Celebrating Impact: Make it Big with Pathway Fund Round 1

At Do it Now Now (DiNN), we are excited to announce the recipients of Round 1 of our collaborative programme, "Make it Big with Pathway Fund," an initiative designed to empower Black and Global Majority led charities and social enterprises to scale sustainably and deepen their impact. In collaboration with the Pathway Fund, this programme provides funding and bespoke support to 12 remarkable organisations that are leading change in areas such as climate action, racial equity, and poverty alleviation.

In light of the economic challenges highlighted in our Cost of Living Report, Black-led organisations are disproportionately affected by rising costs and reduced access to resources. Many of these organisations have had to navigate financial precarity while supporting communities facing the brunt of the crisis. That's why programmes like "Make it Big" are more essential than ever, providing the support needed to help these organisations thrive in the long term. DiNN’s other collaborations, Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation and the London Now Now campaign further amplify our commitment to uplifting Black-led organisations by offering capacity-building opportunities, financial backing, and strategic partnerships.

Today, we celebrate the 12 innovative organisations selected for Round 1 of the Pathway Fund. Let’s take a moment to highlight their missions, vision, and impact.

Communities Inc CIC

Communities Inc works to create a more equitable and inclusive society by tackling inequalities and promoting social cohesion through training, support, and empowerment. Their vision is a society where all communities can thrive without the barriers of discrimination. Through capacity-building initiatives, education programmes, and workshops, Communities Inc equips organisations with the tools to promote equality, foster community ownership, and challenge injustice. With over 11 years of experience, they have built partnerships with entities like the NHS, Nottinghamshire Police, and local councils, helping organisations create inclusive environments for underrepresented groups.

Copef Training Skills

Copef Training Skills is committed to empowering African and Caribbean communities by addressing critical issues such as housing, health, and employment. Their vision is to provide sustainable pathways out of poverty and ensure social inclusion for marginalised groups. Copef provides safe and affordable housing through their Supported Living Services while offering training programmes on financial literacy, job skills, and health awareness. Since its inception in 2012, Copef has secured partnerships with local authorities and community organisations, helping vulnerable individuals, including refugees and people with disabilities, find stability and empowerment.

Free Your Mind CIC

Free Your Mind CIC is dedicated to supporting children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. Their mission is to provide therapeutic support to help young people overcome trauma and thrive. They offer one-on-one therapy sessions, group workshops, and professional training for educators and social workers, all based on trauma-informed care models. Free Your Mind has collaborated with schools and local councils to provide therapeutic services and training, positively impacting the lives of children who have experienced abuse.

Grassroots Enterprise for Social Inclusion and Poverty Relief (GESIPR)

GESIPR aims to alleviate poverty and promote social inclusion, particularly among marginalised groups such as ex-offenders, asylum seekers, and single parents. They operate a charity shop and food bank while providing peer support and skills training to help individuals reintegrate into society and gain economic independence. GESIPR has raised over £65,000 through their charity shop and has become a hub for community support in West Yorkshire.

Avocado Foundation

Avocado Foundation (formerly known as Money4YOU) empowers Black-led organisations and individuals by improving financial literacy, resilience, and capacity building, helping to close the funding gap for marginalised communities. Through workshops, training, and mentorship programmes, they teach essential financial management skills to individuals and organisations, enabling them to become financially stable and sustainable. Avocado Foundation has supported over 200 organisations, increasing their ability to raise funds and manage finances effectively.

Motivez CIC

Motivez is focused on reducing youth unemployment by connecting young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, with job opportunities and career development resources. They organise job fairs, internships, workshops, and offer one-on-one mentorship to help young people develop career skills and connect with employers. Motivez has collaborated with businesses and local authorities to provide hundreds of young people with meaningful employment opportunities in Greater Manchester.

Muslim Women’s Council

Muslim Women’s Council is committed to advocating for gender equality and social justice, focusing on empowering Muslim women and other marginalised communities. They offer educational programmes, community development initiatives, and advocacy services that focus on women’s empowerment, leadership development, and public engagement. The Council has successfully led community projects that raise awareness of social justice issues and promote the active involvement of Muslim women in public life.

Small Green Shoots

Small Green Shoots is a creative development agency that helps disadvantaged young people engage in the arts while building career pathways in the creative industries. Through arts programmes, workshops, and industry mentorships, they provide young people with the skills, experience, and networks needed to build sustainable careers in the arts. Small Green Shoots has been recognised for its work in transforming the lives of young people by connecting them with opportunities in music, theatre, and media.

Ultra Education CIC

Ultra Education aims to teach entrepreneurship to children and young people from underserved communities, with the belief that everyone can be an entrepreneur regardless of their background. Ultra Education provides workshops, mentorship programmes, and entrepreneurial education designed to help young people develop business skills and mindsets that can lead to future success. Since its founding, Ultra Education has worked with schools, youth clubs, and local authorities to teach hundreds of young people the principles of entrepreneurship, helping them build business plans and launch ventures.

Vanclaron CIC

Vanclaron CIC is committed to supporting individuals with mental health needs and learning disabilities, particularly within Black and Global Majority communities. They provide culturally sensitive support services, including mental health education, counselling, and community engagement programmes aimed at promoting well-being and social inclusion. Vanclaron has collaborated with NHS Trusts and community organisations, providing specialised support for over 300 individuals and improving access to culturally appropriate mental health services.

You Press

You Press empowers underrepresented voices through the power of storytelling and the arts, with a focus on providing platforms for young people and marginalised groups to share their stories. They offer creative writing workshops, media training, and mentorship to help participants develop their storytelling skills and create narratives that challenge societal norms and stereotypes. You Press has worked with schools, local authorities, and media outlets, giving a voice to hundreds of young people and creating platforms for marginalised communities to tell their stories.

Youth League UK

Youth League UK is focused on empowering young people through sports, education, and leadership training. Their mission is to create positive role models and foster community engagement among Black and Global Majority youth. Through sports programmes, leadership workshops, and educational support, Youth League UK helps young people develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in life. Youth League UK has engaged hundreds of young people in sports and leadership programmes, with a focus on reducing youth violence and promoting positive community involvement.

Why Make it Big is Needed

In the context of the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis, our Cost of Living Report highlights the disproportionate financial pressures faced by Black-led organisations. Many of these organisations are operating with limited resources, rising operational costs, and increased demand for services. This funding gap makes it difficult for Black-led organisations to sustain their essential work. The programme, Make it Big with Pathway Fund, addresses these challenges by providing not only financial support but also bespoke training and capacity-building opportunities.

Through other initiatives like Innovate Now with City Bridge Foundation and London Now Now, DiNN is committed to building a brighter, more equitable future for Black-led organisations. "Make it Big" is a vital part of that mission, offering these 12 trailblazing organisations the tools and resources they need to thrive.

We look forward to sharing more success stories from these organisations as they continue to "Make it Big" and positively impact their communities.