The Rank Foundation is pleased to announce a major long-term investment in Sunderland.
With a commitment of £1.5 million, and additional funding to be secured, our Sunderland Place-based Programme will support the city’s social sector over the next three years (2024-2027) by:
- Boosting the impact of five anchor organisations
- Leadership and social enterprise support training for future social sector leaders
- Access to funding in open, micro, and repayable grants
At the launch event held in local landmark Hylton Castle, Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council said:
“The Rank Foundation is not just investing in projects, it’s investing in the future of Sunderland. As we look ahead, there is much to be hopeful about. Sunderland is a city that is continually evolving, creating more and more opportunities, for its residents, and rising to meet the new challenges with the sincere determination that’s always defined it.
All of the successes and development in recent years have been down to productive partnerships by like-minded people and organisations coming together, sharing and working hard to achieve the same aims and ambitions. And we are proud to count the Rank Foundation as a key partner in that journey.”
Why Sunderland?
Sunderland has a rich industrial heritage. Once a Northeastern powerhouse of shipbuilding and coal mining, like many former industrial areas Sunderland has undergone significant economic changes in recent years.
Despite challenges Sunderland is brimming with opportunity, attracting new industries like film production, e-sports and construction innovation. Rank chose to invest in Sunderland because it is a city in transformation, with a strong community identity and collaborative statutory leadership.
Having spent time getting to know local voluntary sector leaders, it’s clear the sector can play a crucial role in community-centred regeneration.
A place-based approach: so much more than money
Rank’s place-based approach is at the heart of this initiative. No place is the same, so no place-based programme is the same. But just like our investments in Hull, Dundee and Plymouth, the Sunderland Place-based Programme will build on existing strengths in the city.
We’re committed to supporting social sector organisations that know Sunderland best, helping to build capacity and resilience in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors (VCSE).
We will collaborate with strategic partners, including local government, funding bodies, and community leaders, to leverage the local resources and opportunities for sustainable development in Sunderland.
With the support of Jen McKevitt, Rank’s Place-based Associate for Sunderland, we will focus on developing community infrastructure by increasing the resilience of voluntary organisations, and enabling them to create pathways for residents to access new economic opportunities in the city.
We’ll start by working with five community anchor organisations:
- Back on the Map
- Community Opportunities
- Easington Lane Community Access Point
- Pallion Action Group
- Shiney Advice & Resource Project
Each organisation is deeply embedded in Sunderland’s local communities. They will work together, share knowledge and specialisms, and develop a unique city-wide social enterprise collaboration.
Long-term Vision
The Sunderland Place-based Programme will offer microgrants, repayable grants, and leadership training bursaries but our investment is not just about financial support.
It is about creating a sustainable future for Sunderland by getting alongside local leaders, community groups, and residents during the city’s transformation. The goal is to ensure that Sunderland’s voluntary sector can play a central role in the city’s regeneration, connecting people to new jobs and creating a stronger, more resilient and enterprising VCSE.
Rank’s Associate, Jen McKevitt said:
“This programme represents a significant step forward for Sunderland’s social sector. We believe that by investing in the organisations that know the city best, we can help to unlock Sunderland’s potential and build a brighter future for its residents.”
For more information about The Rank Foundation’s place-based approach and its work in Sunderland, contact Jen at: contactus@rankfoundation.com.