Tackling inequality in Bristol

We've been working with local partners to take a joined-up approach to tackling social issues in Bristol.

Key stats

  • 15%

    Percentage of Bristol residents living in the 10% most deprived areas in England

  • 70,400

    Number of people living in income deprivation

  • 21%

    Percentage of Bristol's children living in low-income families

  • The challenge

    Bristol is a vibrant city, full of engaged communities and energetic people who really care about the place they live. But like many places in the UK, Bristol faces its challenges. Some of the most affluent areas border some of the most deprived. Many people experience inequality, which is entrenched at a systemic level, while better-off inhabitants benefit from higher life expectancy, educational opportunities and employment.

  • Our approach

    While Bristol City Council were developing their One City Plan, local partner Bristol and Bath Regional Capital spotted an opportunity to align expert partners around a common vision for the city. Among others Quartet Community Foundation brought their understanding of funding local priority issues, Power to Change brought their expertise in developing community business while we brought our knowledge of how repayable finance can work alongside other forms of capital. Together, we embarked on a project that used research and design-led thinking to develop City Funds, an impact fund focused on aligning resources to address key local issues.

    City Funds will bring together investment, grants and local government support for local organisations aiming to address the biggest social and environmental problems that Bristol faces.

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Contact

Whether you are a social enterprise, charity, investor or fund manager, we’d like to hear from you about how we can unite capital, expertise and ideas to solve social issues.