Comic Relief (global Majority Fund)

Quick Stats

• Total Programme Funding: £6.2+ million (Phases 1-2)
• Success Rate: ~8% (varies by intermediary partner)
• Decision Time: Varies by intermediary partner
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £20,000 (varies by intermediary)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide
• People Reached: 112,041 individuals supported across 644 organisations (Phase 1)

Contact Details

Comic Relief Programme Contact:

• Email: c.annon@comicrelief.com (Charlene Annon for general queries)

Website: https://www.comicrelief.com/funding/tackling-injustices/global-majority-fund/

Note: The Global Majority Fund operates through intermediary partners. Applicants should contact the relevant intermediary partner in their region for specific application support.

Selected Intermediary Partner Contacts:

• Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN): sandy@cahn.org.uk or 0771 002 2382
• Lancashire BME Network: grants@lancashirebmenetwork.org.uk
• Muslim Charities Forum: projects@muslimcharitiesforum.org.uk

Overview

The Global Majority Fund was established by Comic Relief in July 2020 in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities experiencing racial inequality. Co-funded by Comic Relief, National Emergencies Trust, City Bridge Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and The Health Foundation, the fund has distributed over £6.2 million across its first two phases and is now in Phase III (launched January 2023). The fund uses an innovative intermediary model, partnering with ten medium-sized organisations led by and for Global Majority communities to distribute funding to smaller grassroots organisations. Phase I (July 2020-October 2021) supported 644 grassroots organisations, reaching 112,041 individuals. The programme has evolved from emergency COVID-19 response to supporting organisational development, resilience, and capacity-building for Global Majority-led organisations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Intermediary Partner Model:

The Global Majority Fund does not accept direct applications. Instead, Comic Relief funds intermediary technical partners who then distribute grants to grassroots organisations. Grant amounts and application processes vary by intermediary partner:

• Small Grants: £2,000 - £5,000
• Medium Grants: £5,001 - £10,000
• Large Grants: £10,001 - £20,000

Each intermediary partner sets its own grant amounts within these ranges. For example, CAHN offers grants of £5,000, £10,000, or £15,000.

Application Methods: Varies by intermediary - some offer video applications as an alternative to written forms; rolling or fixed deadlines depending on intermediary partner.

Priority Areas

• Organisations led by and for communities experiencing racial inequality
• Projects addressing structural inequalities affecting Global Majority communities
• Emergency support services (mental health support, food banks, bereavement services)
• Community resilience and recovery from COVID-19
• Grassroots organisations providing vital services to diverse communities
• Organisational development and capacity-building for Global Majority-led organisations

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not detailed, the fund is highly targeted:

• Organisations not led by Global Majority communities (minimum 51% of senior management and trustees must be from the community they serve)
• Organisations outside the UK
• Larger organisations (general eligibility is for organisations with annual income under £500,000)

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Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership Quote:

Jacqueline Onalo, Trustee of Comic Relief, said: “This funding programme is a vital and long overdue way of reaching key smaller projects that are a lifeline to many marginalised people who are most at risk during the pandemic. The Global Majority Fund is innovating our grants processes, and putting leaders with lived experiences at the forefront.”

Phase III Intermediary Partners (10 organisations):

The fund works with ten medium-sized organisations led by and for Global Majority communities, including:

• African Health Policy Network
• Anti-Tribalism Movement
• Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN)
• Migrant Centre Northern Ireland
• Muslim Charities Forum
• Race Council Cymru (in partnership with BAWSO and Welsh Refugee Council)
• And additional partners

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify Relevant Intermediary Partner

Applications are not made directly to Comic Relief. Applicants must identify and apply through the intermediary partner serving their region or community.

Step 2: Submit Application

Application formats vary by intermediary partner:

• Some accept either a short application form with video OR a full written application form
• Separate application forms typically exist for different grant amounts (e.g., £5,000, £10,000, £15,000)
• Application forms and guidance available through intermediary partner websites

Step 3: Assessment

Each intermediary partner conducts its own assessment process, often including independent review boards.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by intermediary partner. The fund structure allows intermediary partners to set their own processes and timelines based on community needs.

Success Rates

Success rates vary significantly by intermediary partner and phase:

• Muslim Charities Forum reported receiving over 280 applications requesting £1.8 million total, with 23 organisations funded - approximately 8% success rate
• The programme received an “unprecedented high number of applications,” reflecting huge demand
• Overall, Phase I funded 644 grassroots organisations from the ten intermediary partners

Reapplication Policy

Rather than a formal reapplication policy, Comic Relief takes a supportive approach:

• 23 unsuccessful organisations were offered organisational strengthening support
• Comic Relief provided capacity-building workshops for unsuccessful applicants to help develop skills for future funding opportunities
• Specific reapplication policies may vary by intermediary partner

Application Success Factors

Key Success Factors

Leadership and Representation:

Organisations must demonstrate that they are genuinely led by and for Global Majority communities. At least 51% of the senior management team and trustees must be from the community(ies) they represent.

Community Connection:

The fund prioritises organisations with “trusted relationships with grassroots organisations” and deep community connections. Applications should demonstrate lived experience of racial inequality and community-led approaches.

Addressing Structural Inequalities:

Strong applications focus on addressing the structural inequalities that keep Global Majority communities in poverty, not just providing services. The fund “aims to redress the structural inequalities” at their root.

Organisational Development Focus:

In Phase III, the fund emphasises organisational resilience, strengthening internal systems and processes, and supporting ambitions as future grant makers. Applications demonstrating commitment to organisational development are favoured.

Combination Approach:

From evaluation feedback: “The combination approach is much more effective than a stand-alone offer. The grant helps deliver the project whilst the consultancy helps develop the organisation strategically.”

Flexibility and Accessibility:

The fund values accessibility - some intermediaries accept video applications as an alternative to written forms, recognising different communication strengths.

Examples of Funded Work

During Phase I, 449 investments were made to projects led by leaders with lived experience of racial inequity, including:

• Mental health support services
• Food bank assistance
• Bereavement services
• COVID-19 emergency response
• Community wellbeing programmes for African and Caribbean communities

Common Challenges

The main challenge is the highly competitive nature - with only approximately 8% success rates at some intermediary partners, the fund receives far more applications than it can support. Organisations should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Apply Through Intermediaries, Not Comic Relief Directly: Research which intermediary partner serves your community or region and apply through them, not Comic Relief headquarters.

1. Demonstrate Authentic Community Leadership: Ensure at least 51% of senior management and trustees are from the Global Majority communities you serve - this is non-negotiable.

1. Consider Alternative Application Formats: If writing isn't your strength, check if your intermediary partner accepts video applications.

1. Value Support Even If Unsuccessful: With success rates around 8%, rejection is common. However, Comic Relief offers organisational strengthening workshops and support to unsuccessful applicants - take advantage of these opportunities.

1. Focus on Structural Change, Not Just Services: Strong applications address underlying structural inequalities and racism, not just symptom-level service delivery.

1. Build Relationships with Intermediary Partners: The fund values trusted relationships. Engage with intermediary partners before applying to understand their priorities and processes.

1. Emphasise Organisational Development: Particularly in Phase III, demonstrate commitment to building organisational resilience and systems, not just delivering projects.

References

1. Comic Relief. “Global Majority Fund.” Comic Relief website.. https://www.comicrelief.com/funding/tackling-injustices/global-majority-fund/

1. Comic Relief. “Comic Relief delivers new £2.8m fund to specialist UK projects tackling Covid-19 racial inequalities.” Comic Relief Press Release, November 2020.. https://www.comicrelief.com/press-releases/comic-relief-delivers-new-fund-covid-19/

1. Civil Society. “Comic Relief unveils ten funders to share £2.8m for projects tackling racial inequities.” Civil Society News, November 2020.. https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/2-8m-awarded-to-specialist-funders-to-disburse-to-grassroot-projects-tackling-racial-inequalities.html

1. Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. “Global Majority Fund.” Esmée Fairbairn Foundation website.. https://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/our-aims/fairer-future/global-majority-fund/

1. Caribbean & African Health Network. “The Global Majority Fund.” CAHN website.. https://www.cahn.org.uk/the-global-majority-fund/

1. Comic Relief. “The Global Majority Fund Phase 1 Evaluation.” October 2022. PDF document.. https://assets.ctfassets.net/zsfivwzfgl3t/69ASONV7fWxLME2tES6MuF/b14b3ef634327dc15383f33a49b48fa9/Global_Majority_Fund_Phase_1_evaluation_05.10.22.pdf

1. Muslim Charities Forum. “The Global Majority Fund.” MCF website, July 2022.. https://www.muslimcharitiesforum.org.uk/2022/07/27/the-global-majority-fund/

1. Lancashire BME Network. “COMIC RELIEF - Global Majority Fund Grants.” Lancashire BME Network website.. https://lancashirebmenetwork.org.uk/comic-relief-global-majority-fund-grants/

1. Migrant Centre Northern Ireland. “The Global Majority Fund.” Migrant Centre NI website.. http://migrantcentreni.org/gmf/

1. Action for Race Equality. “Comic Relief Global Majority Fund.” Action for Race Equality website.. https://actionforraceequality.org.uk/comicrelief-global-majority-fund/