Rethinking Long-Term Funding and Partnerships

Funding conversations can feel dry—but they reveal everything about how power, trust, and long-term impact work.

That’s why we’ve been having honest discussions with funders and local partners about what needs to shift. As Matt from POP put it: “Most funding comes too late or with too many strings. We need space to act when things are just emerging.”

One idea we’re exploring is readiness funding—resources that support early-stage ideas and relationships before they’re fully formed.

We’re also looking at how to share decision-making on funding, so communities aren’t just consulted—they’re co-designing the process.

This isn’t just a technical fix. It’s a mindset change. We’re asking: What would it take to fund like we trust each other?

The future of funding in Plymouth needs to be flexible, rooted in community knowledge, and designed for the long haul.

And we’re working on it—together.