West Of England Impact Alliance

Charity Number: CUSTOM_1B4D0998

Annual Expenditure: £1.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,500,000+ (target across all partners)
  • Success Rate: Not available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: Not publicly specified for individual grants
  • Geographic Focus: Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire

Contact Details

  • Email: hello@impact-alliance.co.uk
  • Website: www.impact-alliance.org.uk
  • Pre-application Support: Contact via email to discuss partnership and funding opportunities

Overview

The Impact Alliance launched in 2024 as a pioneering collaborative funding initiative bringing together more than 50 diverse organizations to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the West of England. Spearheaded by St Monica Trust, which committed £500,000 annually, the Alliance aims to raise a minimum of £1.5 million per year through contributions from partner organizations. The Shaw Foundation has committed £100,000 to the initiative. This innovative model emphasizes co-production with local communities, pooling resources and expertise to deliver strategic funding and support project delivery. The Alliance represents a shift from traditional single-funder approaches to collaborative, systems-level change.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Impact Alliance operates through pilot community programs with local enablers. In 2024, six pilot communities were announced across the West of England region. The Alliance works with local “Enabler” organizations to understand loneliness in different communities and co-design sustainable, community-driven responses.

Pilot Community Enablers (2024):

  • Black South West Network
  • Bristol Charities
  • CVS South Gloucestershire
  • 3SG
  • Mendip Parish Councils
  • WECIL

Application methods and individual grant amounts are not publicly advertised; interested organizations should contact the Alliance directly to discuss opportunities.

Priority Areas

Primary Focus: Loneliness and social isolation across the West of England

What They Fund:

  • Community-driven responses to loneliness
  • Projects that build lasting social connections
  • Initiatives serving diverse communities (urban and rural)
  • Co-designed solutions developed with local communities
  • Programs addressing loneliness across different demographics and life stages

Approach:

  • Collaborative, multi-funder model
  • Co-production with communities
  • Strategic, systems-level change
  • Evidence-based understanding of local needs

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified. The Alliance appears focused exclusively on addressing loneliness and social isolation within the West of England geographic area.

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Governance and Leadership

The Impact Alliance operates as a partnership of over 50 organizations rather than a single registered charity. Key partners include:

Founding Partner: St Monica Trust (lead organization)

Partner Organizations Include: Age UK Bristol, Black South West Network, Bristol Ageing Better Alliance, Bristol Older People's Funding Alliance, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital, Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, Bristol Beacon, Bristol Black Carers, Bristol Charities, Bristol City Council, Bristol Diocese, Building the Bridge, Churchill and Langford Minibus Society, CVS South Gloucestershire, Good Faith Partnership, Intergenerational England, Jo Cox Foundation, Learning Partnership West, Locality, Oasis Academy, Quartet Community Foundation, Shaw Foundation, Society of Merchant Venturers, South Gloucestershire Council, Sovereign Network Group, The Anchor Society, University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), Voluntary Action North Somerset, and WECIL.

Key Leadership Quote:

David Williams, Chief Executive of St Monica Trust, stated: “The challenge of making meaningful change within our communities is highly complex and cannot be achieved by a single funder, organisation or sector, and there is a rich history within our region of collaboration between local funders.”

Kay Libby, CEO of Age UK Bristol, said: “The Impact Alliance wants to create a West of England where loneliness is a stranger, and where all individuals feel connected, valued, and supported. Through co-production with local organisations, we will tackle loneliness and social isolation with an in-depth understanding of the issues at the heart of the problem, providing strategic funding and supporting project delivery through established and new partners.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Impact Alliance does not currently operate a standard open grant application process. The initiative works through:

  1. Direct Partnership Approach: Organizations are invited to contact the Alliance directly at hello@impact-alliance.co.uk
  2. Co-design Model: Projects are developed collaboratively with communities through local enabler organizations
  3. Partnership Expression of Interest: Potential partners can indicate interest through the Alliance website

The Alliance seeks:

  • Delivery partners working to reduce loneliness
  • Organizations with bold ideas to strengthen community connection
  • Funders willing to contribute resources, funding, facilities, skills, data, or networks

Monthly meetings are held in Bristol for partners.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. The pilot community phase announced in 2024 involved a six-month initial period for enablers to understand loneliness in their communities and co-design responses.

Success Rates

Not available. As a new collaborative initiative launched in 2024, historical success rate data has not been published.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified.

Application Success Factors

Based on available information, the following factors appear important:

Alignment with Collaborative Approach:

  • Demonstrates understanding of loneliness as a complex, multi-faceted challenge
  • Willingness to work collaboratively with other organizations
  • Commitment to co-production with communities
  • Focus on sustainable, long-term impact rather than short-term fixes

Community Connection:

  • Deep understanding of local communities in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, or South Gloucestershire
  • Track record of community engagement
  • Ability to reach diverse populations (urban/rural, different demographics)
  • Evidence-based approach to understanding local needs

Strategic Thinking:

  • Projects that contribute to systems-level change
  • Innovation in approaches to addressing loneliness
  • Sustainable models that can continue beyond initial funding
  • Willingness to share learning and contribute to collective knowledge

Language and Terminology:

The Alliance uses language emphasizing: “co-production,” “collaboration,” “sustainable community-driven responses,” “meaningful and lasting impact,” “connection,” and making “loneliness a stranger.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is not a traditional grant-maker: The Impact Alliance operates as a collaborative funding partnership, not a standard grant application process. Direct engagement and relationship-building are essential.
  • Co-production is central: Projects are developed collaboratively with communities rather than through standard application-and-award models. Demonstrate your capacity for genuine community engagement and co-design.
  • Geographic specificity matters: Focus must be on Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, or South Gloucestershire. Show deep knowledge of your local area.
  • Think partnership, not transaction: The Alliance seeks long-term partners willing to contribute to collective learning and systems change, not just funding recipients.
  • Early-stage initiative: Launched in 2024, the Alliance is still developing its processes. Being proactive in reaching out and expressing interest may create opportunities.
  • Loneliness is the lens: All work must clearly relate to addressing loneliness and social isolation, though this can span diverse approaches and populations.
  • Make initial contact via email: Reach out to hello@impact-alliance.co.uk to explore opportunities rather than waiting for formal application rounds.

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