Our Approach

More than funding – a different way of working

The challenges facing society are complex and deeply rooted. Real change takes time. That’s why we’re committed to long-term investment, bringing people and organisations together, learning what works and turning that learning into action.

We don’t just fund. We listen, convene and learn alongside the people we work with, building the relationships that turn knowledge into action and create genuine, lasting change.

Approach

Connection is the missing piece

Many of the most pressing challenges facing communities, including unsafe housing, weakening connections to nature and persistent educational inequality, are complex, interdependent and rooted in how systems are designed and operate.

Knowledge is more accessible than ever. What’s harder to find and increasingly valuable,  is the connection and rooted experience that helps turn that knowledge into action. Siloed responses miss the bigger picture. Quick fixes don’t reach root causes.

The Wates family shares a conviction that society’s most intractable challenges are the ones most worth tackling – and that belonging is at the heart of the change we’re working towards. 

Sml Semh Event Feb 60

Our Collaborative Approach

Society’s challenges need a truly collaborative approach if we are to build the momentum required for real change.

That means taking time to listen to: understand root causes; bring people together to make personal connections, share learning and explore solutions; build partnerships between those developing ideas and those willing to fund alongside us.

Together, we learn what’s working, adapt as things evolve and help meaningful change grow, keeping our eye on impact, and creating platforms that allow others to shine. We’ve seen this approach give real energy and momentum to people already doing outstanding work and that’s what drives lasting change.

Our Approach

The change we seek

These five domains describe the change we’re working towards and how we understand change.

People & belonging

People feel prouder of where they live and learn – more connected, hopeful and inspired.

Places & environment

Homes, schools and neighbourhoods become thriving, safer, more vibrant places where people and nature grow together.

Community capacity & leadership

Communities, schools and families lead the way – more skilled, confident and equipped to shape the future.

Collaboration & partnerships

Organisations and services connect like never before, building powerful partnerships that drive real change.

Voice & influence

Young people and communities are heard more – shaping decisions and securing lasting support.

Nature Based Neighbourhoods

What relational funding looks like

Investing in people and relationships, not just projects

We fund core costs, not just projects, so organisations can focus on what matters most.

We invest in people and relationships over time, creating spaces for connection and convening conversations for collaboration and shared learning.

We back ideas, research and initiatives that address social and structural inequalities as well as immediate needs.

We work alongside other funders, bringing additional resource and richer insights. Funding alongside others deepens the learning, bringing connection and knowledge that goes well beyond a simple funder and grantee relationship.

Grounded Learning

Grounded in learning

Learning is at the heart of our approach

We learn from the organisations we fund, from others across the sector and, most importantly, from those experiencing injustice and inequality. 

We foster learning at every level: within our own team, in partnership with the organisations we fund and across our sector networks. We gather stories of change to understand not just what changed, but how and we use that insight to reflect, adapt and improve.

By staying open, curious and collaborative, we build funding relationships that evolve over time and drive meaningful, sustained change.