Black-led charities are “essential drivers of change” but face systemic barriers including underfunding and being excluded from leadership decisions, research has warned.

The research by leadership organisation Do it Now Now looked at the experience of Black-led charities in London.

It found that greater financial security is needed for Black-led charities to help them “move beyond survival mode and scale their impact”, said Do it Now Now.

Being called for is long term, unrestricted funding. Currently their funding is too short term, and they also find themselves excluded from capital opportunities.

Better participation in decision making around funding and work they are involved in is also needed, according to Do it Now Now, which warns that Black-led charities should “not just be consulted as service providers”.

This will require better leadership pathways to ensure Black-led charities are connected to local councils and decision makers.

The research follows on from previous report by Do it Now Now from 2021 that underscores the importance of building relationships with politicians and funders.

Those “with close links to local MPs and councillors are more likely to access local support”, found this previous research.

It added: “They leverage these relationships to gain timely information on funding sources and the support they need to effectively carry out their work.”

Also needed is better access to training in governance, financial literacy and impact measurement to help Black-led charities overcome barriers.

Work to build trust with funders and create long-term partnerships would give Black-led charities “the resources and authority to drive change at local and national levels”, adds leadership organisation.

“While Black-led organisations are expected to deliver vital services, they are also placed under disproportionate pressure to lead systemic change efforts without the necessary resources or decision-making power,” states its report.

“The research highlights a persistent pattern of underfunding, exclusion from leadership spaces, and structural limitations that prevent these organisations from achieving long-term stability.”

It adds: “This is not just about funding—it is about rebuilding a system where Black-led organisations are fully resourced, empowered, and recognised as leaders in social change.”

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