Learning and networking event for our fundholders
26 November 2025
We were delighted to welcome over twenty of our fundholders to our learning and networking event. In a packed hall, our local partners came together to hear the findings from our external grant’s evaluation programme, share feedback, and shape the future of our grant-giving work across our borough.
The Researchery delivered an in-depth presentation, sharing the findings from our upcoming report about our individual grants programme. The presentation explored the impact and effectiveness of our funding and the way our place-based model can respond to local needs.
We then facilitated guided discussions about how we can continue to proactively fund local organisations and schools to meet the changing needs of Elmbridge, and gave our fundholders the chance to share their feedback and influence our future grant making.
The biggest highlight of our event was reinforcing the strong network of fundholders we have in Elmbridge. We are uniquely placed to facilitate strong connections within our community and are always thinking of ways to build on these working relationships and ensure continued collaboration.
We would also like to extend our thanks to the Riverhouse Barn for hosting us, and most importantly, our fundholders for their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of their students and local people through our grants. Together we continue to build a thriving Elmbridge community.
The full report will be published on our website in the near future.
Between 2024-25, we have distributed over £800,000 in grant funding across our community, and continue to do this - and more - this year. Our individual grants programme supports local schools and partner organisations to support people across Elmbridge who need financial assistance.
Our Opportunities Fund currently goes to 23 local schools and can be used at the school’s discretion. We believe schools know their students best, so they are can spend the fund on any essential needs for any pupil experiencing financial hardship, even if their families are working. The grant has been used to buy school uniforms and fund school trips, as well as lots of other things. You can read more about how our grants have been used in this story from a local pupil.
Our Delegated Fund is allocated to organisations who work directly with people struggling with poverty and can be used to pay for essentials, such as food vouchers, transport costs to help people get to night shelters or interviews, and much more.
Our Vocational Fund is a direct grant to help with training and back-to-work costs for individuals who have been referred to us by an employment specialist.
Article by Amy Dixon, Policy and Communications Officer