In March, we welcomed 108 local grantees supported through our Community and Strategic Funds to our Grantee Networking Event at The Dairy in Waddesdon. The day provided a valuable opportunity for funded organisations to connect, share learning, and reflect on common challenges and successes.

The event opened with an inspiring keynote from Will Kennard, Founder and Governor of East London Arts and Music and Charlie Kennard, Chief Executive Officer from Day One Trust, whose engaging talk explored their organisation’s journey, highlighting both challenges and achievements. Drawing on real‑world experience, the keynote emphasised key lessons for the sector, including the importance of understanding an organisation’s uniqueness or “secret sauce”.

“I particularly valued the opportunity to hear from the Kennard brothers, whose talk resonated with me on a personal level beyond my work.”

Attendees also took part in two breakout sessions focused on important topics for our funded organisations. Your Wellbeing Toolbox, delivered by Amy Stone, Access and Community Heritage Consultant, offered practical, take‑away strategies for building wellbeing resilience. Stories of Change, presented by Sarah Cassidy, Head of Inclusion and Learning at the Old Fire Station, introduced storytelling as a creative and impactful approach to evaluation.

Participants shared positive reflections on the sessions:

“I am going to think about how I can implement ‘busy hands’ into my organisation.”

“Endeavour to weave more storytelling into our reporting, both internally and externally.”

A key highlight of the day was the opportunity to network and build relationships with peers from across the sector.

“The most useful thing is always the room of people you’re in – the chance to make new connections and reinforce existing ones.”

Feedback from attendees has also helped us reflect on how future events could be enhanced. While the high level of attendance created energy and momentum, we recognise that smaller group formats or more targeted programme sessions could support richer connections and deeper discussion. This insight will help shape the design of future events.

We are grateful to all our speakers and grantees for their enthusiasm, openness, and participation, and we look forward to welcoming everyone again at our next Grantee Networking Event in March 2028.