worth, and healthy relationships.
- Peace Ambassador training, where girls become peer educators in schools and youth clubs.
- 1-1 coaching and a community showcase to amplify their stories.
Why It Matters:
- Beneficiaries: Care leavers, neurodivergent young women, LGBTQ+ youth, and those affected by gangs or exploitation.
- Impact: Past participants reported 91% improvement in mental wellbeing and 75% pursued further education.
- Funding Needs: £10,000 will cover staff, materials, venue costs, and participant support.
Meet the Founder:
Lola Owolabi founded ProudToBeMe in 2013 to empower girls failed by mainstream services. Their work is rooted in trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches that build safety, self-esteem, and leadership skills.
“Our girls are often invisible to mainstream services. This programme gives them the tools to rewrite their stories.” – Lola Owolabi
3. Soccology CIC: Keep The Dream Alive! (KTDA!)
Project: An intensive football training camp combined with psycho-education, culminating in a showcase match with professional clubs.
Focus Areas:
- Elite football training led by former professionals.
- Therapy and mentorship to address low mood, anxiety, and vulnerability.
- Exposure to career pathways in sports, media, and coaching.
Why It Matters:
- Beneficiaries: 1,200 boys and young men from low-income, single-parent, and neurodivergent backgrounds.
- Impact: Participants show increased resilience, motivation, and emotional regulation.
- Funding Needs: £6,000 will support facilities, coaches, therapists, and the final showcase.
Meet the Founder:
Kevin George, a former professional footballer and qualified therapist, founded Soccology in 2020 to bridge the gap between mental health services and young men who “won’t step into a therapy room but will step onto a pitch.”
“Football is the hook. Healing is the goal.”—Kevin George
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026
- Time: 6:00–9:30 PM
- Location: London
- Tickets: Register here
- Dress Code: Smart casual
What to Expect on the Night
6:00 PM: Arrival and Networking
- Enjoy light refreshments and connect with fellow attendees.
- Meet the organisations presenting their projects
7 PM: Welcome and Introduction
- Hear from BFN co-founders about the power of collective giving.
7:30 PM: Grantee presentations
- Each organisation presents their project, impact, and funding ask (7 minutes per pitch).
8 PM: Live Pledging
9 PM: Results and Celebration
- Announce funding totals and winners.
- Networking reception with music and light bites.
9:30 PM: Close
How to Get Involved
- RSVP Now to secure your spot.
- Become a BFN Member
- Spread the Word: Share the event on social media using #BFNSpringFunder.
- Sponsor the Event: Corporate partners receive free places, sponsorship opportunities and partnerships
Why Your Support Matters
- £50 provides one girl with a month of Proud To Be Me’s programme.
- £100 funds a Black boy’s participation in Black Men Teach’s mentoring cohort.
- £250 covers therapy sessions for 5 Socology CIC participants.
Meet Our Corporate Partners
BFN’s events are made possible by allies like Evelyn Partners, who provide pro bono support and venue sponsorship
Learn more about partnering with us.
Our 2026 Spring Funder is more than an event – it’s a movement for equity, community, and collective power. By attending, you’re not just donating; you’re investing in a future where Black-led organisations have the resources to thrive.
Join us on 16 April and be part of the change.