UKCF hosts collaboration evening with sector leaders

UKCF Interim Co-CEOs say catalysing societal and environmental change should be everyone’s priority

The Interim Co-CEOs of UK Community Foundations (UKCF), Kaveed Ali and Ben Robinson, have issued a call to action, emphasising that catalysing societal and environmental change in communities must be a priority for all sectors.  Speaking at an intimate summer event in London, hosted by UKCF, the Interim Co-CEOs outlined the need for immediate and collective efforts to address the most pressing challenges facing society.

“At UKCF, we believe the responsibility for catalysing change rests with all of us,” said Kaveed Ali.

“The challenges that UK communities face—whether it’s tackling inequality, addressing climate change or building economic resilience— demand a joined-up, collective approach.  The time for action is now, and everyone has a role to play.”

The event brought together a selection of leaders from civil society, philanthropy and the corporate sector with the aim of fostering greater cooperation and shared thinking around long-term strategies for achieving meaningful and sustainable change.  UKCF’s Interim Co-CEOs emphasised that the combined efforts of all stakeholders—philanthropists, community organisations, policymakers, think tanks and businesses—are essential to creating sustainable, inclusive change.

Ben Robinson highlighted the importance of building deeper connections between civil society organisations to maximise impact.  "One of the biggest opportunities our sector has is our ability to collaborate across organisations, leveraging our diverse expertise to create long-term change.  Together, we can achieve so much more, and these partnerships are essential if we want a more equitable, sustainable future for UK communities."

The summer function provided a forum for attendees to share insights on how different sectors can work together more effectively, fostering innovative approaches that transcend short-term initiatives and create lasting impact.

Looking beyond the present

UKCF’s 2024-2027 strategy looks beyond the immediate horizon with a long-term focus on systemic change. 

"While immediate interventions are necessary, we must also focus on solutions that will have lasting benefits," Robinson added.  "Following the summer riots and social unrest, the need for transformative change is evident now more than ever, but this will take time.  We want to shift the narrative so that funders move away from short-term fixes towards exploring longer-term solutions.”

UKCF has been a longstanding advocate for grassroots-led change, distributing over £170 million annually to local initiatives that support communities across the UK.  Nearly 30 years old, UKCF remains committed to fostering collaboration across civil society, the wealth sector, local authorities and government to amplify local impact.

Robinson continued:  “At UKCF, we are evolving from being a transactional grant maker to being more transformational.  It’s not all about the grants, it’s about what they show us and the learning we can achieve from them to understand the gaps and opportunities for community growth."

The gathering of leaders at UKCF's event marked a significant step forward in the organisation's efforts to inspire and lead collaborative action from different sectors on some of the most urgent issues of our time.

The Interim Co-CEOs emphasised the critical role civil society plays in creating systemic change, urging organisations to pool resources and expertise.

“We’re calling on all organisations to join forces, not just in delivering services but in working together to identify long-term, sustainable solutions,” said Ali.  “Our collective strength is key to addressing the complex, interconnected challenges that face our communities today.”

Robinson added, “Community foundations, in particular, have a unique ability to unite local organisations and initiatives, helping to ensure that efforts are coordinated and targeted where they are needed most.  We have strengths but we also have gaps, like any other network, and we all know one organisation cannot succeed its ambitions alone.  By working together, we can catalyse the social and environmental change that is so urgently needed.”

A call to the wealth sector

UKCF's Interim Co-CEOs also highlighted the pivotal role that investors and philanthropists can play in this mission.

“We call upon those in the wealth sector to be proactive in not only providing financial support but in contributing their expertise, networks and influence to help drive systemic change,” said Ali.  “We believe that by aligning our resources, we can forge new pathways to a more equitable and sustainable future.”

“Community foundations have unparalleled expertise in philanthropic giving, making them the best way for the wealth sector to directly support communities," said Robinson.

“We call upon those in the wealth sector to be proactive in not only providing financial support but in contributing their expertise, networks and influence to help drive systemic change,” said Ali.  “We believe that by aligning our resources, we can forge new pathways to a more equitable and sustainable future.”

“Community foundations have unparalleled expertise in philanthropic giving, making them the best way for the wealth sector to directly support communities," said Robinson.

"We understand local challenges and opportunities, ensuring that funds are used where they can have the greatest impact.  This expertise is invaluable in today’s landscape—strategic, place-based giving is essential to fostering societal and environmental resilience."

The event took place in the Onion Garden, a small not-for-profit venue based in the heart of Westminster, and was sponsored by CCLA.  UKCF invites other national organisations to be involved in future discussions around sector collaboration and opportunities.

[Photos by Anthony Hanc]