COVID-19

 

Research shows that BAME communities are being hit the hardest by the virus. The lack of equity in funding decisions means the majority of BAME Third sector struggle to get funding. These inequalities are manifestations of the structural barriers and systemic discrimination faced by people from ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Most existing BAME-led organisations are small, community-based charities working directly with those with the greatest needs. They have limited resources to showcase their value to funders or tick the boxes needed. These same groups are seeing rising demand for their services. Many are on the brink of closure, lacking reserves due to years of under-funding, especially in relation to core funding.

A survey conducted by social enterprise the Ubele Initiative warns that 90% of 137 BAME Led micro and small organisations who responded to the survey could close permanently within 3 months if the crisis extends into June. This will leave many communities without essential and trusted specialist support and infrastructure, especially vulnerable older people. The report recommended training and support and the brokering of collaborative partnerships.

With funding support from Forever Manchester, we’ve developed a restore, strengthen and scale up programme to support the Black third sector to build back better.