What People Say

‘The Funding Network helps donors to support fantastic young charities in a knowledgeable and effective way to support local, national and international causes.  Giving together is great fun!’ Dame Stephanie Shirley, Ambassador for Philanthropy

‘This event was our fourth TFN event and the first we have had purely focused on social enterprises. It was a great launch to a number of social enterprise events we have happening in 2010 and our guests really got in to the spirit of things. We are delighted that the Coutts event raised such a fantastic amount of money for so many great causes. The evening was really inspirational.’ Claire Symonds, Coutts & Co

‘I was very impressed by how many people, at the end of a day’s work, wanted to help, with advice and cash. The Funding Network event was so friendly and heart-warming. Thank you.’ Sir Ian McKellen, Patron of Step Forward, the Bethnal Green youth charity

‘What I and TFN try to achieve through giving is a ripple, in fact, an ever growing ripple around the project.  Individually we can only give a little.  Together we can give a lot.’ Martin Stamp, TFN Member and Channel 4 Secret Millionaire

‘The Funding Network meets a genuine need among so many people to help smaller charities, like SURF. And, with your continued support, we hope to do this for a long time to come.’ Felicity Finch, Ruth from Radio 4’s The Archers and supporter of Survivors Fund (SURF)

‘From my experience, The Funding Network provides an efficient and enjoyable opportunity to meet and support a diverse group of smaller charities. It’s a simple idea, always impeccably organised. I leave the meetings feeling inspired by the people I’ve met, not just from the charities but often the other donors as well.’ Alan Hodson, TFN Trustee

‘I come because TFN is gripping – like good theatre. I’m on the edge of my seat when the bidding begins. Moved sometimes to tears by what people are brave enough to undertake. Furious at the facts revealed. Delighted by people’s spontaneous generosity.’ Dr Scilla Elworthy, TFN Member

‘Last night was an absolutely amazing event for us…uplifting and beyond the very unexpected and hugely generous financial boost to our work, a massive morale boost. The staff, the young people and the old codgers like me are completely overwhelmed by the generosity we experienced. I don’t know how to begin to thank you all. For a hack like me, it’s a wonderful STORY too. So I guess all I can do at this stage is to thank you all, to hope you will come and see us at work, and see in due course how your generosity if working too. So this comes with humble gratitude and warmest regards.’ Jon Snow, Broadcaster and Chair of New Horizon Youth Centre

‘This is a wonderful idea, and the event is a great experience for the charities involved. We were given much more money than we expected. The atmosphere of friendly competition is good for us, because all of the third sector is slowly having to become more businesslike, and the chance to talk to potential supporters is very welcome.‘ Richard Stilgoe, Songwriter, Lyricist and Founder of The Orpheus Centre

‘It was a pleasure to be able to present our charity (Treehouse) to such an attentive audience and rest assured, the funds that you have donated will be very, very much appreciated.’ Nick Hornby, Novelist and Essayist

‘On behalf of myself and the Environmental Justice Foundation I would like to thank Coutts for hosting The Funding Network event and especially all the people who generously donated to the SAVE THE SEA campaign. EJF can do a lot with this money.’ Katharine Hamnett, Fashion Designer