The July 2025 WMFN members roundtable exchange, looked at the potential impact of welfare and disability reforms in the WM. Jude Hawes, Operations Manager, Staffordshire North and Stoke on Trent CAB and Louise McKiernan, Chief Executive, Birmingham Disability Resource Centre, joined members of the Network and shared their critical analysis and view of the implications for disabled people and third sector services of the latest Labour government reforms on welfare and disability benefits.

At WMFN’s 2025 Annual Conference, over 100 funders, charities and civic leaders gathered to confront the realities of AI, data and digital change. From ethical dilemmas to practical case studies, the day offered a grounded look at how these tools are already reshaping the sector — and what it will take to adopt them with confidence, inclusion and care. This article reflects on the key themes, feedback and next steps.

The National Lottery Community Fund is deepening its role as a listening funder, championing community-led change across the West Midlands. With a strong focus on equity, health, and environmental justice, it’s empowering local voices to shape funding decisions and drive impact where it’s needed most.

Our April Roundtable explored the latest migration trends across the West Midlands, highlighting the region’s key role in refugee resettlement and the growing pressures facing frontline services. Speakers from WM Strategic Migration Partnership and RMC shared vital data and insights on housing, legal aid, integration, and sector capacity.

Delve into place-based funding approaches. Our March workshop equipped stakeholders with the knowledge to drive impactful change across the West Midlands. Explore effective partnership working, delivery mechanisms, and strategies for tackling inequality. Learn from experts at Power to Change, Barrow Cadbury Trust, and others, and discover how to define and measure success.

The Rigby Foundation actively drives change in the West Midlands, breaking barriers to quality education and sustainable employment for young people, particularly in central and south Birmingham. Their "Inspiring Futures Programme" connects schools and charities to deliver targeted support.

It is with great sadness that the Network shares the passing of Eric Adams, a dedicated and influential figure in the world of philanthropy and civil society.

Understand the legal nuances of grant-making. Our recent seminar clarified the vital distinctions between gifts, grants, and contracts, ensuring funders operate within legal boundaries. Access the presentation to learn more.

The latest Members Roundtable Exchange explored participatory funding approaches and strategies to engage underrepresented groups. Featuring insights from Helen Killingley of the National Emergencies Trust, members discussed ways to make funding more inclusive and impactful. Access the full discussion and presentation highlights here.

Tina Swani, outgoing Chief Executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, reflects on leading transformative change over four and a half years. From amplifying SCCT’s impact to fostering inclusivity and resilience, her leadership has strengthened the Trust’s legacy of enhancing quality of life for Sutton Coldfield residents.

Trustees of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) are delighted to announce their new  Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Martinali who joins SCCT on 18 March 2025. 

WMFN welcomes Sophie Tobin and Carla Belle to our Board, enhancing our commitment to empowering funders and communities across the West Midlands

The 7th Annual General Meeting of the WM Funders Network was held on the 20th November @ Rathbones Investment, Birmingham..

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field with far-reaching potential, yet it remains complex and filled with uncertainties. Within the grant funding sector, there is increasing interest in how AI could be harnessed, especially given the growing availability of diverse AI tools, ranging from free resources to advanced commercial systems……..

We are delighted to announce that the Rigby Foundation has joined the WM Funders Network. Sonia Chhatwal, Executive Director, attended her first meeting - the Members Roundtable Exchange on the 22nd October ………

The latest Members Roundtable Exchange meeting was held in person and online. Members shared latest programme updates and a presentation on proportionate monitoring and reporting ……

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust is seeking a new Chief Executive....

We are excited to announce the release of the final report from our Annual Conference 2024. This report delves into the growing practice of participatory grant making, where the decision-making power across grant funding is shifted towards those who are directly impacted by the issues being addressed.

WMFN National Funders subgroup met on the 6th August to discuss a range of funder updates and regional developments. To read more…….

The 30th July Members Roundtable Exchange had a packed agenda of updates provided by members on environmental justice work; 2nd stage of National Heritage Lottery Fund 10 year funding strategy; School of Social Entrepreneurs latest training and funding packages for community businesses and social enterprises, BVSC commissioned research on the impact of BCC section 114 budgetary cuts on the third sector, and HPLC’s plans to implement participatory grantmaking approaches to the future design of funding……