Civic Power Fund

The Civic Power Fund, launched in 2022 as the UK's first pooled donor fund for grassroots community organising, unites progressive trusts like Unbound Philanthropy and Paul Hamlyn Foundation to build civic power, deepen democracy, and drive structural change. Rooted in values of trust, participation, equity, and partnership, it employs a participatory grantmaking model with a board of grassroots leaders and movement builders, sharing decision-making with those of lived experience to empower marginalised communities facing poverty, racism, discrimination, health inequities, migration challenges, and systemic barriers.

It funds community-led campaigns, leadership development, organisational infrastructure, governance support, and coalition-building for collective action and power shifts—exemplified by grantees like We Belong (migrant rights), Wards Corner (housing justice), and Nijjor Manush (anti-racism). Priorities include place-based work in North Manchester, North Wales, and Hampshire/Surrey, alongside national ecosystem strengthening, with flexible "beyond the grant" resources like a Governance Hub. Eligible applicants are UK-based community groups and not-for-profits with incomes under £250,000, prioritising those led by people with direct lived experience of the issues.

Grants typically range from £2,500 to £20,000 for one year, covering core costs, projects, capacity building, and campaigning. Applications start with a simple online eligibility questionnaire (text, video, or voice note), followed by 1:1 staff support for a Grant Memo and community panel review—rolling within rounds, with decisions in 8-12 weeks and next deadline 30 November 2025. It excludes large national charities, service-delivery alone, or non-power-building work, distinguishing itself through long-term movement investment, non-partisan independence, and facilitation of people-powered change.