The Foundation’s Head of Partnerships, Clare Maddison, was one of the panellists at our Strategic Partner The Mayor’s Fund for London’s second Food and Communities summit on 7 February.
Clare represented the Berkeley Foundation on a panel discussion about how we can support youth centres to deliver their role as the community’s safety net. During the discussion, she talked about our commitment to building long-term partnerships, adding value to our charity partnerships, and the importance of building organisational resilience in local community organisations.
Other funders were encouraged by Clare to focus on relationship-based and partnership-focused grant-making, and she highlighted the importance of empowering young people to have a voice and influence the things that matter to them.
Held at City Hall, the event brought together over 120 delegates, including leaders from community organisations, policymakers, funders and young people. The rich discussions focused on food equity, the important role of youth centres and the power of collaborative partnerships to create systems change.
Young people from The Mayor’s Fund for London youth board and other partners led much of the discussion, sharing their insight and expertise.
Jim Minton, CEO of Mayor’s Fund for London, told attendees: "Today should be a catalyst for change. It’s not just about nice conversations, it’s about what we need to do together –both urgently and in the future. It’s about recognising we need to use the power we have in the right way."