Funder Safeguarding Collaborative

A new guide published by the Funders Safeguarding Collaborative is calling for a more thoughtful and equitable approach to safeguarding when funding lived experience-led organisations (LEOs). The report highlights the important role these organisations play in driving social change, using first-hand lived experience to shape services, advocacy, and community support. It also stresses that funders must move beyond simple compliance measures and instead focus on care, wellbeing, trust, and long-term partnership working.

The guide outlines how traditional funding structures can unintentionally create additional risks and barriers for organisations led by marginalised communities. Many lived experience-led groups continue to face challenges accessing unrestricted, long-term funding, despite often supporting people facing complex social inequalities. The report warns that short-term funding models and inaccessible application processes can increase stress, burnout, and safeguarding risks for both staff and volunteers.

A key focus of the guidance is the importance of trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches throughout the grant-making process. The report encourages funders to consider the emotional impact of applications, assessments, reporting requirements, and public storytelling requests, particularly where individuals may be asked to repeatedly share personal experiences. It also highlights the importance of culturally appropriate support, accessible safeguarding systems, and creating safer online and offline spaces for collaboration.

The publication calls on funders to invest in stronger relationships with lived experience-led organisations through trust-based funding, capacity building, and flexible support during times of crisis. Sector leaders hope the guidance will encourage a wider shift towards fairer and more inclusive funding practices that better recognise the value, expertise, and sustainability needs of grassroots and community-led organisations.

Read the full guide here: Funders Safeguarding Collaborative – Essential Guide for Funders