Empowering Black and Racially Minoritised organisations through transformative funding and support

The Phoenix Way is a community-led, national partnership initiative in the UK focused on addressing structural inequalities and improving socio-economic outcomes for Black and Racially Minoritised communities (BRM). It aims to transform philanthropy, grant-making and social investment so that funding is more equitable, inclusive, and community-led. 

• Inclusive North is the Northwest Regional Lead Partner and delivers The Pheonix Way work within Lancashire. 
• One Knowsley is a subregional partner delivering in Cheshire and Merseyside
• GMECN is a subregional partner delivering in the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester

The core mission of The Phoenix Way is to:

• Create equity in philanthropy and social investment by radically investing in Black & racially minoritised voluntary and community organisations. 
• Empower communities to drive systemic change and dismantle structural racism through funding, leadership development, and support infrastructure. 
• Develop a pioneering, replicable model for fairer distribution of funding and long-term community empowerment. 

Their work is grounded in values of restorative justice, racial equity, community leadership, and systems-level change. 

From 2025, The National Lottery has committed to ring-fencing £50m over the next five years for the Phoenix Way, to benefit Black and Racially Minoritised communities.