Sunderland place-based programme enters an ambitious new phase

The Rank Foundation is building on three years of its long-term commitment to Sunderland with new funding, new initiatives and new programme capacity.

The next phase includes new funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the launch of further opportunities for local organisations and leaders.

As the first three-year phase concludes, Jen McKevitt is stepping back from her role as Rank’s place-based associate for Sunderland. Drawing on her knowledge of the city and its communities, Jen has played a crucial role in establishing Rank’s work locally. We will remain in touch and may work together again in future.

Jen McKevitt, said:

“It has been a privilege to play a part in Rank Foundation’s work in Sunderland, and I am thrilled that its commitment will continue to benefit local organisations and communities. Over the past three years, I have been fortunate to work with many inspiring people, and I am truly grateful for those relationships. I have a deep passion for Sunderland, hope to contribute more and possibly cross paths again in the future.”

Liz Wylie will remain the local contact for the Sunderland network, while Rank Network member Alejandra Arcila will join the team on 1 September as Programmes Operations Coordinator, helping to support programme delivery over the coming year.

Strong foundations for place-based funding

Rank first made a long-term commitment to Sunderland in 2023, recognising the city’s potential. Since then, the Foundation has worked alongside local organisations and funding partners to strengthen relationships, back community leadership and attract further resources to the city.

Over the programme’s first three years, progress has included:

• building stronger relationships between organisations and leaders across the city
• launching Sunderland’s first Profit for Good cohort, supporting 10 organisations to develop enterprise and build long-term resilience
• supporting local leaders through 13 Time to Shine placements in local organisations
• developing partnerships with national funders, including Greggs to bring further investment into Sunderland
• introducing Rank’s first participatory grantmaking programme led by young people, giving them a direct role in funding decisions.

The youth-focused participatory grant fund marked an important first for Rank. Young people helped decide how almost £500,000 was awarded to connect Sunderland’s young people to jobs of the future. This approach reflects Rank’s developing strategy and its commitment to strengthening communities by including the people who know best what is needed locally in decision-making.

We committed £1,868,000 to £2,559,000 (through extra funding and initiatives such as Profit for Good and Time to Shine) with Greggs and Roseline Foundation.

More to come

Rank’s investment in Sunderland continues until at least April 2027.

Caroline Broadhurst, Chief Executive of the Rank Foundation, said:

“Three years ago we made a long-term commitment to Sunderland because we recognised the potential in the city’s social sector.

Jen’s care and deep local knowledge were vital as we got to know the city. As an outstanding ambassador for Sunderland, we are enormously grateful for Jen’s leadership and for the relationships she has forged across the city.

As we move into the next phase, there is a great deal to look forward to. Our commitment to Sunderland is as strong as ever, and this next phase will build on firm foundations while bringing new investment, opportunities and capacity to the work.”

The second Sunderland Profit for Good cohort will launch in September 2026, investing in the enterprising ideas of another group of 10 local social entrepreneurs.

Further plans include work supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to strengthen Global Majority and Black and racially minoritised organisations in the city.