The Fore

💫Our 2024/25 Impact Report is live! Summed up in one sentence: in one of the toughest periods the sector has faced, the small charities we back continue to make remarkable progress despite immense pressures. The proof is in their numbers: 🎯 81% average achievement against transformational stretch targets. 📈 5.4x income growth over 10 years (vs. 83% decline in comparable charities). This year, we distributed £1.73 million across 50 grants to exceptional small charities working on mental health and wellbeing, social equity and inclusion, youth opportunity, and environment and sustainability. 2024/25 also saw us step up our ambition for nationwide impact: 🌟 We made our mission bolder. The Fore is creating a society that solves its own problems. 🎯 New goal: Getting exceptional grassroots solutions to nationwide impact in 5 years. 💰 Strengthened core grants: Increased maximum unrestricted funding by 50% to £45,000, reflecting economic realities and matching the ambition of the leaders we back. 📚 Ramped up our efforts to challenge the funding status quo: We launched our free Philanthropy Insights training, our Brace for Impact podcast, and expanded our Funders Collective to encourage more catalytic philanthropy and help philanthropists and their advisors see how they can create change. 🔗 This is just a tiny snapshot! Read the full report to see how together, we can create a society that solves its own problems by using the link in our bio. #ImpactReport #SocialImpact #Philanthropy #SmallCharities #VenturePhilanthropy

📢 Change is possible. If you believe in a society that can solve it’s own problems: Join us! We’re thrilled to share our new short film, made at a pivotal time in The Fore’s history. It shows why, if we want to solve the challenges we face, now is the time to support exceptional small charities and social enterprises – and how The Fore’s unique model of unrestricted funding and wraparound support unlocks outsized impact. 🎬 A huge thank you to The Why Agency for so generously supporting the creation of this film. We are incredibly grateful and can’t recommend their work enough. And to our exceptional partners and small charity leaders that shared their stories: 💫 Christian Savvides, Global Partner at @rothschildandco and Chair at @innovatingmindscic 💫 Suzie Mumme, Philanthropist and Business Leader 💫 Noah Bennett – Co-Founder and Co-Director at @youngwilders_ 💫 Jack Reynolds – Co-Founder and CEO at @footballbeyondborders 💫 Claudine Bongo – Executive Director and Founder at @trampolinenhcic 📧 Contact [email protected] to explore our bespoke corporate and philanthropic options.

📢 New Podcast Alert 📢 Big News - The Fore ’s very first official Podcast is launching this time next week. Introducing Brace For Impact 🎙️ The Podcast where we champion modern philanthropy in a changing world, hosted by our CEO, @maryrosegunn Rose Gunn. 👂Listen to the trailer to get a sneak peak of what's in store. ⬇️ Like what you hear? Visit our Linktree to Pre-Subscribe Now so you never miss an episode.

📢 Can music make joy and connection a reality for those living with dementia? 💡In our next At The Forefront, our CEO Mary Rose Gunn is joined by Kate Darby, Co-Founder and CEO of Dementia Disco. This fun-loving charity use music and dance to bring together people of all ages living with dementia and their loved ones to move, groove and create memories. 🕺Through regular discos, care home sessions, and online routines with professional physiotherapy techniques, Dementia Disco spread joy and encourage people to live life to the fullest. Join us to hear how Kate and her team are using dance to demand government action and reinstate dementia as a political priority. 🎟️ Get your free ticket via the link in our bio

The Fore’s June Workshop calendar is here, and it’s tailor made for small charities looking to upskill their team. 💡 Building a Communications Plan with David Page (Triceratops Training) 📅 Tuesday, 2nd June 10am-12pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💡 Organisational Storytelling with B&G 📅 Wednesday, 10th June 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💡 Comms Clinic with B&G 📅 Thursday, 11th June 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💡 Building Great Corporate Partnerships with B&G 📅 Tuesday, 23rd June 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💡 High Net Worth Donors with B&G 📅 Wednesday, 24th June 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💡 How To Grow Well with B&G 📅 Monday, 29th June 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💡 What’s Your Fundraising Story? with B&G 📅 Tuesday, 30th June 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot via the link in our bio 💫 To be the first to know about new workshops, events and opportunities at The Fore, subscribe to our mailing list for charities and social enterprises check the link in our bio #LearnWithTheFore #SmallCharityWorkshops #ProfessionalDevelopment #Philanthropy

The Fore’s May Workshop calendar is here, and it’s tailor made for small charities that want to strengthen and grow. 🎟️ Swipe to learn more, then book your spot via the link in our bio. 💡 Organisational Storytelling with B&G Partners LLP 📅 Tuesday, 5th May 10am-1pm 💡 Building Strong Boards with Triceratops Training 📅 Wednesday, 6th May 10am-12pm 💡 High Net Worth Giving with B&G Partners LLP 📅 Tuesday, 12th May 10am-1pm 💡 Organisational Resilience with Embrace Finance 📅 Thursday, 14th May 11:30am-1:30pm 💡 Succession Planning for Non-profits with B&G Partners LLP 📅 Tuesday, 19th May 10am-1pm 💡 Increase Participation In Your Volunteering Programme with Time for Impact 📅 Wednesday, 20th May 10am-12:30pm 💡 Building Great Corporate Partnerships with B&G Partners LLP 📅 Wednesday, 27th May 10am-1pm 💫 To be the first to know about new workshops, events and opportunities at The Fore, subscribe to our mailing list for charities and social enterprises via our link in our bio #LearnWithTheFore #SmallCharityWorkshops #ProfessionalDevelopment #Philanthropy

Why are so many autistic girls still going undiagnosed and misunderstood? 💡In our next At The Forefront, our CEO Mary Rose Gunn speaks with Cathy Wassell, founder of Autistic Girls Network and a leading researcher and advocate for neurodivergent girls. From mentoring and training to launching The Haven – an innovative online school for neurodivergent girls and non-binary young people – Autistic Girls Network is reshaping how support is designed and delivered, across schools and workplaces. Join us for this episode to challenge outdated approaches to autism and rethink how autistic girls are understood . 🎟️ Get your free ticket via our Linktree

Do you want to learn about innovative solutions to homelessness? Are you a funder, policymaker, philanthropist or sector leader interested in the newest ideas and scalable models? Join us in person or online at 12-1pm on Thursday 21st May 2026 for our first At the Forefront Showcase to meet four trailblazing charities redefining how we tackle homelessness from the ground up. These charities and social enterprises have all been previously backed by The Fore and are now driving change across the UK. They will provide short presentations on their models followed by time for questions. This is NOT a fundraising event. Speakers: Jonathan Tan (Founder and CEO), Greater Change – cash transfers to end and prevent homelessness Christy Acton BEM Acton (Founder and CEO), Standing Tall – connecting those who have experienced homelessness with a stable job and a safe home Rachel Woolf (Founder & CEO), Street Storage – free, accessible and safe storage for those experiencing homelessness Zoe Minihan (Programme Manager), Hotel School – supporting people who have experienced homelessness to thrive in the hospitality industry 🔗 Register for your place and join the mailing list via our Linktree. You can also read more about it via our Events page on our website. A recording will be circulated to all registered guests. The Fore is the UK’s only venture philanthropy fund backing the best small charities and social enterprises. Our themed At the Forefront Showcases shine a spotlight on the most exciting, scalable grassroots ideas we’re backing across a range of different areas. In 2026 we will be highlighting innovation in Homelessness, Youth & the Environment and Education. #SocialImpact #Philanthropy #HomelessnessSolutions #TheFore #Innovation

How can a social enterprise rebuild lives inside and after prison? In our latest At The Forefront, our CEO Mary Rose Gunn spoke to Pauline Miller-Brown, founder of Restart Enterprise, an organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of reoffending through practical support designed with people who’ve been through the system themselves. Together, they unpack how prioritising “human-touch” solutions, as simple as a hot drink or a ride home on release day, and supporting family members and prison staff, fill the gaps often left by the criminal justice system. 🎧 Listen to or watch the full session via our Linktree #LearnWithTheFore #RebuildingLives

The Fore’s April Workshop calendar is here, and it’s tailor made for small charities that want to strengthen their team. 💡How to Grow Well with B&G Partners LLP 📅 Tuesday, 7th April 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot here: /e/how-to-grow-well-tickets-1983879064687?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true 📅 Thursday, 16th April 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot here: /e/how-to-grow-well-tickets-1983879570199?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true 💡 Comms Clinic with B&G Partners LLP 📅 Tuesday, 14th April 10am-1pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot here: /e/comms-clinic-tickets-1983941414176?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile 💡 Ask Me Anything: Enhancing Tech For Charities with Scottish Tech Army 📅 Tuesday, 16th April 2pm-3pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot here: /e/ask-me-anything-enhancing-tech-for-charities-with-tech-for-good-alliance-tickets-1984874974480?aff=oddtdtcreator 💡 Creating Fundraising Appeals with Triceratops Training 📅 Friday, 23rd April 10am-12pm 🎟️Learn more and book your spot here: /e/creating-fundraising-appeals-with-triceratops-training-tickets-1984793308214?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true 💫 To be the first to know about new workshops, events and opportunities at The Fore, subscribe to our mailing list for charities and social enterprises: /4815254 #LearnWithTheFore #SmallCharityWorkshops #ProfessionalDevelopment #Philanthropy

What happens when someone asks ChatGPT about organisations like yours? With more than a third of people now starting their searches in AI tools rather than traditional search engines like Google, it’s important that potential beneficiaries and supporters can find you there. We did a bit of digging to understand how organisations like The Fore can show up in those searches. There are a couple of things that you can do and we thought it might be helpful to share. 1️⃣ Be crystal clear on your website Explain plainly what your organisation does, who you help, and where you work. Having this clearly explained on a single page really helps AI tools understand your organisation. You don’t need to restructure your whole website, but having a clear, AI-friendly overview page can make a big difference. Using plain English rather than sector jargon also helps. 2️⃣ Make sure your website is AI-friendly This sounds technical, but it’s often just a few simple checks. For example: • Checking that your website isn’t blocking AI or search crawlers • Making sure key pages like About, What We Do, or Impact aren’t accidentally hidden from indexing If you have someone who supports you with your website, they can usually check this quite quickly. Even asking ChatGPT what to look for can be a helpful starting point. 3️⃣ Don’t underestimate the value of being mentioned elsewhere Media coverage, partner websites, reports and blogs that reference your organisation all increase the chances that AI tools recognise you. We are still learning about this ourselves, but we thought it might be helpful to share. If others in the sector are experimenting with this too, we would love to hear what you have been trying. #LearnWithTheFore #VenturePhilanthropy #SmallCharities #AI #ChatGPT

💫 We’re proud to be backing The Pachamama Project – a charity on a mission to make sure no one is held back by their periods. Around the world, people who menstruate miss out on education and opportunities because of period poverty. Founder Ella Lambert was inspired to tackle this, having missed days of education due to severe period pain. 💡 She started making reusable pads while at university for people unable to afford products. Now Pachamama have 2,500+ volunteers worldwide and have supported over 20,000 people in 12 countries. Alongside pads, they run workshops covering reproductive health and how to manage periods safely and confidently. They have ambitions to scale but don’t have the staff to realise this. 🚀 With our funding, Pachamama plan to expand their team to diversify income to fuel the doubling of their impact in just three years. #thepachamamaproject #venturephilanthropy #reusablepads