Shaping the Future is a collaborative pooled fund aiming to transform and boost leadership capacity in the migration sector. Migration Exchange urges funders to partner with them to increase the amount of grants that can be distributed in this much-needed initiative.
Since launching for applications in January 2025, the Shaping the Future Fund has seen an overwhelming response. Marchu Belete, Co-Director of Migration Exchange, shares how this fund aims to build a resilient, diverse, and impactful UK refugee and migration sector, strengthening leadership to tackle urgent challenges and drive transformative change.
In a world grappling with systemic inequalities, rising far-right extremism, and targeted violence against asylum seekers and charities in the migration sector, the need for resilient, equitable, and transformative leadership has never been greater. The Shaping the Future Leadership Initiative, a collaborative pooled fund, is stepping up to meet this challenge.
The fund aims to strengthen leadership capacity and capability within the UK refugee and migration sector. By prioritising anti-oppressive practices, wellbeing, sustainability, and systemic change, the fund seeks to create a ripple effect that extends beyond its immediate scope, informing broader funder and sector practices on leadership. Apart from providing grants to individuals, organisations and networks, it will create opportunities for learning and collaboration through a community of practice for grant partners and a robust learning and evaluation process.
A collaborative, participatory approach
At the heart of the Shaping the Future Fund is a commitment to participatory grantmaking. The Co-Creation Group, comprising ten individuals with deep expertise and lived experience in the UK migration sector, has been instrumental in designing the fund’s priorities, application process, and outreach strategies.
Representing diverse geographies and perspectives, the group ensures that the fund centres equity, inclusivity, and the unique challenges faced by grassroots organisations. This participatory approach is not just a principle, it’s a practice. From co-designing the fund’s criteria, to reviewing applications and making funding recommendations, the Co-Creation Group model embodies the initiative’s commitment to trust-based, inclusive philanthropy.
The demand for the Shaping the Future Fund is overwhelming. The fund’s current capacity falls short of the clear need in the sector. This is where funders can make a difference.
Progress and achievements
Since its inception, the Shaping the Future Fund has made significant strides:
· Fundraising success: We have secured contributions from eight funders and will be able to distribute funding to organisations starting in Spring 2025.
· Co-creation and design: Through a participatory and iterative process, the Co-Creation Group has developed a framework that reflects a flexible, innovative, and feminist approach to funding.
· Community engagement: Two key events - an online session on staying safe amidst far-right activity and an in-person gathering on rethinking leadership - have shaped the fund’s priorities and outreach efforts.
A call to action for funders
The demand for the Shaping the Future Fund is overwhelming. Over 500 people attended recent webinars about the funding opportunity, demonstrating the sector’s urgent need for leadership support. However, with the current funding pot, only up to 25 grants can be distributed. The fund’s current capacity falls short of the clear need in the sector.
This is where funders can make a difference. By partnering with us on the Shaping the Future Fund, you can help amplify its impact, ensuring that more organisations led by those with lived experience of migration receive the support they need to drive systemic change.
Why invest in the Shaping the Future Fund?
1. Impact focused: The fund supports leadership development that prioritises equity, inclusivity, and systems change, creating lasting impact in the migration sector in the UK.
2. Participatory grantmaking: By empowering those with lived experience to lead decision-making, the fund ensures that resources are directed where they are needed most.
3. Collaborative infrastructure: The fund’s robust co-creation and risk management processes provide a scalable model for effective, trust-based philanthropy.
Join us
The Shaping the Future Fund is more than a grantmaking initiative - it’s a movement to redefine leadership in the migration sector. If you’re a funder looking to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to join us. Together, we can strengthen leadership, promote equity, and create a more just and resilient future for all.
For more information and to discuss further, contact Marchu Belete
Find out more
The fund is now open to grant applications, closing on 12th March, and there are three funding pots available: for individuals, organisations and collaborative partnerships. Please share the information for applicants with your networks.
Blog by Co-Director Marchu Belete reflecting on the launch of the Shaping the Future fund and the values behind it
2022 research report: A snapshot of leadership development in the UK refugee and migration sector
Initial concept note for more background on the development of the fund.
Join the Shaping the Future Fund
Find out more and get involved in the Shaping the Future Fund
