In 2017, when young people first told us they would like a say in which projects Islington Giving funds, we thought that a resident-led panel for young people – what became Young Grant Makers – was a response to one particular group in our community. But that first panel turned out to be an initial step in a journey that now sees resident-led grant making as a core part of Islington Giving’s strategy, to “share decision making more equally with residents.”
Over 100 residents have now made decisions about funding, awarding over £1.14 million to 60 local organisations to deliver 81 projects. The part residents have played in our work over the last seven years has not only changed how we make decisions about funding but impacted how we operate as a foundation overall.
In this report, we celebrate the work and all those who have taken part – residents, staff, people who have advised us along the way and, of course, local groups who have taken the time to apply and engage with our panels. As a team, we have learnt so much, and it is this experience and knowledge that we want to share through this report.
Islington Giving remains committed to giving more local people a voice in how decisions are made and money is spent in their borough. We hope that what you read in this report encourages you to join us in this work, either as a funder or as a local resident who wants to get involved.
~ Sarah Benioff, CEO
Click the button to download and read the report (PDF).
“I believe it is important to have local people’s voices in decision making. They know best what is going on in their community and what will make the biggest impact for their community.”
~ PGM Grant Applicant
