Summary
The 2027 programme provides UK trusts, foundations and social investment organisations a cost-effective way to find and develop deeply-rooted working-class talent to improve the effectiveness of the philanthropic sector.
Aims and activities
Aims and questions
Aims and activities
The 2027 programme was created to shift power in philanthropy by giving those with lived experience a seat at the table where funding decisions are made.
2027 works by placing participants into roles in grant-making organisations while they participate in a 12-month leadership development programme, supporting them to become future leaders in the sector. To date, 100% of participants have identified as working-class and over 50% are from Global Majority backgrounds.
After eight years, this marks the final year of the programme - but the mission remains as relevant as ever. To date, over 125 Associates have been placed across more than 65 trusts and foundations, with a majority retained by their organisations and continuing to shape the sector from within.
Through close collaboration with funders, networks, and partners across the sector, 2027 has helped the funding community to recognise the value of lived experience in decision-making. Thanks to the organisations who have hosted Associates, and the training, mentoring, and cross-sector learning they’ve received, this insight will continue to strengthen grant-making for years to come.
How to get involved
We’re now calling on organisations to join our movement by hosting an Associate for a 12-month work placement in this final programme year. Placements are due to begin between October 2025 and January 2026.
If your organisation is interested, reach out to Dan Fardon, Senior Partnerships Manager, at dan@koreo.co.
Who's involved
Who was involved
2027 exists to bring funders and working-class communities across the UK closer together, so that we can develop fairer funding initiatives and create positive and transformational social change.
It is a collaboration between Koreo and Charityworks.
Host organisations include 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.
