By placing talented professionals from working-class and under-represented communities into paid roles in trusts and foundations, the 2027 Programme has opened the door for new voices, perspectives, and lived experience to shape how funding decisions are made.
After eight incredible years, the 2027 programme is entering its final chapter.
While the initiative may be coming to a close, its impact on the grant-giving sector will continue for years to come - and there’s still time to be part of this story.
We're now calling on organisations to take part in this final year of the programme and its mission to diversify and strengthen the sector.
Why 2027 began
The 2027 programme was born from a simple but powerful truth: whoever makes the funding decisions, shapes who gets funded.
Only 6.6% of trustees at the UK’s largest charities are from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, and 62% of charity boards are still entirely white.
Few funders disclose data on the lived experience or backgrounds of their staff and trustees - yet research from the Grant Givers’ Movement shows that 70% of people working in the sector believe this lack of diversity directly affects funding outcomes.
2027 was created to change that.
By placing talented professionals from working-class and under-represented communities into 12-month paid roles in trusts and foundations, 2027 has opened the door for new voices, perspectives, and lived experience to shape how funding decisions are made.
Each 2027 ‘Associate’ not only brings a wealth of skill and ambition, but also the insight that comes from being closer to the issues that funding exists to address. In turn, host organisations benefit from new energy, more inclusive decision-making, and the opportunity to grow future sector leaders.
Eight years of impact
Since 2017, 2027 has worked with over 65 funding organisations, placing more than 125 Associates into the grant-giving sector. These have included BBC Children in Need, the British Science Association, City Bridge Foundation, Corra Foundation, Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, NHS Charities Together, Oak Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Together with host organisations, mentors, and partners, the programme has built a vibrant community of change-makers. Over 75 volunteers and mentors have supported Associates - many of whom have gone on to senior roles in trusts and foundations, where they continue to influence funding for greater equity and inclusion.
The results speak for themselves: over 90% satisfaction scores from Associates, high retention rates within host organisations, and growing recognition across the sector of how lived experience strengthens funding practice.
Behind every statistic is a story - of people breaking barriers and reshaping the future of philanthropy from within.
In their own words
“As a charity founder, I often questioned why accessing funding was so challenging, despite the clear value and impact of our work. I applied to the 2027 programme to bridge that gap - to gain insight into how funding decisions are made and to help amplify the voices of grassroots leaders like myself.”
- Armando Martie, 2027 Associate
“My first standout moment was sitting on a panel of Westminster funders. We collectively decided the projects we would fund and how much we’d allocate. It felt amazing having a seat at that table where important decisions were being made.”
- Gigi Akbas, 2027 Associate
“We’d unreservedly recommend the 2027 initiative. We usually host two Associates each year, and we find them smart, savvy, and fun to work with.”
- City Bridge Foundation
“We’re proud to be long-term supporters of 2027. Over the years, we’ve had some brilliant colleagues join us through the programme.”
- The Seafarers’ Charity
This year’s final cohort
As we enter the last year of 2027, the final cohort of Associates is among the most diverse yet:
- 53% from a global majority background
- 25% identify as LGBTQ+
- 13% live with a disability
- 36% come from families with no higher education background
- 100% have identified as working-class
They bring experience across research, advocacy, project management, governance, policy, and more - alongside specialist skills in languages, data, and digital programs. These are talented individuals ready to bring their insight, energy, and ideas into the teams shaping where funding goes.
A call to the sector
As 2027 reaches its final year, we’re urging grant-giving organisations to join us in this last opportunity to shift power in funding through this programme.
We’re currently matching our final group of Associates with host organisations, with placements starting between October 2025 and January 2026
Now is the time to get involved. Play your role by investing in the next generation of social impact leaders and shape a more equitable funding sector with us.
For more information, contact Dan Fardon, Senior Partnerships Manager, at dan@koreo.co, or visit www.2027.org.uk.
The Funders Collaborative Hub publishes a range of perspectives. The views expressed here are those of the authors, not necessarily those of ACF.
