Last September, the Global Fund for Children and The National Lottery Community Fund recently partnered to deliver The Phoenix Fund – an emergency initiative to provide £1m in grants to minority communities across England.

As has been observed by many, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare inequalities across the heart of our society. As such, this fund sought to place racial justice at the heart of the response to the coronavirus. Specifically, grants would be awarded to those  providing essential services, support and education tailored to a variety of minorities.

Our CEO was part of the national selection panel, tasked with evaluating hundreds of applications over a very small period. We also worked with organisations within our circles to encourage them to apply for the grants and ensure their communities needs were heard.

Nationally, 66 organisations were awarded grants, with three originating in the Yorkshire region, including:

• Fozia Naseem of Hop On, who work with women and children to equip them with cycling skills.
• Super flyweight professional boxer, Tasif Khan of the Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy.
• Urban Reach

For some of these grantholders, support from the Phoenix Fund allows them to continue to operate. Even as social distancing reduces how many within their communities can be supported directly, these help bridge the gap between smaller audiences and ongoing staffing costs.

We’re very proud that Bradford’s history of social innovation continues to be recognised at a national scale and we’re excited to have played a part in helping local organisations gain this support and hope to continue to provide such support into the future.