The Voice4Change England (V4CE) team recently attended Comic Relief’s Global Majority Fund (GMF) event held on December 4th and 5th, which proved to be an enlightening experience. The first day centred on the Theory of Change for the GMF, facilitated by the Fund Reference Group (FRG), which comprises consultants appointed by Comic Relief to support Intermediary Technical Partners (ITPs). Three critical themes were explored during this session:
Amplifying the Voices of GMF: This theme emphasised the importance of elevating the perspectives and needs of Global Majority communities within funding frameworks.
Advancing Capacity of Organisations: Discussions focused on how organisations led by and for these communities can enhance their operational capabilities.
Advocating for Inclusive Funding Practices: Participants shared strategies for promoting equitable funding models that prioritise marginalised voices.
On the second day, the morning session featured FRG members presenting their work plans for 2025, which included addressing training requests from ITPs on topics like succession planning, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilisation. These discussions highlighted the collaborative spirit among ITPs, as V4CE shared insights about their upcoming launch of onward grant-making aimed at strengthening partnerships with infrastructure organisations.
In the afternoon, a closed session allowed participants to candidly discuss their experiences with the new FRG model compared to previous phases. This open dialogue was invaluable, revealing that many organisations faced similar challenges in supporting smaller entities while also providing direct assistance to service users. Participants noted the accessibility and expertise of FRG members, reinforcing the notion that this support is tailored to meet ITP needs.
Overall, the V4CE team found the GMF event to be a powerful platform for learning and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of Comic Relief's evolving support models and enhancing their commitment to advocating for Global Majority communities.
By Ditipriya Acharya,
Senior Media, Marketing and Communications Officer
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