Sunderland
Supporting leadership development and funding for a more resilient and enterprising VCSE
The Rank Foundation will support Sunderland’s social sector for three years (2024-2027).
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 chose to invest £1.5m 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.
Sunderland: Rich with Potential
Long-term Vision
Boosting the impact of anchor organisations
We work closely 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. Together, they work, share knowledge and specialisms, and develop a unique city-wide social enterprise collaboration.
Leadership and social enterprise support training
We invest in the next generation of social sector leaders in Sunderland through tailored leadership development, social enterprise support, and bursaries.
Access to funding in open, micro, and repayable grants
The programme offers access to open, micro, and repayable grants, helping organisations create pathways for residents to access new economic opportunities in the city.
The Network
To find out more about Rank’s work in Sunderland, contact Jen McKevitt
Before working with Rank Foundation to develop the Sunderland place-based programme, I was Chief Executive of Back on the Map; a community business in Hendon, Sunderland, where I was privileged to work with inspirational residents and partners. Together, we transformed BotM from a New Deal for Communities programme to a self-sustaining enterprise, and made significant inroads in reversing the vicious circle of ‘trickle down’ economics into a virtuous cycle of social action and sustainability.
I have a range of skills gained from securing an Advanced Certificate in Executive Coaching, MSc (with distinction) Urban Policy & Regeneration, Post-Graduate Diploma Urban Policy & Development, Certificate in Management Studies and a Diploma in Community & Youth Work.
My career has spanned the regeneration, social enterprise, charity and grant-making sector at a local, regional and national level for nearly 40 years, the foundation to which has been my dedication to helping communities to develop creative, practical and sustainable solutions to entrenched problems.
That’s why I believe in and am inspired by the Rank Foundation’s commitment to placing people at the very centre of everything it does. To me, Rank Foundation stands as a true champion of collective action and social capital, and a beacon of light for Sunderland communities.
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