When discussing the topic of this blog during the UKCF 2024 conference with my line manager, he suggested I write about inclusion. My innate reaction to this was; ‘But I’m no expert!’. My secondary reaction was more of an epiphany: this is probably how many people feel when the topic of inclusion is brought up (unless they just so happen to be experts). Thankfully, what wasn’t lost on me was how the conference made me …

Environment, climate and justice took centre stage at the conference. Throughout the time I was there, I was so pleased to see how environmental issues and importantly environmental justice is being woven into the work of the Community Foundations across the UK. Across keynote sessions, informal conversations and workshops, I saw a strong desire from attendees to really understand environmental issues and in particular to find the sweet spots where their work would be most …

If there’s one thing, I’ve learned from attending conferences, it’s that no two experiences are ever the same. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the UKCF Conference in Harrogate this year—not just the insightful discussions, but also the chaotic journey home, which, believe it or not, included me wedged into a luggage compartment. Yes, you read that right. Let’s rewind a bit. I was invited to speak on a panel about ‘designing inclusive national programmes’ …

‘Changes we set in motion by 2030 will determine the future of society – you are the most powerful philanthropists that have ever existed.’ This captivating statement by Adam Cooper, Director, Threads in the Ground, encapsulated the sanguine tone of UKCF conference, Foundations for the Future, with its focus on the role of philanthropy in building resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. Here at the European Community Foundation Initiative (ECFI), we know that the UKCF conference …