London Now Now: Driving Systemic Change for Black Communities in London

London Now Now (LNN) is a pioneering initiative developed by Do it Now Now (DiNN) to drive long-term systemic change for Black communities in London. Built on the principles of capacity building, local leadership, advocacy and influencing, and community wealth, this initiative is an urgent response to the structural barriers that have historically hindered Black-led social enterprises and charities. By 2030, London Now Now aims to provide in-depth support to 30,000 Black Londoners, strengthening economic resilience and ensuring a more equitable future.

With London serving as a global financial, cultural, and political hub, LNN leverages the city’s influence to address disparities affecting Black communities. 49.3% of the UK’s Black population lives in London, making it the focal point for sustainable, community-driven change.

Why London Now Now Matters

1. Strengthening Black-Led Organisations

Black-led social enterprises and charities are at the forefront of tackling social inequities, yet they remain disproportionately underfunded and unsupported. Over 90% of Black-led organisations in London lack financial reserves beyond three months. LNN is designed to close this gap by offering strategic funding, governance training, and financial literacy programs to empower these organisations.

2. Building Local Leadership for Long-Term Change

Black leaders continue to face limited access to decision-making spaces and mentorship opportunities. Through LNN, we are equipping emerging leaders with training, peer-learning opportunities, and direct engagement with policymakers. Our goal is to elevate Black-led organisations from service providers to decision-makers, ensuring their voices shape the policies that impact them.

3. Advocacy and Influencing: Shifting the Power Dynamics

For too long, Black-led organisations have been consulted but not empowered. LNN champions participatory funding models, trust-building with funders, and the creation of long-term partnerships to ensure that Black leaders have a seat at the table when shaping funding strategies and policy reforms. We are advocating for unrestricted, multi-year funding that aligns with the real needs of the community.

4. Community Wealth: Achieving Financial Sustainability

Many Black-led organisations remain trapped in survival mode due to short-term project-based funding and exclusion from financial capital opportunities. LNN supports sustainable revenue models, multi-year core funding, and entrepreneurship initiatives that empower Black communities to build long-term economic resilience.

Key Programmatic Strands of London Now Now

1. Capacity Building for Black-Led Organisations

LNN provides diagnostic assessments, tailored action plans, and expert-led training on:

• Business viability and income generation

• Strategic planning and governance

• Impact measurement and financial management

• Human-centered program design

2. Elevating Local Black Leaders

• Peer-led development programs

• Leadership certification

• Engagement with local councils and decision-makers

3. Advocacy and Influencing for Systemic Change

• Empowering Black-led organisations to shape funding priorities

• Establishing participatory grant-making models

• Direct engagement with policymakers and funders

4. Economic Empowerment and Community Wealth

• Social investment and grantmaking

• Sustainable revenue models for Black-led organisations

• Entrepreneurship training for Black Londoners

Metric Goals for London Now Now

By 2030, London Now Now aims to achieve the following measurable outcomes:

• 30,000 Black Londoners supported through capacity-building, leadership, and entrepreneurship programs.

• At least 500 Black-led organisations provided with tailored governance, financial planning, and impact measurement training.

• 100 Black-led social enterprises and charities connected with long-term, unrestricted funding sources.

• 50% increase in Black-led organisations successfully securing local and national government contracts.

• 75% of Black-led organisations participating in LNN report greater financial sustainability and resilience.

• 40% increase in Black leaders holding advisory or decision-making positions in London’s funding, policy, and corporate sectors.

• £5 million distributed in social investment and grants to Black-led initiatives across London.

• 20 policy recommendations developed and presented to local and national government bodies to address structural inequalities.

• 90% participant satisfaction rate across all training, leadership, and funding programs.

These goals will be tracked through quarterly impact assessments, participant surveys, and longitudinal studies to ensure measurable, sustainable impact.

Why Your Support Matters

For Funders

LNN presents an opportunity to invest in long-term, unrestricted funding that will drive systemic change, rather than temporary fixes. Funders have a critical role in reshaping how Black-led organisations are supported—ensuring sustainability, not just survival.

For Government Officials

To create an equitable London, government leaders must engage directly with Black-led organisations and integrate their expertise into policymaking. Supporting LNN means investing in a future where Black communities thrive, not just exist.

For Corporate and Strategic Partners

Partnerships with LNN can enhance corporate social responsibility initiatives, diversify supply chains, and create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.

A Call to Action: The Time to Act is Now

London Now Now is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement. It is about reshaping the systems that have historically excluded Black-led organisations from equitable opportunities. Through targeted investment, policy change, and long-term commitment, we can empower Black Londoners to lead, innovate, and build sustainable futures.

We invite funders, policymakers, and community leaders to join us in making London Now Now a reality. Together, we can move beyond the status quo and build a city where Black communities are fully resourced, empowered, and recognised as leaders of social change.

Join the Movement. Invest in Change. Support London Now Now.