At our April network day, we shared a refreshed vision for the collective movement and introduced the three horizons model to help map the change ahead.
In Horizon One, we acknowledged the persistent realities: injustice and inequality remain entrenched, communities feel let down, and change can feel out of reach. Place-based giving faces funding pressures, staffing challenges, and struggles to clearly communicate its value. Short-term demands often crowd out long-term thinking, and support from those in power is limited. Yet, our network is resilient—we’re growing connections, demonstrating impact, and building momentum.
Looking ahead to Horizon Three, we’re aiming for ‘Places grounded in justice, where people feel they belong and have what they need to live well’. That future rests on four building blocks: purpose, power, relationships, and resource flows. It means justice drives every decision, residents shape what happens, communities are connected, and resources are shared fairly.
To get there, we see real opportunities: embracing a more systemic lens, deepening participation, and forging stronger ties with the private sector. New strategies from the National Lottery Community Fund and City Bridge Foundation give us confidence, as does the growing evidence of our impact, the power-building journeys of our participants, and the increase in aligned initiatives across the sector.
Our work-in-progress three horizons map is here - please take a look and if you have any reflections, comments or builds please let us know.