In partnership with Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
About this event
In a rapidly evolving impact landscape, shaped by the establishment of the UK’s new Office for the Impact Economy and the growing momentum of mission-driven capital, funders are being called into a new kind of leadership. From philanthropy to social investment, from local place-based giving to national funding strategies, the question is no longer whether funders play a role in shaping the impact economy, but how—and with what responsibilities.
We will be joined by:
- Gemma Rocyn Jones, Deputy Director, Office for the Impact Economy, Cabinet Office
- Vicki Butler, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
This event explores what the rise of the impact economy means for funders of all types: independent, corporate, community, family, and blended-finance grant-makers. As impact becomes embedded across public, private, and civic sectors, funders must rethink how they deploy capital, how they partner, and how they steward influence responsibly.
In this session, you’ll gain:
- A clear understanding of your role in the impact economy: What the UK’s impact economy is, how it is developing, and what responsibilities funders hold within it.
- Practical insights on responsible funding in a systemic environment: How funders can move from transactional grant-making to strategic, collaborative, and catalytic deployment of capital that empowers people, places, and movements.
- Examples of funders leading the way: Stories from philanthropy, social investors, community foundations, and blended-finance initiatives demonstrating what responsible and future-focused funding looks like in practice.
- Tools for navigating partnership and power: How to build reciprocal, equitable partnerships with government, business, social enterprises, and communities, while staying rooted in mission, transparency, and accountability.
Please note that this event is designed for funders and philanthropists. We may contact attendees ahead of the event to ensure it is the most suitable session for you.
Chatham House rule applies during this event.
How we can help
Whether you’re a business, charity, funder or social enterprise, we can offer you tailored support. Find out more about how we can help you.
Great to see so many funders in the 'room', looking to work together, seeking solutions to shared challenges.
Previous funder drop-in attendee
Related items
Resources
What is a reasonable evaluation ask?
By Lily Meisner, Elliot Trevithick, Brendan McGowan, Kerry Dowding.
On 9 July 2026.
Five lessons for grant-makers on designing proportionate, flexible and relationship-centred monitoring, evaluation and learning requirements.
Blog
If trust is the unique selling point, who should funders back?
By Kaan Yilmazturk .
On 12 June 2026.
Many charities don’t stand out through scale or efficiency, but through relational infrastructure. Effective funding therefore relies on a proportionate due diligence and a more personal assessment of values, relationships, and local context.
Blog
Theory of Change – how do you make it fun?
By Jessica Weir .
On 5 June 2026.
Theory of Change is most effective when treated as a creative, collaborative process – using good facilitation, engaging activities, and diverse perspectives to help teams better imagine, design, and achieve meaningful impact.
