Fusion21 Foundation invests £900,000 to build resilience in grassroots organisations
The Fusion21 Foundation is delighted to have invested £900,000 in the Community Catalyst programme led by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group. This national initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of small voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations operating in social housing communities.
The programme is also funded by Clarion Futures, Places for People, Peabody, and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing – providing over £3 million in collective investment.
Building on the success of Clarion Futures’ Resilience Programme, also supported by the Foundation, Community Catalyst will help 270 organisations over the next three years.
VCSEs involved in the programme will receive support in areas such as governance, business planning, fundraising, financial management, and organisational development. Beneficiaries are referred by the funders and will include Fusion21 housing association members, ensuring that support reaches communities where it is needed most.
Jo Hannan, Head of the Fusion21 Foundation said: “Community Catalyst reflects our commitment to long-term investment in the organisations that underpin social housing communities. By combining tailored support with flexible funding, we’re helping these groups to grow stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to make a real difference locally.”
Shelley Hathaway-Batt, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Projects at Clarion Futures, added: : “Thanks to Fusion21 Foundation’s new investment, we can scale the programme to reach more grassroots organisations than ever before. Their funding ensures that practical support is combined with flexible grants, giving these organisations the breathing space to embed learning, strengthen their operations, and continue delivering vital services.”
The Resilience Programme demonstrated significant impact – supporting over 140 organisations with nearly 3,000 hours of tailored assistance and awarding £670,000 in core cost grants. Community Catalyst is now building on these learnings, expanding its reach and increasing investment to help organisations navigate ongoing financial pressures, rising demand, and staffing challenges.
The Fusion21 Foundation’s investment ensures that VCSEs in Fusion21 member communities have the tools, resources, and confidence to deliver essential services for years to come. By prioritising both capacity-building and funding, the programme will strengthen the local voluntary sector, support housing associations, and improve outcomes for the residents these organisations serve.