Impact report 2023-2024
A New Model for a Stronger Civil Society
The landscape for changemakers is tougher than ever. Broken financial systems, shrinking civic space, and risk-averse funding models create barriers that stifle vital grassroots work. At The Social Change Nest, we build the infrastructure to tear down these barriers.
This impact report details the journey towards a new, more equitable future for civil society.
For five years, we have proven a new way is possible. This report details our journey of navigating bureaucracy so that changemakers can focus on what they do best. It is a story told through the impact of over 600 groups we support and the £37 million we’ve moved to the frontlines of social change.
Read Our Full 2023-2024 Impact Report
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Or download the abridged version for funders
What’s Inside
Inside the report, you will discover:
- How we’ve helped moved £37 million from funders into the hands of grassroots groups and community-led initiatives on the frontlines of social change.
- The impact of our fiscal hosting in the words of the groups we support.
- Radical Case Studies:
- UMI Fund: How our agile partnership has funneled over £2M to unincorporated climate activists in nearly 50 countries, getting funds to the frontlines of the climate emergency.
- Bristol City Council: How we created safe, accessible mechanisms for the council to pay community members for their lived experience, making co-production equitable.
- UMI Fund: How our agile partnership has funneled over £2M to unincorporated climate activists in nearly 50 countries, getting funds to the frontlines of the climate emergency.
- Lessons on Risk & Trust: What we’ve learned about challenging risk-averse funding culture and working with funders to embrace bolder, more impactful approaches.
- What’s on the horizon? Our plans for 2025, including The Community Nest, a space for our hosted groups to connect and learn, and The Social Change Hive, an ethical employment service for activists.
“The Social Change Nest has been instrumental in helping us access grants… Their support has enabled us to operate more efficiently and make a greater impact in our community.”
– Fiscally hosted group (Impact Survey 2024)
“We basically wouldn’t be able to exist as-is without The Social Change Nest. The burden of getting a bank account, etc, ourselves would prevent us from going ahead with it.”
– Fiscally hosted group (Impact Survey 2024)
“It’s been really helpful to have such experienced fiscal hosts, and the added benefit of regular meetings with professionals who understand small groups like ours and can offer advice and support”
– Fiscally hosted group (Impact Survey 2024)
Read our 2023-2024 Impact Report
Why this report matters
This is an invitation to join a critical conversation. Whether you are a funder, a grassroots group, or a commissioner, inside you’ll find insights, evidence, and inspiration for how we can collectively strengthen civil society.
For Funders: Discover a proven, safe, and hassle-free way to support unincorporated groups and social movements with confidence and transparency. See how peers like Lankelly Chase, Disrupt Foundation, and the UMI Fund are leading the way.
For Changemakers: Learn how our infrastructure can support your work, from managing finances to hiring staff, allowing you to focus on your mission.
For Everyone: Understand the challenges facing civil society and the innovative, community-led solutions that are paving the way for a more just and equitable world.
“While fiscal hosts may have been developed as a workaround for clunky inequitable processes, they have shown they can do more… The Social Change Nest swims in the same stream and speaks the same language of purpose being its origin story, which is why it both continues to act in a way traditional philanthropy can’t, or won’t…”
– Joe Doran, Walcot Foundation
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more then do get in touch!