This long-term approach to grant funding is groundbreaking, especially for small charities like ARE. The trust and belief in our approach and expertise to build and strengthen Black, Asian and Mixed heritage-led charities working in the communities is vital to the sustainability and resilience of the sector.
Jeremy Crook, Chief Executive
This grant enables ARE to confidently plan in line with our strategy and vision and to continue to question, challenge and support the transformative change we need to see for a fairer, equitable and inclusive society.
In 2024, City Brige Foundation, committed to funding the UPLIFT Programme through their Anchor Programme.
As one of the first recipients of this long-term funding, Action for Race Equality will deliver UPLIFT annually over the next decade, providing structured, co-design sessions, culturally relevant support and engagement to strengthen the sector.
About the programme
Many Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage-led organisations play vital roles in addressing systemic inequalities, yet they often lack access to tailored support that matches their unique needs.
The UPLIFT programme bridges this gap, offering resources and guidance to build organisational sustainability, strengthen leadership, and amplify community impact. This 10-year programme is committed to advancing Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage-led organisations to thrive and build sustainable futures.
The progarmme will be co-developed, to ensure it delivers tailored and culturally relevant capacity building support to promote sustainable organisational development. Through, peer learning, collaborative engagement, and personalised support, UPLIFT aims to create meaningful pathways to systemic change with £10,000 worth of expert-led support to strengthen leadership, improve governance, and accelerate strategic growth.
UPLIFT is designed with collaboration at its core. Through consultations and co-design sessions, we engage directly with participating organisations to ensure the programme remains responsive, relevant, and impactful. By actively listening and adapting to their evolving needs, it creates meaningful and lasting change.
About UPLIFT
ARE recognises that success looks different to each organisation.
The aim of UPLIFT is to equip organisations to be:
- More visible and confident in what they do and achieve.
- More present around ‘the tables’ that hold power, impacting policy design and decisions.
- Able to influence policy and genuine transformative change.
- Stronger with messaging and voice.
- More equipped with technical skills and improved organisation culture and efficiency.
- Able to lead with confidence, direction and integrity, by supporting the leaders.
How?
Over the 10 years period, ARE will UPLIFT 300 organisations.
Each new cohort of organisations will receive bespoke and intense 12-months capacity-building and organisational development support.
Who is eligible?
UPLIFT is a programme designed for organisations that are:
- Led by and for Black, Asian, or Mixed Heritage communities.
- London-based and actively serving local boroughs.
- Charities, social enterprises, CICs, or voluntary and community groups.
Eligible organisations must have operated for at least a year, with an annual income between £50,000 and £150,000.
We’re prioritising organisations whose work focuses on one or more of the following areas:
- Criminal Justice
- Employment
- Education
- Youth progammes
What will the programme feature?
The programme is structured into three phases, blending structured learning, leadership development, and bespoke consultancy.
Each phase will focus on key areas of organisational development, including (but not limited to) finance, governance, communications, and policy.
By joining UPLIFT, participating organisations gain access to expert insights, funding opportunities, and strategic tools designed to accelerate growth.
UPLIFT programme phases:
Phase 1 – Strategic Finance & Sustainability
(Months 1–4)
Phase 2 – Advocacy, Leadership & Governance
(Months 5–8)
Phase 3 – Communication, Technology & Growth
(Months 9–12)
How will we deliver UPLIFT?
Participating organisations will receive a blended approach to learning and development, consisting of:
- Co-Designed Programme Structure: Finalised through collaborative co-production sessions.
- Action Learning Workshops: Covering critical topics for organisational sustainability and growth.
- Leadership Coaching: Personalised leadership support for long-term impact.
- Bespoke Consultancy & Resources: Addressing specific organisational challenges.
Why ARE?
Building on ARE’s long-standing experience in delivering organisational development and capacity-building initiatives, the UPLIFT programme is shaped and strengthened by the deep networks, insights, and expertise developed over the years.
Programme team
ARE Programme Manager – Nola Sterling
ARE Programme Senior Associate – Tebussum Rashid
Kind thanks to the City Bridge Foundation: Anchor Programme who will be generously funding the UPLIFT Programme for 10 years from 2024..
EXPRESS your INTEREST
We’re currently seeking organisations to join our first UPLIFT cohort.
Think you’re eligible? Applications will go live on the 30th April 2025
Thinking of applying or have any questions?
We will be hosting an online open Q&A session on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, 12:30-1:30 pm.
REGISTER HERE
PLEASE NOTE: If successful, applicants must be available for a mandatory in person full day co-design introduction session on Wednesday 16th July 2025.
For further details, or if you would like to take part in the co-designing process, please contact the UPLIFT Programme Manager Nola Sterling at nola@actionforraceequality.org.uk.