Sunderland Archives - The Rank Foundation

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:

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.

View the full album from the launch event:

Social sector leaders in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland can apply for Clore Social Leadership training

We’re delighted to announce our support for Clore Social Leadership’s training programme for social leaders in the North East.

Social Leaders North East is aimed at emerging leaders in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland. Designed to enhance strategic roles, the programme will boost community impact by building resilience, confidence and a strong support network.

Years of underfunding and austerity made the North East one of the regions hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis. But more recently inward investment, including £37m funding for one of Europe’s largest filmmaking complexes in Sunderland, make it a place with potential.

Clore Social Leadership’s timely bespoke training programme will enable 20 leaders to capitalise on the opportunities inward investment presents for local people.

Who should apply?

Social Leaders North East is for leaders in small local organisations with a turnover of up to £500,000 annually.

Taking place between October 2024 and June 2025, it will bring together 20 participants to build capacity, strengthen communities, and learn from one another. Clore Social aim to create a safe space where leaders will feel energised and can develop a network of other community leaders to collaborate with beyond the length of the programme.

Applications are now open with limited spaces available. The deadline is Monday 22 July 2024.

APPLY NOW

Caroline Broadhurst, Deputy CEO of The Rank Foundation said:

“The Social Leaders North East programme is set to be a catalyst for social leaders, both current and upcoming. It will equip them with the skills and confidence needed to help our local communities. Plus, the support networks they’ll build through the programme will give them and the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector a vital boost to tackle ever-changing needs. We’re delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative.”

Nadia Alomar, CEO of Clore Social commented:

“We are thrilled to launch the Social Leaders North East programme, supporting emerging leaders to drive impactful change in their communities. By developing local leaders with the skills and networks they need, we believe this initiative will foster stronger, more resilient communities in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Redcar and Cleveland. Our heartfelt thanks to the Rank Foundation for making this transformative programme possible, and to our collaborators for their incredible support.”

About Clore Social Leadership

Cultivating positive social change is why we exist. Our primary goal is to make leadership development accessible and affordable to every social leader in the UK, supporting them to be resilient, self-aware and able to tackle the social challenges of the 21st century. Since 2010 we have delivered high-quality leadership development programmes to over 1,200 community and voluntary sector leaders. Evaluation of our flagship Fellowship programme shows 93% of participants lead more effectively since completing CSL courses and 74% have increased their organisation’s social impact. We have designed and delivered a wealth of programmes to meet the unique demands and needs of specific sectors and communities of leaders, of note are our place-based leadership development programmes. Examples include: Hull & East Yorkshire, Wales and Leeds & Bradford.

Website: cloresocialleadership.org.uk

Launching Long-term Investment in Sunderland’s Social Sector