Reflections on my first year at the Churchill Fellowship
As I reflect on my first year at the Churchill Fellowship, I want to share the highlights of my time, what has made the work fulfilling, and what I’ve learned along the way. As a Fellowship Officer, my primary role within the Fellowship team is guiding potential Fellows through the application process. This gives me the unique opportunity to engage with many of our Fellows before they are awarded.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this role is seeing how Fellows’ projects and ideas evolve with the guidance we provide throughout the application process. While applicants are experts in their fields – either through lived or professional experience – we often receive feedback that framing their projects through the Fellowship’s lens helps sharpen their focus and deepen their vision.
This focus on supporting others aligns closely with my own journey into grant-making, which began with a desire to create change within my community. Coming from Newham, one of the most deprived boroughs of London, I understand the importance of having a community that pulls through for each other. This led me to the 2027 programme, which aims to bring more working-class individuals into the grant-making sector, particularly those with lived experience in the communities they seek to help.
"I’m excited to continue engaging with Fellows and their projects to better understand the real-world impact they are creating."
Applying Grant-Making Values and Learning from Fellows
Through the 2027 programme, I attended masterclasses and connect events, where I learnt from leaders in the grant-making sector. These experiences introduced me to key principles that guide effective grant-making, such as the five values outlined in the book Modern Grantmaking, which I now apply in my work:
- Humility: understanding that Fellows are the experts in their fields
- Equity: examining all aspects of grant-making to promote fairness and justice
- Evidence: assessing the success of awarded grants
- Service: making funding accessible to those from underprivileged communities
- Diligence: stiving to improve our processes
These values shape how I interact with Fellows and guide me through each stage of the application process. Reflecting on them allows me to engage with the process in a way that is equitable and focused on continuous improvement.
One of the most challenging yet worthwhile parts of my role was participating in the longlisting process. Initially, I was daunted by the responsibility, but grew in confidence with the support of my colleagues. I focused on the Caring for the Natural Environment and Climate Change programmes. Climate change has always been an area of interest for me, and while the scale of the challenge we face can be overwhelming, seeing the applications gave me real hope for the future.
The interview stage was equally inspiring. I left each day impressed by the quality of projects presented – from preserving frog species to boosting participation in circular economy practices.
At our Connect and Inspire Event, I met with Fellows I had seen during interviews or been in contact with via email or phone. It was great to learn about their exciting travel plans, but it was also valuable to speak with them about the application process and hear what worked and what we could improve on. Seeing Fellows network and share ideas reaffirmed how my work contributes to making an impact.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, I’m excited to continue engaging with Fellows and their projects to better understand the real-world impact they are creating. This connection between the Fellowship and the Fellows is crucial for understanding how their work is driving change in their communities, and how we contribute to making that change possible.
I’m eager to meet the next cohort of applicants. The application process offers a unique window into the diversity of ideas and talent that exists, and it's incredible to see the range of innovative solutions applicants are proposing. From reading their proposals to engaging with them during interviews, and later welcoming them to events like Connect and Inspire, each step provides an opportunity to learn from and connect with some of the most forward-thinking and creative individuals.
Watching applicants become part of our community is a rewarding experience, and I look forward to supporting them through their journeys.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.