If you’re considering funding our organisation or one of our programmes, you’re in the right place. As we embark on our journey to empower individuals and communities, understanding what sets us apart and resonates with funders is essential. In this blog, we’ll delve into six compelling reasons why funders choose to stand behind our mission, from our community-centric approach to our innovative financial inclusion model. ACF relies solely on donations and the generosity of others to fuel our impactful initiatives. Join esteemed partners like NatWest, Cardiff University, WCVA, and Business Wales in supporting our cause.

1. Impactful community empowerment initiatives

At ACF, our commitment to community runs deep, and our initiatives extend well beyond the provision of financial assistance. We believe in fostering a sense of togetherness and support, actively nurturing strong bonds and relationships within various communities across Wales.

Through initiatives such as meet-and-greet sessions and support gatherings held in local hubs, we play an integral role in bolstering our neighbours’ well-being and prosperity. Our approach goes beyond individual aid; it’s about cultivating a collective sense of belonging and empowerment.

By empowering individuals, particularly women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, we aim to inject fresh ideas and innovations into their communities. Through their businesses, these individuals become agents of positive change, driving economic activity and enriching the social fabric of our society.

2. Innovative approach to financial inclusion

At ACF, we’re not just about providing financial aid — we’re pioneering a whole new support system that challenges norms and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs. Our innovative model is revolutionising how individuals access resources and support to kickstart their businesses.

Unlike traditional approaches, we’ve created a secure platform for benefactors, both funders and individuals, to connect and support startups through donations big and small. This means that individuals who are often left out by mainstream financial institutions due to factors like bad credit scores, refugee status, or language barriers, now have the opportunity to receive up to £2,000 in interest-free business investment for their micro, small, or medium enterprise.

Our model ensures that beneficiaries can focus solely on their business growth without the stress of mounting debt. What’s more, our ultimate goal is to turn today’s beneficiaries into the benefactors of tomorrow. As they succeed and grow their businesses, they become contributors to the cycle of support, giving back to the community and helping others embark on their entrepreneurial journey. This approach not only empowers individuals to achieve financial independence but also fosters a culture of reciprocity within our community.

3. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords at ACF; they are the guiding principles that underpin everything we do. While we are committed to supporting individuals from all backgrounds, our focused attention on women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds stems from an understanding of the unique challenges they face. These individuals often encounter significant hurdles in achieving financial independence, building self-confidence, navigating personal challenges, and accessing support. By prioritising their needs, we are actively working towards creating a more inclusive, fair, and equitable society.

At ACF, we recognise that true impact requires a concerted effort to diversify and prioritise underrepresented groups. Our approach to diversity is also adopted by our funders and partners. By supporting ACF, they are not just contributing to our mission; they are actively participating in the creation of a more equitable world. Ignoring the most marginalised segments of society only widens the economic gap and stifles innovation within the entrepreneurial landscape.

By embracing diversity and inclusivity within their portfolio, they are helping us build a stronger, more resilient community and drive positive change on a global scale.

4. Holistic support that transforms lives and livelihoods

At ACF, we understand that individuals face a myriad of challenges on their entrepreneurial journey, and our approach to support reflects this understanding.

Unlike other organisations that offer generic business and financial support, we recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t suffice. Our holistic support is tailored to the unique needs of each beneficiary we serve. We go beyond teaching business skills; we address personal barriers such as confidence issues, language barriers, and psychological hurdles. Many of the people we help have faced trauma or are currently navigating complex life circumstances.

Our holistic approach not only equips individuals with the tools to build successful businesses but also provides one-on-one support to help them overcome personal challenges. By transforming lives in addition to livelihoods, we empower individuals to break through barriers and realise their full potential. Our beneficiaries are not just entrepreneurs; they are resilient individuals capable of achieving great things with the right support and guidance.

5. Local and global impact

While our roots may be local, our impact extends far beyond our community boundaries to a global scale. At ACF, we recognize that the challenges we address are not limited to our doorstep; they are universal. Therefore, we see it as our responsibility to share our expertise and programs with countries worldwide.

By collaborating with like-minded organisations, educators, and business leaders globally, we can develop more comprehensive programs and contribute to achieving global goals. This global perspective not only enriches our own growth and innovation but also allows us to create a more profound impact on a larger scale.

Additionally, by learning from diverse perspectives and experiences, we can further enhance the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives here. Through our local and global networks, we aim to maximise our impact and create lasting change in communities worldwide. We have successfully run our Women Entrepreneurship Programme in Ghana and Saudi Arabia, further extending our reach and impact across borders.

6. Transparent and accountable financial management

Transparency and accountability are core principles of ACF’s financial management. We believe in being open and honest about how funds are utilised, and we ensure that 75% of every donation goes directly to beneficiaries through finance opportunities, mentoring, and business education. Another 10% is dedicated to community engagement initiatives, while 15% covers our overhead costs such as salaries, staffing, bills, and IT & software.

By providing full transparency about our financial management practices, we instil confidence in our funders and partners, reassuring them that their contributions are being used efficiently and effectively. We understand the importance of acting transparently, and our funders appreciate knowing that their contributions are making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Get in touch

At ACF, our commitment to driving positive change knows no bounds. Through our innovative approach, holistic support, and global partnerships, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities locally and worldwide. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we invite funders to join us on this transformative journey towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future. Visit our Benefactor page or get in touch to find out more about how we can work together.