News

We’ve just backed 12 more exceptional grassroots charities and social enterprises from across the UK. From Manchester to Cornwall, these organisations will receive full access to The Fore’s unrestricted funding, networks, training and support — helping exceptional solutions get from grassroots to nationwide impact.

These are the Rising Stars of the sector — organisations tackling challenges across mental health and wellbeing, youth opportunity, social equity and inclusion, and sustainability and environment.

Natural Neighbours

Natural Neighbours (NN) transform neglected urban spaces into thriving habitats, created and cared for by local communities.

Working in some of London’s most deprived neighbourhoods, NN have engaged over 1,000 residents and created more than 40 micro-habitats. Interest from councils is growing, but the Director and Chair currently spend too much of their time on administration to capitalise on these opportunities.

NN will use our funding to recruit an Operations Manager to strengthen systems and provide additional capacity. This will free up the leadership team to focus on fundraising, partnerships and scaling a proven model to create thriving habitats in communities across London and other UK cities.

The Pasty Box CIC

The Pasty Box give primary school children across Cornwall the practical skills and confidence to cook healthy food.

They deliver hands-on cooking programmes and provide ingredient boxes to encourage children to continue cooking at home, extending their impact beyond the classroom. Schools report increased confidence and improved behaviour, with every school they have worked with choosing to return. However, demand is growing faster than their capacity, with the founder currently delivering most sessions.

The Pasty Box will use our funding to build capacity for their next stage of growth, increasing the Director’s time to develop new income streams through festivals, commercial workshops and pasty-making kits. It will also support the training of new facilitators, helping them double the number of schools they reach.

Black Men Teach

Black Men Teach (BMT) are creating a more representative education system, where Black boys can see themselves reflected in the people who teach and lead them.

BMT support boys with identity development and mentoring, while helping educators build their skills and leadership. So far, they have reached more than 1,000 young people and 650 educators. Demand now extends beyond London, but delivery remains heavily dependent on the founders and a small freelance team.

With The Fore’s funding, BMT will recruit a Programme and Partnerships Manager to support expansion into Birmingham and Manchester. It will help BMT scale their digital resources, grow school and university partnerships and generate earned income, building the foundations for sustainable national growth.

Meet all 12 exceptional charities and social enterprises here.