Migration Exchange - Shaping the Future Fund

Background

The Shaping the Future Fund was born out of a clear leadership gap in the UK migration sector. The UK refugee and migration sector was, and is still, facing unprecedented challenges in the political, economic, and social landscape. Many organisations operate under immense pressure: escalating political hostility, policy uncertainty, rising need, and under-resourcing. Following the unrest in summer 2024, ongoing protests across the country, and future threats, there was an acute need to invest in leadership development to address the gaps for the sector's future sustainability. A strategic approach to leadership development was crucial to sustain impact and support the refugee and migration sector to bring about transformative change. 

Project

I was brought on board to lead the implementation of Shaping the Future Fund, an initiative which placed decision-making power directly in the hands of lived-experience leaders through a participatory, pooled-fund approach. I led the strategic implementation of the grant process, facilitated collaboration between key stakeholders, and oversaw general project management of the Shaping the Future Fund. 

Result

At the end of the decision-making process, the fund distributed over £500,000 to lived experience leaders and grassroots organisations working in the UK refugee and migration sector. Following this, Shaping the Future Fund continues to create collaboration opportunities for grant partners as a commitment to sustain impact.